This is an archive page for Rome

Forthcoming dates for this school to be announced.

Rome

Thursday 9 – Saturday 18 May 2013

Can we overcome the assumption of urban environments as artificial static and passive systems without the intelligence of responsive reactive and engaging form to human and environmental dynamic conditions? Adaptation to the environment requires movement, like the remarkable studies biological structure; Leonardo Da Vinci investigated the limitations of the body form in relation to the natural structures that permitted the extension of human experience beyond the limitations of the body. Climate and human activities form real-time data networks that monitor and activate our sensor-networked cities, as SuperStudio prophesied with its SuperSurface, a virtual layer of data-exchange cutting across the World. A data network that engages informs and monitors human and environmental interactions. Architecture can engage technologies to make buildings tectonically transforming and becoming aware of the active surroundings investigating data and responding to environmental change.

The 10-day workshop investigates the design of computational kinetic structural systems, which interact with the behavior inherent in the city, environment and population. Dynamic adaptive systems rather than the universally static are investigated and researched. Students do not design a static form, but a range of forms, which are not always known, as data affect human interaction the morphology of building in cities becomes unpredictable and adaptable.

 The aim of the workshop is to investigate parametric kinetic strategies that transform according to the ever-changing data system. Like architectural cybernetic machines embedded in a smart city, the projects interact with the population and the environment of Rome proposing another layer of urban strategy. These operations take place both by continually detecting the physical and non-physical data via sensors and by transforming their own forms. The complex dynamic interaction approach leads us to discard the imposition of a fixed form and, instead, create and use a computational kinetic artifice.

Initially students attend lectures on current mainstream and academic research as well as tutorials on parametric modeling software, digital fabrication prototyping and robotic assembly. Then applying skills in a team-based structure, pursue computational design research coupling physical analogue experiments with computer-controlled kinetic prototype programming. The proposals are built assembling digitally fabricated parts and electronic devices, like Arduino boards, sensors and servos to interact with a data exchange and regulating form.

Applications

Applications can be made  via the online application system . In case you are not able to make an online payment please complete the PDF application form and email it to visitingschool@aaschool.ac.uk .

All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required for entry to Italy, and are advised to contact their home embassy early. After payment of fees, the AA School can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop. Applicants are advised to contact the AA as soon as possible in order to apply and confirm a place, as space is limited.

Venue of workshop: Galleria “Come Se”, via dei Bruzi 4, 00185 Roma, Italy

Fees

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per participant, which includes a £60 Visiting Student Membership, payable online. Fees do not include flights or accommodation, but accommodation options can be advised.

Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and modelmaking 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, engineering and design students and professionals worldwide. No previous experience in computational design and digital fabrication is needed; the workshop will offer both introductory instruction for beginners and advanced instruction for experienced users.