'Barents Lessons' gives an insight into an architectural research project at laba (Laboratory Basel), a satellite studio affiliated to the Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL) in Basel, Switzerland. The project focused on the remote and geographically extreme, yet resource-rich and therefore geo-strategically crucial Barents Sea region. Starting with the thesis that the ocean is an urbanised territory, the participants carried-out a one-year investigation, moving from the territorial to the architectural scale over two terms. The task was to analyse the region from a distance, aligning the critical issues in the Barents Sea with a global picture, and to carry out in-depth local field-work. As a synthesis of the knowledge and experience gained, concrete architectural projects for various purposes (residential, science and technology, industrial, transport, leisure etc.) were designed. 'Barents Lessons' presents the entire project in three parts, reflecting the methodology applied. The book is illustrated throughout with numerous graphics and maps especially developed for the publication, with colour photographs and plans. laba (Laboratory Basel) is a satellite studio affiliated to the Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL - the equivalent of ETH Zurich in Francophone Switzerland) based in Basel, Switzerland. It has been founded in 2005 under the leadership of Swiss architect Harry Gugger as lapa (Laboratoire pour la production de l'architecture) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and moved to Basel in 2011. laba's aim is to offer a well-rounded education allowing architects to understand the design and building process in its entirety and to be pro-active participants in this process. 'The Teaching and Research in Architecture' series (TRA) is laba's series of annual publications documenting each year's chosen study theme. Today the question of teaching architecture and of research in architecture is pertinent. The role of the architect in the building trade is changing rapidly and the profession needs to define and defend its realm of influence. The formation of professionals will have an impact on the direction of the profession in the future. Beginning with the new 2012 volume, 'Barents Lessons', the series will now be published by Park Books. Text in English & German.
