Immersive Architecture Experience | Archi Camp 2026

A full immersion in architecture

From 19 to 26 July 2026, the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio opens its doors to young people aged 16 to 19, Swiss or residing in Switzerland, for a unique experience: an intensive week, entirely in English, dedicated to discovering architecture as a tool to read, imagine and transform the world.
Between models, excursions and discussions with architects and students, participants will experience a full immersion in design thinking, exploring the Ticino region and engaging with the beauty, sustainability and responsibility of building.

Archi Camp is conceived as a university orientation experience, helping students understand whether architecture could be their future. The experience will emphasise the international profile, multilingualism and freedom of expression that characterise the Academy of Architecture. The Camp will also be a great opportunity to have fun, do sports, discover Ticino and socialise with other young people who share the same interests.

What awaits you:

Architectural design atelier in the Academy’s workshops
Lectures and talks with Academy faculty
Guided tours of emblematic works and places (Fiore di Pietra, Castelgrande, contemporary and historical architecture)
A day dedicated to discovering the territory
Recreational and sports activities throughout the week
Final public presentation of the projects
Continuous tutoring in Italian, German and French

This summer school is intended for young people aged 16 to 19 (Swiss or residing in Switzerland) who are interested in discovering the world of architecture, design and art history in a practical and engaging way. Participants must be attending (or have completed) a course of study that grants them access to the Academy of Architecture.

Arrival and Welcome

Participants arrive in the afternoon and are welcomed with accommodation in the apartments of Casa dell’Accademia.
This is followed by a Campus Tour and an introductory evening at Palazzo Turconi.
Presentation of the Academy of Architecture and the Summer School by the Director and the teaching staff who will accompany the students throughout the week.

Start of the Design Atelier

Morning dedicated to the launch of the Design Atelier, with presentation of the project theme at Palazzo Turconi and a visit to the project site in the town of Mendrisio.
In the afternoon, exploratory field trip, workshop with dinner.

Design and History

Morning Design Atelier session at Palazzo Turconi, focusing on the development and in-depth exploration of the projects.
In the afternoon, transfer to Bellinzona and visit to Castelgrande.
Lecture by Prof. Nicola Navone: “The architect who designed a motorway: Rino Tami and the N2 Chiasso–San Gottardo.”
Dinner in Bellinzona.

Architecture, Nature and Ticino

A day of exploration dedicated to understanding the relationship between architecture, nature and the landscape of Canton Ticino — with plenty of fun along the way.

Designing Together

Full day of Design Atelier at Palazzo Turconi.
Group work on the assigned theme, initial development of ideas, continuous discussion with the teaching staff, and the start of the construction of the collective model.
In the afternoon, transfer to the USI West Campus in Lugano, lecture by Prof. Nicola Navone: “Does the Ticino School exist?”
Evening recreational activity in Lugano.

Towards the Final Presentation

Morning visit to an architecture practice.
The day continues with Design Atelier activities focused on defining the final drawings and models, in preparation for the public exhibition.

Exhibition and Final Celebration

Finalisation of the projects and set-up of the public exhibition at parco Villa Argentina.
Presentation of the projects and concluding evening open to the public, a moment of sharing and celebration.

Departures

From the morning onwards, participants depart independently.

Ticino, a territory that inspires

Amid the hills of Ticino, Mendrisio offers a unique setting where nature and architecture meet. Walking through historic alleyways, observing urban geometries and breathing in the tranquillity of the landscape become part of the design experience. A territory that sharpens the gaze, invites reflection and sparks creativity.

Who we are

During the week, participants will be supported by a team of dedicated professionals and tutors, ready to guide them through every stage of the programme.
Internationally renowned architects, lecturers from the Academy of Architecture, will share their experience and design vision, offering insights and inspiration to approach architecture in a critical and creative way.
Alongside them, experts in local art and culture will enrich the programme with talks and guided tours, providing an in‑depth reading of the Ticino landscape.

Supporting the students on a daily basis will also be tutors, Academy students selected for their sensitivity and competence, able to communicate in all national languages and to create an inclusive and stimulating environment. There will also be entertainment and social activities typical of the Canton.

Riccardo Blumer, a Swiss architect and designer, has been a full professor at the Academy of Architecture since 2013.
He served as Director of the Academy of Architecture from 2016 to 2021 and resumed this role in 2025, contributing in both periods to renewing the institution’s educational and experimental approach.
With the group Blumerandfriends, he developed the “physical exercises of architecture and design”, engaging students in creative practices and installations.
He is known for his commitment to the education of future architects, promoting a free and sensitive approach to design thinking.
His vision combines technical rigour and poetic research, making him a central figure in the educational landscape of architecture.

Riccardo Blumer, Architect, Professor and Director of the Academy of Architecture

Nicola Navone, architect and PhD, is a lecturer at the Academy of Architecture and deputy director of the Archivio del Moderno.
His academic work focuses on the history of Ticino architecture, with particular attention to the professional and cultural networks linking Ticino, Italy and Russia.
He has curated numerous studies and publications on the role of Ticinese architects in disseminating Italian architectural culture across Europe.
At the Academy, his courses explore the evolution of contemporary architecture in the Canton of Ticino and its international recognition.
He has been a visiting professor at IUAV in Venice and has coordinated research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Nicola Navone, Architect, Professor at the Academy of Architecture, Deputy Director of the Archivio del Moderno

Architect graduated from the USI Academy of Architecture in 2009. From the same year until 2020 he worked as an assistant and later as a research associate in the Bachelor 1 design studio. He is currently Coordinator of the design ateliers, responsible for the compulsory professional practice (BSc and MSc), in charge of promotion, contact person for external events and Student Advisor at the Academy of Architecture.

Stefano Perregrini, Architect, Assistant, Research Associate, Coordinator at the Academy of Architecture

Practical information

Cost and registration

The participation fee is CHF 750.–, all inclusive, and covers:

Board and accommodation in Mendrisio at the Casa dell'Accademia
Classes at the Academy of Architecture
Ateliers and practical design activities, including all working materials
Excursions and activities in Ticino
Support from tutors and lecturers with excellent knowledge of the national languages

The journey to and from Mendrisio at the start and end of the event is the responsibility of the participants.

A deposit of CHF 350.– is required at the time of registration; the remaining balance must be paid by May 2026.

Registrations will open in February 2026 (the exact date will be announced soon).

Language All activities will be held in English. A perfect command of the language is not required, but a good understanding is necessary to participate actively. Knowledge of Italian is not required. Tutors who speak Italian, French and German will always be present on campus.

Accomodation

Participants of the Archi Camp Summer School will stay in single rooms at the Casa dell'Accademia in Mendrisio, located a 5‑minute walk from the Academy.

The Casa dell’Accademia consists of 18 apartments of approximately 90 m², each divided into 4 single rooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen.

All meals are provided and included in the participation fee. Allergies and intolerances will be taken seriously into consideration.

Academy Archi Camp

From 19 to 26 July 2026, an immersive experience in design, landscape and culture.

A full immersion in architecture

Weekly programme

Ticino, a territory that inspires

Who we are

Practical information

Accomodation

Request information