Travel LAB: Learning by travelling

Abstract

Complementing other UpGranT outputs, this publication compiles the best practices that emerged during the project for travel-related teaching and learning. Travel-LAB (T-LAB) is a five-day, in-person summer course in the field of architecture. T-LAB was hosted by the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP), which is dedicated to higher education in architecture and urban studies. It was set within the Junior University - University of Porto framework, a singular national programme that aims to introduce high school students to the university's academic life, facilities, and courses. The course encouraged participants to revisit the idea of the Grand Tour as an important cultural and social moment in the education of cultured citizens. In an era of travel trivialisation and declining critical inquiry amid an environmental crisis, the main aim of T-LAB was to underline responsible travel as an opportunity for broad-spectrum learning, centred on the learner, their self-motivation, and autonomy. T-LAB also aimed to raise awareness about the value of contemporary architectural heritage, the importance of architecture, and the social relevance of the architect's profession.