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--></style><title>Fwd: New Class! Art and Architecture
Workshop</title></head><body>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Subject: New Class! Art and Architecture
Workshop</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:35:05
+0000</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><font color="#F81312"><i>New class
co-taught by faculty of MIT Program in Art, Culture and Technology
(ACT) and Architectural Design</i></font></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><b>4.S30 Special Subject - Object
Geographies: Dis-assembly / Re-assembly Workshop in Art and
Architecture</b></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Meets MW 2-5p
in E15-207</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>U-Level; G-Level as
an Independent Study</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>First Day of Classes: W 2/8</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>Instructors: Joel Lamere (Architecture),
Azra Aksamija (ACT)</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>for more information: <a
href="mailto:azra@mit.edu">azra@mit.edu</a>, <a
href="mailto:jlamere@mit.edu">jlamere@mit.edu</a></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><font
color="#F81312"
>....................................................................<span
></span>.............</font></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite><br></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite>The discrete space occupied by an object
conceals its global reach and impact. The myriad objects found at
every intersection in every city - from consumer goods to
architectural interventions to urban infrastructure - define
and characterize the "local" condition. These objects,
however, are much more than "local"; they are often designed in
one country, mined in another, fabricated in a third and then
shipped and sold across the world. The objects we encounter
in one place represent nodes of complex global
networks. <br>
<br>
In what ways can this global inter-connectivity of objects allow for
novel evaluations of the local? In what ways do the objects we
consume effect larger ecological, cultural and economic systems,
contributing to the pressing environmental concerns of our time?
How can art and architectural design help re-imagine and redesign our
unsustainable modes of production and consumption, inspiring a
more conscientious and responsible life in cities? This new
interdisciplinary course, offered as a collaboration between Art,
Culture and Technology and Architectural Design, aims to explore
these questions, among others, through the lens of small-scale
objects. The class will focus on the material and
environmental manifestations of globalization within an urban
context, analyzing and transforming specific objects through
mapping, drawing, design, experimentation and fabrication.<br>
<br>
The course begins with a field trip to New York City, followed by
DIS-ASSEMBLY, a research and analysis-oriented phase. During our
travel to New York, students will document a specific site, and will
meet and interact with students from other schools. This work
will contribute to a larger collaborative art project, "Broadway
1000 Steps," initiated by artist Mary Miss involving eleven
colleges and universities along the East Coast. During DIS-ASSEMBLY,
we will dissect selected objects found on our site, analyzing
their designs, geometries, materials and resources, cultural
implications and histories, thereby visualizing these objects'
geographies and ecological footprints. We will learn and employ
diverse visualization tools to create analytical mapping projects
for Midterm. In the second half of the semester, RE-ASSEMBLY, the
class will have a more design-oriented hands-on focus. Working
individually or in groups, we will focus on reconstituting
previously dissected objects, producing critical
artistic/architectural projects that acknowledge and emerge from the
prior analysis. Several methods of fabrication will be explored,
leading to project proposals ranging from singular design objects to
site interventions and provocations. This phase will include
fabrication tutorials, design work and hands-on production in
ACT shops (E14). The lab fee is $110, which covers shop and
studio access and some fabrication materials. <br>
<br>
Theoretical research, lectures, readings, discussions and visiting
artist/architect presentations will supplement studio practice.
The class welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students from from
all disciplines and backgrounds.</blockquote>
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