“How much Ex.Change?”

Tutors: collectiv.exchange, consisting of Thomas Cristea, Julia Janiel, Amos Mauri and Hannah Meisel (MeiselMauri Arch.)

As part of the TAB 2026 side programme, this workshop explores the relationship between time, labour and value in architecture and addresses the often invisible temporal, economic and conceptual dimensions of architectural production.

Architecture is not only defined by what is built, but by the extensive processes and communications that precede construction. These processes e.g. conceptual development, negotiation with regulatory frameworks, economic constraints and interdisciplinary collaboration, remain largely inaccessible to the public and frequently undervalued within professional practice. The workshop aims to critically examine this “pre-construction time” in architectural fields and its impact on the quality and meaning of the built environment.

From discussion to construction
Structured as a five-day workshop, participants will engage with guests representing different perspectives of architectural production to explore the everyday realities in Estonia and across Europe. Through lectures and discussions, the workshop examines the gap between architectural ambitions and the economic and regulatory constraints that shape professional practice. Collaboratively, participants will develop design proposals that translate abstract questions of intangible work into spatial strategies. The project culminates in an outdoor scaffolding installation. Conceived as a billboard, a platform for dialogue, and a walkable sequence of questions and responses, the installation explores the conversations, negotiations, and exchanges that shape architecture and seeks to make these visible to a wider public.

Practical Information

Workshop Overview
„How much Ex.Change?“ will take place from 4–8 September 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia. The opening week of the Tallinn Architecture Biennale begins on 9 September and continues until 13 September 2026. Participants are warmly encouraged to stay beyond the workshop to take part in the wider Biennale programme.

Application
The workshop is aimed at students of architecture and related disciplines with an interest in the built environment. Applications are welcome from students at all stages of study.
If you are interested in participating, please send an email including a short motivation letter until 20 July 2026 to: info@collectiv.exchange. For applicants based in Estonia, please send in your motivation letter by the 17th of august.
Selected participants will be notified shortly after the application deadline.

Travel and Accomodation
Travel arrangements and, where necessary, visa applications are the responsibility of the participants. Environmentally responsible modes of travel are encouraged. Accommodation for participants travelling to Tallinn will be provided in a hostel in the city centre. We encourage all participants to stay together, as the shared accommodation creates opportunities for informal exchange, discussion, and social interaction beyond the workshop programme.

Participation
The workshop fee for international applicants is 170 EUR. Those based in Estonia who arrange their own accommodation may join the workshop a reduced price of 15 EUR. All participants will receive a workshop booklet containing background material, schedules, and selected readings accompanying the lectures and discussions.

For more information:

Flyer Downlaod