»Prototyping the World«
20 – 25 July 2026
Masters: Bas Smets and Philippa Lankers
Focus: Landscape architecture, climate resilience, public space
Facts & Registration
Language: English
Location: Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein
Participation is limited to 15 people per masterclass.
Fee per Masterclass: € 2.450,00
Early bird offer / limited availability: € 1.950,00
Book your tickets here!
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A week in dialogue with leading creatives
There are places where creativity emerges almost naturally. Places where architecture, design history, and contemporary practice come together in a unique way. The Vitra Campus is one such place. In summer 2026, it will open its doors for the first time to the Vitra Design Museum’s new Masterclass programme, an invitation to anyone wishing to deepen their design practice and gain new perspectives.
The Vitra Campus: bring your creative skills to the next level
Surrounded by buildings designed by Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and Tadao Ando, the Campus creates an atmosphere that enhances learning processes. The Masterclasses actively draw on this context:
• Exclusive access to collections, archives, and workshops
• Exchange with renowned international experts from museums, research, and practice
• Outdoor dinners and shared activities such as swimming in the Rhine
This close spatial and thematic proximity to all facets of design culture creates a learning environment that is unique worldwide.
What your Masterclass includes
1. Project work at the core
Each participant develops their own project, practice-oriented, focused, and individually mentored.
2. Coaching by leading creatives
The Camper design team and landscape architect Bas Smets share first-hand insights into methods, decision-making processes, and design thinking.
3. Workshops, guided tours, walks, and discussions
Inspiring insights into architecture, collections, and design processes open up new perspectives and strengthen participants’ own creative approach.
4. Networking among peers
Shared dinners and discussion rounds facilitate exchange between professionals, students, and experienced design enthusiasts.
5. Final presentation at the Vitra Schaudepot
The completed projects are presented publicly and documented, accompanied by a certificate from the Vitra Design Museum.
6. Schedule
Mon-Tue: Research, expert discussions, theory; Wed-Fri: Project work; Saturday: Final presentation at the Vitra Schaudepot and presentation of certificates.
The Masterclasses 2026
Masterclass with Bas Smets
»Prototyping the World«
20 – 25 July 2026
Bas Smets (Civil Engineer, Architect and Landscape Architect) and Philippa Lankers (Project Manager)
Bas Smets is one of the most important contemporary designers of landscapes and public spaces. The masterclass with Bas Smets and his colleague Philippa Lankers focuses on how landscapes and outdoor spaces can be designed to strengthen resilience, biodiversity and the well-being of humans and other species.
Bas Smets and Philippa Lankers will guide participants in developing innovative prototypes for future landscapes – from models and mock-ups to mapping and scenarios. The Vitra Campus will serve as a living laboratory for visualising ecological, social and spatial relationships and designing new approaches for resilient outdoor spaces that promote biodiversity
Who is the programme suitable for?
The Masterclasses are aimed at professionals, students, and design enthusiasts who:
• wish to deepen their design skills
• learn new methods
• build international networks
• further develop their practice at a professional level
• and immerse themselves in a week on the Vitra Campus
Facts & Registration
Participation requirements: Education or strong interest in design, no portfolio required
Language: English
Location: Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein
Registration and booking at Vitra Design Museum Ticketshop
For further enquiries, we are happy to assist you at: +49 7621 702 3129 or events@design-museum.de
Fee: € 2.450,00
Early bird offer / limited availability: € 1.950,00
Participation is limited to 15 people per masterclass.
*Price includes the programme from Monday at 10:00 a.m. to Saturday at 1:30 p.m., including all materials, certificate and offers on campus, as well as catering: 3x lunch and 2x picnic on campus / 1x aperitif / 1x barbecue / water / closing aperitif on Saturday
Accommodation is not included and can be booked independently in the city of Basel at a discount at certain hotels. Please contact us for more information.
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