Creative Innovative Methodologies in Teaching and Practicing Urban Design: Building Camp as a Result of Interdisciplinary Approach, Circularity and Participation
Aleksandra Djukic

Contemporary architectural education is increasingly moving beyond the traditional model in which a student develops a project independently within an academic environment. Architecture, and urban design in particular, requires a complex understanding of space, society, culture, and the needs of the local community. It is therefore important that students gain experience of working on real-world spatial problems during their education, in direct contact with residents and under conditions of limited resources. This methodology allows theoretical knowledge of urban design, public space, sustainability and participation to be applied in a specific local context. The example of the student camp in Golubac, realised as part of the Studio 06 - Urbanism: Seminar course, shows how the educational process can become research-oriented, practical and socially responsible. Although the on-site work lasted only a few days, the preparations took the whole semester. These included field research, interviews with citizens and local experts, needs analysis, the preparation of project proposals, models and construction plans. The creative process evolved through the gradual adaptation of initial ideas to the real-world conditions. At the same time, the students learned that simplification does not mean abandoning creativity, but rather finding the best solution under the given circumstances. The project's innovation was also reflected in the use of recycled and locally available materials. Wooden pallets, cylinders, wire and the existing concrete structure were reused to create the urban furniture. The limited budget thus became a stimulus for creative thinking and sustainable design. The students participated in all phases of construction: site clearance, ground preparation, making the concrete elements, woodwork, furniture assembly and the final painting.