Final presentations Bachelor studio: Vertical Archipelagos (848145 PJ Design Studio/Bachelor’s Thesis) Supervisors: Prof. Marjan Colletti, Andreas Körner, Jade Bailey, Eftychios Efthymiou   In 1972, anthropologist John Murra introduced the 'vertical archipelagos' hypothesis in his research on Andean cultures. This concept elucidates the emergence of communities within non-adjacent ecological strata. Diverse elevations yield distinct climatic conditions, resulting in advantageous enclaves and isolated pockets within a broader framework. As seasons transition and circumstances fluctuate, intermittent bridges and corridors form, uniting ecologies that would otherwise remain apart. Historically, architectural expression is predominantly concerned with the vertical distribution of loads and the struggle against gravity. However, verticality also offers significant environmental opportunities beyond its advantages in terms of density and reduced ground impact (optimising land use and minimising the need for urban sprawl into green spaces or natural habitats). By stacking spaces vertically, architects can harness natural lighting and ventilation more effectively, reducing the need for excessive artificial compensation and lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions. The studio will explore the design of buildings as vertical landscaping: artificial structures placed in a natural environment. Importantly, those structures are not limited to towers but include diverse strategies for distributing mass on terrains. Just as archipelagos […]