The stay

We use our own centers in this wonderful architectural project. Examples of what your group may be tasked with include covering the building with an eco-friendly roof; creating an earth-sheltered center whose design does not infringe upon the fantastic view we have over the valley; or perhaps even designing a building that is up in the trees. Although this project may seem overly ambitious, we want to offer children the chance to work alongside professionals and have their say on how the centers will look and what techniques will be used to construct them.

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You and your team will create the preliminary layout design, drawings and scale models for your particular architectural project and then submit them to us. Using wood, glass or another material, you will help come up with the design. You may be assigned to work alongside PERCEPTION Trips and help decide issues such as which plants to use, or you may assist UNIVERS Camps in how best to install their telescope in their observatory dome… You will have the chance to create 3-dimensional models of your ideas and you will learn more about sustainable construction materials and eco-friendly practices.

You will play a part in transforming one of our Centers for Scientific Living into a futuristic living space that blends into its environment. You will be able to add your name to the list of great building designers and use this experience to help you on your journey as an aspiring architect!

How could you benefit from an ECOLOGIS holiday stay?

These holiday stays are aimed at architecture enthusiasts big and small, depending on the level. During your stay, we will look at new and existing techniques for building the home of the future, “smart” homes and materials as well as bioclimatic and traditional architecture.

During ECOLOGIS trips, cutting-edge technologies will be used in conjunction with traditional practices to demonstrate how going green can save both energy and money. Whether your group is building a green roof or an automated greenhouse, or investigating which material is best suited for capturing solar energy, these stays are affordable for people of all ages.

The sensorial approach combined with the engineering mindset will allow us to make great strides in the field of architecture. Using this approach, your group will investigate how the surrounding mountain environment can be used to help tackle the specific climatic problems posed by constructing a center in this locale. Situated in the heart of the Valais Vacation Camp
Valais
Switzerland Every year the NGO Objectif Sciences International offers several science camps in Valais, Switzerland, on different themes (fauna & flora, architecture, palaeontology, geology, drones...) You will find, at the following link, more information about our nature camps. Massif in Switzerland Vacation Camp
Valais
Switzerland Every year the NGO Objectif Sciences International offers several science camps in Valais, Switzerland, on different themes (fauna & flora, architecture, palaeontology, geology, drones...) You will find, at the following link, more information about our nature camps. , our study centers are located in the midst of a variety of ecosystems, including ridges, plateaus and cliffs, and are considered by scientists to be areas of special scientific interest.

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Whether it is our buildings you will be working on or the grounds surrounding them, you will have the chance to come up with your own architectural, robotic and energy designs that you can bring to life! You will have the chance to learn a whole host of new skills, especially practical skills, on these state-of-the-art architectural projects!

A professional project that is open to young people!

In 2005, Objectif Sciences International (OSI) launched an initiative that was based on the concept of Centers for Scientific Living. The aim of the project was to create 3-dimensional architectural models of buildings that would be eco-friendly and sustainable. The idea was that anyone who wanted to transform an existing building or to construct one from scratch could select a scale model from the “library” and use it as the basis for the design of their building. The project combines a number of distinct ideas that complement each other. Any one of these ideas could be the basis of a trip, an internship or a seminar.

The focus of each project varies from camp to camp and care is taken to select a theme that the campers will find both engaging and instructive. For example, one group may be tasked with building a bioclimatic roof system for an existing center, while another may be asked to design a new center from scratch, one that is underground yet bright and airy while doing minimal damage to its surrounding mountain environment. Campers on the ECOLOGIS holiday stays can contribute to the project in a number of ways, namely by drawing up preliminary designs and sketches of “the roof system of their dreams,” by building models using different materials (wood, glass, etc.) or even by creating an automated model to demonstrate how YOUR IDEA works.

Their suggestions, which are brought to life by the young people themselves, may be used in a number of related projects, such as the construction of a green roof that can provide a habitat for local wildlife or the erection of a tropical greenhouse in one of the community spaces. Other projects include designing an indoor water feature (i.e., vertical gardens, waterfalls, indoor rivers, etc.), an observation dome or a bioclimatic house that is energy self-sufficient. Campers may be asked to show how the house would look in different scenarios (namely, how the house and its surrounding grounds would look during the day, at night, when it is snowing, raining, sunny, etc.). Other projects in which the campers may be asked to participate include designing a “Kanopé” village of cabins perched up in the trees that is inspired by nature, designing the building energy management system of the Center (i.e., shutters, biofuel boilers, solar panels, etc.) or even a hot-water spring and bioclimatic thermal baths on the outskirts of the forest, which could be used for taking a dip in winter. The list goes on!

Campers always sign the models that they design and create during the course of the project. Except for the fun parts (such as planting, where any children who wish to take part will be shown how to do so by their mentors), the construction of the final prototypes will be carried out by the experts in charge of the project. This way, the children can learn amazing new skills and be able to write on their resumés that they have experience creating models and drawings, which will help them in their future careers as engineers and architects!

Please note that places are limited. We recommend reserving your place as early as possible.

The location

Located at an altitude of 1,068 m, the mountain village of Lenk can be found in the Simmental Valley in the Swiss Alps, at the foot of the Wildstrubel Massif, where you will also find the Plaine Morte Glacier. With the surrounding peaks reaching altitudes of up to 3,000 m, the setting is idyllic.

The river Simme originates from several white-foaming rock clefts—the so-called “Seven Sources”—beneath the Plaine Morte Glacier on the Rezlialp. It is believed that the sulfurous waters of these famous thermal springs provide relief to sufferers of rheumatism and respiratory diseases.

The setting is as beautiful in summer as it is in winter. Whether you are enjoying the view from your bedroom window or you are out for a stroll, the lakes, passes, peaks and mountain meadows are stunning.

The center has a large gym and a swimming pool. It caters to all kinds of team sports and it has the added benefit of being located on the mountain where campers can go hiking or hold barbecues in the Alpine meadows. Campers can enjoy countless other activities, including leisurely bike rides along the sign-posted paths, or the more sporty among you can go mountain-biking and climbing.

Accomodation

We will be staying in the Kuspo Center in the Simmental Valley. Located 1 km from the village of Lenk, the center is close to a number of hiking trails that are easily accessible for ramblers.

The Kuspo Center has three modern chalets for guests to stay in and a fabulous central building that houses the meeting rooms. There are spacious bedrooms for 2, 4 or 8 people that come with bedding and Nordic duvets. Each chalet is equipped with large offices and facilities where we will conduct our scientific activities.

Meals are served in the dining room where you will find delicious buffets that cater to all tastes. This space can also be used as a common room where we will meet in the evenings for some fun group activities. Sports halls and grounds are available all around the center. The site also has a game room and a large sun terrace where you can relax. You will experience a warm, family atmosphere during our stay in this magnificent valley, right in the heart of Swiss culture.

To get there, you can:

• Make your own way there (you will receive a map and a schedule)
• Start your journey from any major city in the world: Contact us to find out more
  • Travel by train or minibus from certain towns
  • Or by plane: Contact us to find out more