Core idea of SCAPES:LAB initiative is to both define&produce independent knowledge-transfer platform in Architecture and Urban planning realities. SCAPES:LAB ID

WHO_?
SCAPES:LAB is co-initiated by IDnet and Center of Architecture, Serbia with the support by six Faculties from four countries and participating students of architecture from Novi Sad, Niš and Belgrade / Serbia, Podgorica / Montenegro, Skopje / Macedonia and Sarajevo & Banja Luka / Bosnia and Herzegovina.
*These countries have similar background, all from the Balkans region (ex Yugoslavia); non- EU countries in Europe; at the moment in the final years of integration process. This process coincides with the transition of economy, politics and education paradigms.

WHY_?
Integration process to EU that came after conflicts period brought with itself large changes in all the parameters of both creative work and educational output. Relevant phenomena are being explored in the inaccurate and poor environment. While EU continuously reflect upon itself, non-EU, Ex Yugoslavia countries are looking forward their place in generating strategies. Unreachable communication brings high content mystification. Confusion arises.
                                                                                                                                                            

WHAT_?
The core idea of SCAPES:LAB initiative is to both define&produce independent knowledge-transfer incubator that addresses the way-finding reposition need in Architecture and Urban education/realities nowadays.
In this concern, several platforms were formed with the very same idea: to examine alternatives to the hierarchical models and produce knowledge through innovative, networked readings of cities & policies, direct collaboration within the professional field, colleagues and institutions, a rich variety of studios (large and small) and other similar initiatives; looking forward to establish a networked structure able to shift its focus toward actualities and reinforced with innovative trans-national background.
SCAPES:LAB research is concerned with the impacts of politics, economy and society in general on architectural/urban reality and vice versa.

HOW_?
We believe that the continuity of discontinuity and the permanent state of (re)construction in the Balkan region can initiate and catalyze the production of new forms and formats for research.
Methodologically, SCAPES:LAB advocates open collective educational structures - DIY Education modes where self-organized research groups facilitate networked production, exchange and distribution of knowledge. Core group structure are the students of Architecture/Urbanism and familiar disciplines, coming from the transitional realities in the Balkan region (Novi Sad, Belgrade and Niš / Serbia, Skopje / Macedonia, Podgorica / Montenegro and Sarajevo, Banja Luka / Bosnia and Herzegovina.