AA Rome Visiting School 'Form as (Dynamic) Unknown'

Can we overcome the assumption that urban environments are static, passive systems? In questioning and rethinking our expectations, we learn that architecture can transform itself in response to the constant change of our surroundings. The 10-day architectural workshop AA Visiting School ‘Form as (Dynamic) Unknown’ is an experimental laboratory in which kinetic interactive structures are researched and designed. International students develop novel solutions, building upon the experiments of great Italian innovators. Drawing on the work of Leonardo Da Vinci, participants design robotic systems inspired by nature. Projects will transform by adapting to environmental conditions and social behaviours happening at real and virtual levels. The internet, similar to the SuperSurface prophesied by SuperStudio, is considered as the virtual layer of data-exchange cutting across Rome and the rest of the world. By the end of the workshop students will have developed their own interpretation of the future of architecture. Advancing design strategies that embrace the complex and unpredictable nature of the city will lead to forms as ‘(dynamic) unknown’. PROGRAMME The workshop is structured into three main stages with the aim of achieving innovative solutions to the many design themes proposed by the tutors. Lectures on current mainstream and academic research are integral to the whole workshop. - The first phase of the course includes a series of tutorials regarding digital parametric modelling with Grasshopper and robotics with Arduino board. - In the second phase, based on the methods acquired, the students develop in groups their projects, using analogue and digital techniques. - In the last phase they join experiments based on physical models to development of algorithmic tools and robots. Customized parts of these machines get digitally fabricated. ELIGIBILITY The workshop is open to architecture, engineering and design students and professionals worldwide. No previous experience in computational design, digital fabrication and robotics is needed; the workshop will offer both introductory instruction for beginners and advanced instruction for experienced users. TEACHING STAFF The programme is directed by Lorenzo Vianello, architect at Foster + Partners, and Arturo Tedeschi, architect and independent researcher. The workshop will be held by the two directors with Lawrence Friesen, tutor at the AA, and Josef Musil, architect at Foster + Partners. WEBSITES AND EMAIL ADDRESS www.aaschool.ac.uk/STUDY/VISITING/rome rome.aaschool.ac.uk Lorenzo Vianello and Arturo Tedeschi, AA Rome Visiting School programme directors: [email protected]