Summer School – Mount Lebanon | Wydział Architektury Politechniki Gdańskiej

The concept:

Grounded Future invites you to explore sustainable design strategies rooted in nature, culture, and community. The workshops promote regenerative landscape practices that integrate ecological knowledge, seed sovereignty, and climate resilience all inspired by the rich biodiversity and heritage of Mount Lebanon.

This immersive program encourages participants to engage directly with the land, learning hands-on techniques from seed saving to ecological farming, and understanding how these practices can be woven into design, planning, and community-led projects. By combining scientific insights, traditional wisdom, and creative design, Grounded Future supports the creation of resilient landscapes that serve both people and the planet.

Why Mount Lebanon?

Mount Lebanon is a unique ecological and cultural landscape where centuries-old agricultural traditions and diverse ecosystems coexist. This region offers a living laboratory for sustainable and regenerative design, from terraced agriculture and seed preservation to community-based natural resource management.

Local initiatives and knowledge holders have long cultivated strategies to protect biodiversity and maintain soil and water resources in the face of climate change. The workshop builds on this heritage, fostering collaboration between experts and communities to craft innovative solutions that honor local traditions while addressing global sustainability challenges.

Sites and Partners

Participants will explore key sites across Mount Lebanon, including the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Ramy’s Ecological Farm, and the Gharset_Kheir Seed Sanctuary. These locations demonstrate best practices in regenerative agriculture, seed sovereignty, forest conservation, bee hiving and community resilience.

The program is developed in partnership with local organizations and experts who champion ecological stewardship and cultural preservation, ensuring an authentic and impactful learning experience.

Who can join?

This program is designed for anyone passionate about creating sustainable, resilient environments, including architects, urban planners, landscape architects, agricultural engineers, environmental activists, NGO workers, community leaders, and researchers seeking actionable, place-based knowledge

PhD Students (fee waivers available - 3 slots):

Researchers /PhD students’ experts in the field are invited to join the as voluntary contributors. While they are exempt from the full participation fee, they are asked to contribute a cost-sharing amount to cover their accommodation, meals, transfers, and tour expenses. This ensures we can sustainably host all contributors. In return, they receive full access to all program activities, networking opportunities, and the potential to collaborate on joint publications and academic outputs.

More information about Summer School can be found here.

Where: Mount Lebanon
When: 24–28 September 2025

Submit your application

Deadline: 5^th September 2025