This is an archive page for Asinara Island

Forthcoming dates for this school to be announced.

Asinara Island

Saturday 14 – Saturday 21 April 2012

‘There are no “cuts" in the film but only stretching and folding of the landscape. Because of the camera’s presence, because of the possibility of fiction, the land becomes the film.’ Philippe Parreno.

The deserted island of Asinara and its derelict prison will form the next stage in Beyond Entropy’s continuing investigation into the relationship between energy and form (www.beyondentropy.com).

Tourism presents the biggest threat to Asinara, as well as its greatest opportunity. It has the potential to generate much-needed revenue and employment, but also risks damaging fragile ecosystems. The Visiting School in Asinara will question conventional forms of tourism and analyse their possible impact on the island and the nearby coastal settlements, particularly the villages of Stintino and Porto Torres.

Studies estimate that the capacity for tourism is around 1000 people/day. However, this density is only achievable if new forms of accommodation can be provided. Beyond Entropy Asinara will focus on the ruins of the former high-security prison in the compounds of Cala d’Oliva and Trabuccato and ask: Can the prison that gave Asinara its ‘Devil’s Island’ past also be the basis for a regenerated future? Can a building designed to separate its inhabitants from society become the driving force for partnerships between man and nature?

Following presentations from the Conservatoria delle Coste della Sardegna, Alghero University Planning Department and Desert-Med, participants will be set specific architectural problems: What is the form of the island’s public space? Which buildings can host productive activities? How can the transformation of the existing prison enable new forms of inhabitation? We will work in groups and use video as the main tool with which to survey the island and produce an architectural vision. Through filming, photography and editing, we will suggest a new narrative form for the future of Asinara. We will conclude the Visiting School with the first Asinara Film Festival.

Beyond Entropy will present its research on Energy and Space, with a specific focus on the Mediterranean region, to the European Energy Commission at the European Parliament in Brussels on 11 April between 10.00 and 15.00. This event is organised in collaboration with Meseuro. Those who are interested in attending, please contact the Visiting School Coordinator for further information.

Applications

The deadline for applications is 2 April 2012. All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required. After payment of fees, the AA can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop. A portfolio or CV is not required, only the online application form and payment.

Fees

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per participant, which includes a £50 Visiting Membership. If you are already a member, the total fee will be reduced automatically by £50 on the online payment system. There is no application fee for AA students.

Fees are non refundable. Fees do not include flights. Accommodation during the workshop is provided.

Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.

Eligibility
The workshop is open to architecture and design students and professionals worldwide.