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Studio in the Woods (SiTW), an innovative architectural summer school, recently commemorated its twentieth year with a new documentary titled 'Crossing, Lookout, Horizon.' This film captures the essence of the 2026 session, held at the Architectural Association's Hooke Park campus in Dorset, UK. Co-founded two decades ago by Piers Taylor of Invisible Studio, alongside Meredith Bowles, Kate Darby, Gianni Botsford, and Peter Clegg, with early guidance from Ted Cullinan, SiTW offers a distinctive pedagogical approach. It serves as an experiential alternative to conventional studio-based design education, emphasizing direct engagement with materials and construction processes rather than theoretical exercises.

During the intensive four-day workshop, approximately 50 participants, comprising students, professionals, and timber specialists, collaborate to design and erect full-scale structural interventions. These creations utilize timber harvested and milled directly from the surrounding woodland, promoting sustainable practices and a deep understanding of material properties. The 2026 session, set within Hooke Park's active forest, resulted in three unique timber installations—Crossing, Lookout, and Horizon—each serving as a practical exploration of material optimization, reciprocal framing, and direct fabrication techniques. The program's rich history is further enriched by a diverse roster of educators, including Stirling Prize laureate Niall McLaughlin and Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh, who combine architectural theory with practical structural knowledge.

Beyond the physical construction, the 2026 iteration incorporated a specialized film mentorship program, led by architectural documentarians Nyima Murry and Jim Stephenson. This initiative aimed to broaden access to architectural cinematography for students from underrepresented backgrounds, with three architecture students selected through an open call. After receiving training in visual storytelling and equipment operation, these fellows documented the live assembly of the three timber structures. Their work, guided by a brief from SiTW co-founder Piers Taylor, meticulously captured the construction process, structural tests, and the ambient sounds of the woodland, creating a lasting record of this unique collective live-build methodology.

The enduring legacy of Studio in the Woods is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and collaborative creation. By integrating practical construction with insightful documentation, the program not only shapes future architects and designers but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the craft of building and the narrative potential of architecture. This holistic approach cultivates not just technical skills, but also a sense of shared purpose and a profound connection to the built environment, inspiring participants to innovate responsibly and passionately.