MEDS Workshop: Tara, Serbia

Diana Smiljkovic

Two weeks in August were set aside to bring forth architecture and design students from multiple nations. Leaving the city lights behind we set out to the wild mountain of Tara in Serbia. Finding inspiration in traditional work and nature enabled us to expand our minds in terms of design and thought. It allowed us to embrace and really notice our surroundings; incorporating them into our daily lives.

I had the remarkable opportunity of being part of an exquisite team. Composed of 15 talented architecture and design students, our group set out to finalise a design as well as build it. Led by Alin Voitescu, the Pop-Up deck; later christened Eva Holly; revolved around the theme Ground Zero. Voitescu’s idea directly applies to ground zero as it is a floating device which integrates pop-up furniture within it. Set in the Zaovinska Lake, the deck’s aim is to create a social space where surrounding nature can be embraced from within the lake.

Its design composes a sense of community as the seating components are directed toward each other for socialising, whilst from each seating point, the view is of the surrounding cliffs and forest.

The perforation in the centre of the deck is an essential part of the design. Its centre gives structure and purpose towards the social aspect as diving, fishing and other activities are enabled, as well as giving the deck a focus point, bringing it all together.

Meds (Meeting of European Design Students) promotes the interaction between architecture and design students, exchanging different forms and aspects of design allows each individual to broaden their understandings in different fields. Being in such an environment stirs ones creativity and promotes innovation, allowing us to learn about different cultures and fuelling our thirst for travel as one learns more about all of Europe’s cultural riches.

The projects varied from photography workshops which focused on teaching various photography techniques and methods to 8 meter tall structures such as the ‘typhoon’ which wrapped itself around a pine tree, providing climbing and viewing opportunities for passer-bys.

‘The Forest clearing’ incorporated the vernacular aspects of building into their minimalist design to create a structure which acts as a frame for the surroundings. Intricate shadows decorate the seating area.

Projects such as ‘screwless and clueless’ aimed to teach the students joinery, using only timber and no screws. A Hikers log cabin was build with such techniques.

‘Across the Universe’ was composed of carefully placed timber blocks to create an intricate timber pattern. The purpose of this project was to create an observatory for the August Meteor shower which we all had the opportunity to observe.

Dynamic people made up the ‘Rec/Doc’ team, always running about, capturing each priceless moment. The footage was then used to create films and funny music videos.

Mornings and days were filled with active adventures and intense work: mountain biking and hiking to sites, drilling and constructing. Whilst musical notes and casual dance filled evenings. We’d eagerly gather under the milky way, warming our feeble, tired hands on the fire. Our bodies exhausted of the hard working days but our minds eager and lively to converse with everyone, we were presented with yet another opportunity to learn and expand.

Meds 2016 will be held in Bucharest, Romania. The theme ‘The City of Contrasts’ is one that will spark many innovative projects. Accommodated on a campus, the workshop will enable students to be involved in challenging projects, as well as offering the opportunity to explore a new city.