AA Athens Visiting School 2015 :: Symmetry Sentience

In 2015, the AA Athens Visiting School initiates its’ agenda to challenge the phenomenon of perceptual constancy through the design of architectural prototypical families. In line with the basic principles of the Gestalt principles, a diversity of shapes and sizes models will be designed through means of digital computation. Various morphologies will be derived through a bottom-up approach via various coding techniques. To bridge the gap between the digital and physical aspect of the design iterations, AA Athens makes use of digital fabricating machines to produce its’ architectural prototypes and adds mechanics to amplify their communicative characteristics. A complete 1:1 scale structure will be constructed, enabling interaction via sight, hearing and touch as a result of a series of initial testing models. These proposals will be formulated through the combination of different design software.

The programme is organized in a two-stage process:

Stage 1: Participants gain an understanding of formation processes in nature, coupled with core concepts related to design complexity. During this stage, basic and advanced tutorials on generative design algorithms and analysis tools will be provided. Building on its core methodology from its previous versions, AA Athens VS will perform as a team-based programme promoting collaboration and research. Participants will be introduced to advanced fabrication techniques.

Stage 2: Participants propose design interventions based on the skills and knowledge gained during the first stage. Study models of various scales will be produced, leading to the fabrication and assembly of a full scale working prototype which unifies the design goals of the programme.

The design agendas of AA Athens and AA Istanbul Visiting Schools will directly create feedback on one another, allowing participation in either one or both Programmes.

Prominent features of the programme / skills developed:

• Participants become part of an active learning environment where the large tutor to student ratio (4:1) allows for personalized tutorials and debates.

• The toolset of AA Athens includes but is not limited to Rhinoceros, Processing, and Grasshopper, as well as analysis software.

• Participants gain access to digital fabrication tools such as 3-axis CNC router, laser-cutter, and 3d-printer.

• Design seminars and lecture series support the key objectives of the programme, disseminating fundamental design techniques and relevant critical thinking methodologies.

The workshop is open to current architecture and design students, PhD candidates and young professionals. The deadline for applications is 27 May 2015.

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £600 per participant, which includes a £60 Visiting Membership fee. Discount options for groups or for those wishing to apply for both AA Athens and AA Istanbul Visiting Schools are available. Please contact the AA Visiting School Coordinator for more details. Alternatively, you can find more information on discounts from the link below:

http://ai.aaschool.ac.uk/athens/portfolio/discounts-2015/

More information on the AA Istanbul Visiting School and the online application link can be found on:

http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/STUDY/VISITING/athens

If you have any questions, please contact:

Alexandros Kallegias (AA Athens Visiting School Programme Director)

Email: alexandros.kallegias@aaschool.ac.uk