Erasmus+ BIP “Curating Commons”
Onsite: October 3-10, Latvia, Valmiera and Vidzeme region
Online component: September 27
Application deadline: August 31
Curating Commons is an international Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organised by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA). The programme explores adaptive reuse and community co-production as strategies for strengthening resilience in peripheral European territories. It focuses on vacant and underused buildings, fragmented public spaces, and small-scale spatial interventions responding to real local needs.
Participants will work in international and interdisciplinary teams to analyse spatial vulnerability and develop feasible, context-sensitive adaptive reuse proposals in collaboration with local stakeholders. The programme combines online theoretical preparation with an intensive hands-on workshop and field-based activities.
The programme integrates technical knowledge, social responsibility, intercultural collaboration, and sustainable territorial development perspectives.
The program is perfect for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students in architecture, spatial planning, construction, sustainability, design, and related fields.
*Before applying, please get in touch with your university coordinator regarding Erasmus+ mobility funding opportunities. Selected participants will be informed individually after the selection process.
Programme Focus
The programme focuses on: adaptive reuse and circular design principles; community co-production and stakeholder engagement; spatial resilience in peripheral territories; low-impact and sustainable construction approaches; interdisciplinary and intercultural teamwork; research-by-design and challenge-based learning.
Learning Approach
challenge-based learning; research-by-design methodology; collaborative teamwork; fieldwork and spatial observation; stakeholder dialogue and community engagement; mentoring, reflection, and feedback sessions; practical prototyping and design workshops.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn to: analyse spatial, social, and material conditions of peripheral territories; apply adaptive reuse and low-impact construction principles in spatial proposals; integrate community input into design and planning processes; work effectively in international interdisciplinary teams; critically reflect on the societal role of spatial and technical professionals.
Dates and Format
Virtual component
27 September 2026
Physical programme
3–10 October 2026
Venue
To be confirmed in cooperation with local municipalities. Potentially Alūksne or Balvi region, Latvia.
Hosting Institution
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA)
Field and Level of Study
Architecture, construction, spatial planning, sustainability, and interdisciplinary territorial development.Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD level.
Credits
3 ECTS
Course Language
English
Mentors and team:
Marija Katrina Dambe
Lead mentor, an architect and leader of NOMAD architects’ sustainable architecture practice. Author of the Latvian exposition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. PhD researcher at Estonian Art Academy
Gunita Ķiesnere
Operational support. Community engagement and co-creation facilitator. An architect, practised in urban planning and turned into a tech entrepreneur.
Contact
Academic coordinator Marija Katrīna Dambe 📧 marijakatrina.dambe@va.lv
International coordinator in student mobility Natālija Andersone 📧 natalija.andersone@va.lv
International coordinator in staff mobility Ance Annija Koreņkova 📧 anceannija.korenkova@va.lv
4.86/5
Average participant rating,
based on feedback from 35 participants, 2025–2026