Participants in this summer school will embark on an inspiring, hands-on journey at the intersection of ecology and artistic design. Through this programme, you’ll delve into transformative themes such as integrating nature into urban spaces, creating climate-resilient cities, and discovering your unique illustration style—whether digital or analog.
Gain insights from leading experts Bart Backaert and Nadina Galle, who will deliver thought-provoking lectures on ecological urban design and the role of nature in architecture. The lectures are organised for a public audience. In addition, hands-on workshops, led by instructors from the University of Antwerp, will immerse participants in artistic illustration techniques such as inkwash, watercolor, and digital tools, blending traditional artistry with modern design.
By the end of the programme, you’ll not only refine your technical illustration skills but also develop a unique graphic style to create visually compelling designs rooted in ecological principles. This is your chance to transform climate-resilient ideas into art and contribute meaningfully to shaping sustainable cities of the future!
Interested? Make sure to check out the information about the target group and prerequisites (and other practical information) here!
Detailed day programme
Monday
Immersion, Expert Insight & Tree-Centered Design
Morning (09:00–12:30): Expert Lectures & Observational Walk
- Peter Samson (09:00–10:00)
- Keynote: Why We Should Live Like Plants
- Nadina Galle (10:00–11:00)
- Ecological Intelligence & Smart Technologies
- Break (11:00–11:15)
- Walk → Park Spoor Noord (11:15–11:30)
- Bart Backaert (11:30–12:30)
- On-Site Lecture: Climate-Resilient Trees & Urban Ecology
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Afternoon (13:30–16:30): Tree-Focused Design Workshop
In small teams with Bart:
- Climate-Resilient Tree Strategies
- Intergenerational Trees
- Trees as Socio-Cultural Anchors
- Weaving Human & Tree Life
Deliverable (end of Day 1): Annotated group concept diagrams/sketches for each of the three illustration directions (Narrative, Conceptual, Hybrid).
Tuesday
Framing the Message – Illustration Approaches
Morning (09:30–12:30): Lecture & Discussion
- Narrative Illustration (09:30–10:15)
- Conceptual Illustration (10:15–11:00)
- Break (11:00–11:15)
- Narrative-Conceptual Illustration (11:15–12:00)
- Mini Exercise & Q&A (12:00–12:30)
Deliverable (morning): Annotated sample images (one per approach).
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Afternoon (13:30–16:30): Hands-On Exploration
Three 50-minute blocks to try each approach:
- Narrative Block: Research, 3–5 thumbnails, quick reference, concept sketch
- Conceptual Block: Word stacks, 3 icons, metaphor bridge, concept sketch
- Hybrid Block: Themes pairing, 3–4 thumbnails, reference, hybrid sketch
Deliverables (end of Day 2):
- Narrative: word list + thumbnails + sketch
- Conceptual: word stacks + icons + sketch
- Hybrid: thumbnails + reference + sketch
Wednesday
Concept Refinement & Visual Planning
Morning (09:30–12:30): Research & Value Studies
- Deep research + moodboard
- Word-to-image workshop + 5–7 icons
- 3 value thumbnails
Deliverable (morning): Moodboard + word lists + value thumbnails (all 3 approaches).
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Afternoon (13:30–16:30): Thumbnail Iteration
- Refine 3–5 thumbnails per approach
- 1-sentence rationale per thumbnail
- Select one thumbnail per approach to advance
Deliverables (end of Day 3): One refined thumbnail each (Narrative, Conceptual, Hybrid).
Thursday
Final Drawing & Detailing
Morning (09:30–12:30): Final Drawing Development
- Transfer thumbnail → full-size drawing
- Refine linework, perspective, value plan
Deliverable (morning): Pencil/ink drawing with values for each approach.
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Afternoon (13:30–16:30): Texture, Color & Tweaks
- Gather additional reference
- Apply color/texture/medium details
- Mid-session peer gallery walk + feedback
Deliverables (end of Day 4): ~80% complete illustrations (Narrative, Conceptual, Hybrid).
Friday
Finish, Present & Reflect
Morning (09:30–12:30): Final Art Sprint
- Final touches: highlights, text/labels
- Prep final files (scan/export)
- Write 50–100-word concept statement per illustration
Deliverables (morning):
- Completed illustrations (all three)
- Three concept statements
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Afternoon (13:30–16:00): Presentations & Exhibition
- 13:30–14:30: Student presentations (5–7 min each; showcase all three works and rationales)
- 14:30–15:00: Group critique & feedback
- 15:00–16:00: Pop-up exhibition & group reflection
Final Submission Package
- Three final illustrations (Narrative, Conceptual, Hybrid)
- Three concept statements (50–100 words each)
- Process sheets including:
- Word lists/stacks
- Thumbnails & value studies
- Reference images
- Concept sketches
- Final drawings