Bilbao/San Sebastián

Monday 16 – Friday 27 July 2012

The integration of dense infrastructural networks within complex topographical territories is all too often ignored as a design problem. Taking this condition as our main focus and the cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao as our testing ground, we will look at the ecological, social and urban challenges posed by complex topography.

The mountainous border region between France and Spain has historically been characterised by major infrastructural projects. The workshop takes advantage of the invested resources and the missed design opportunities to create new material dialogues between topography and infrastructure that respond to contemporary ecologies.

Computing Top os will build a platform for designers to engage not only with computational research but also with digital fabrication processes. It will focus on the hybridisation of tailored infrastructures through adaptive micro-scale prototypes developed in conjunction with local fabricators and R+D institutions. Studiobased design work will be complemented by lectures and seminars about engineering techniques, computational design and fabrication processes.

The Visiting School will be preceded by a symposium in June to discuss environmentally adaptive fabrication processes. The discussion will be framed around the following questions: How can we approach design in a more integrated and contextual way using digital information and fabrication? How can we link environmental, social, spatial and constructive concerns? How can we tailor designs? Can we respond to contemporary ecologies with prototypical strategies

Applications

The deadline for applications is 2 July 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.

SCHOLARSHIPS:
There are 20 scholarships available for those students with the best portfolio. These scholarships will be covering the whole tuition fees. If you think you are eligible to apply for an scholarship, please send a maximum 4 A3 page and 5meg portfolio to the following email address by the 15th of May 2012.
BilbaoSanSebastian@aaschool.ac.uk

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 by the online payment system. Fees do not include flights. Accommodation during the workshop is not provided but accommodation options can be advised.

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.