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Tel Aviv

Thursday 16 – Sunday 26 February 2012

For over a century, desertification has been recognised as a significant environmental issue – a problem now affecting 36 million square kilometres and over 1.3 billion people worldwide. One of the few countries that has managed to buck the trend of land degradation and to create new green habitable environments in an arid ecology is Israel, where desert covers over 60 per cent of the land. 

Capitalising on Israel’s expertise in desert engineering and its successful composite materials industr y, Active Matter will explore environmental and recreational infrastructures across multiple scales ranging from the individual infrastructural module (irrigation trap/soil stabilisers, etc) to its distribution logic over a vast territory.

Introducing a systemic approach towards context and intervention, we will test physical prototypes not just as singular interventions but also as interwoven implants – a projective ‘field’ condition open to the transformative forces of nature. Through an interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in parametric design, manufacturing technologies and environmental studies we will explore the use of advanced digital fabrication techniques as well as the potential of varied sheet and mouldable materials (plastics/concrete/cement/mud) in the generation of new ‘infrastructural fabrics’. 

Constantly shifting between manual and digital design techniques, workshop participants will actively engage with algorithmic and parametric thinking, investigating generative organisational algorithms as well as fabrication processes such as contouring, forming and casting.

Alongside the studio-based design tutorials (led by an international team of experts and offering instruction in Rhino 3D-modelling, Rhino Scripting and Grasshopper), a series of presentations will offer a relevant overview of contemporary theory, case studies and advanced applications. 

Outputs of the workshop will be presented during a final symposium to leading researchers, manufacturers and international design critics and will become part of a future exhibition.

Applications

The deadline for applications is 5 February 2012 [late applications by 12 February 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 by the online payment system. Fees are non refundable. Fees do not include flights.
Accommodation during the workshop is not provided, but advice on accommodation options can be given.
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.