‘Open Source’

The Post-Graduate Diploma in Spatial Performance and Design aims to create and define spatial arrangements and objects through performance and interaction. The studio utilises and links creative intelligence across multiple disciplines with the goal of achieving unique spatial conditions and generating a lasting interprofessional ethos among its participants. An ‘open source’ development is a widely known and understood concept where process and results of a project are constantly shared with an open network of participants. In this way projects advance collectively, can bifurcate into several versions and are relentlessly tested by experts and users at all times. Whereas it is easy to see how this concept might work within the digital world, in programming and software development, it is more difficult to understand what a physical and spatial manifestation of this method might be. Taking this concept of ‘open source’ as our focus, the studio will devise a series of three applied events that will form the framework of the creative process, driving our interventions and innovations. Our focus will be on self-enhancing spatial configurations that form creative platforms of exchange. The ‘Open Source’ series will explore the spatial and creative potential of three different scales and locations throughout Europe (UK/Spain/ Portugal). In the first phase we will look at a direct relationship between subject and object within spatial configurations. How can we extend the human physique to its surrounding environment and vice versa; how can both entities start to merge into one through choreographed design, composed atmosphere and movement? In the second phase these designs will translate into a platform and structure that is the source for a wider range of events and programmes. Constantly growing networks of integrated constructions will serve simultaneously as stages, pathways and film scenes, as well as audiences and exhibition spaces, creating an open source of exchange that seeks to generate an aftereffect of subsequent ventures.

Programme Staff

Theo Lorenz is an artist, architect and media designer. Trespassing between art and architecture the focus of his work lies within the reciprocal relations of creative activities, virtual and physical spatial conditions and the related associations between subjects and objects. He has been teaching at the AA since 2000 and has directed the AAIS programme since 2008. Tanja Siems is an urban designer, infrastructural planner and the director of the interdisciplinary practice T2 spatialwork. The office tackles social, political, economic and environmental problems as fuel to the design process by developing a dialogue that can lead to an enhanced built proposal or solution rather than a reduced compromise. She is Professor of Urban Design at the BUW, Germany. Andy Dean is a British record producer, remixer, DJ, songwriter and soundtrack composer and has twenty million credited album sales and numerous awards for his work with artists Joss Stone, Texas and Gabrielle. Currently he is the CEO and Founder of Music Technology Ltd, producing expert interactive digital engagement and communication tools for Pete Tong, Space nightclub Ibiza and Sonica FM.

Jonathan Goddard is a professional dance artist and choreographer and has worked with many major British dance companies. He was the first contemporary dancer to win the Critics Circle National Dance Award for Best Male Dancer and is now teaching and dancing as a founder member of both Goddard Nixon and New Movement Collective. Allard van Hoorn is a performance, sound, and installation artist working with architecture, music, theatre and design. He has shown at the Stedelijk Museum and the De Appel Arts Centre in Amsterdam, Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich and Storefront for Art & Architecture in New York. He works with Domus and Volume and also tutors at the Sandberg Institute and the RCA.

Application Information

(12 months; 24 months part time): Second Class or above Honours Degree in architecture or a related discipline from a British University or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard (from a course lasting not less than three years in a university or educational institution of university rank).