June 25-July 6, 2018, Monday-Friday
AA Istanbul Visiting School is a unique learning and making experience. The program, in collaboration with Istanbul Bilgi University, builds on its expertise in generative design methodologies and large-scale prototyping techniques from previously bringing together experts from internationally acclaimed academic institutions and practices—Architectural Association, Zaha Hadid Architects, among others.
AA Istanbul Visiting School investigates the inherent associations between form, material, and structure through the rigorous implementation of innovative design and fabrication techniques. Computational methods for design, analysis, and fabrication are coupled with physical experimentation, fostering learning-by-experimentation in an active collaborative studio environment. Throughout the design and fabrication processes, the associations between various computational platforms establish correlations between form-finding, material computation, and structural performance. The key objective of the program is the design and fabrication of a 1:1 scale prototype realized by robotic fabrication techniques.
The program is a two-phase process:
Stage 1: Participants gain an insight of material processes, computational methods, and various fabrication techniques, culminating with core concepts related to complexity in design practices. During this stage, basic and advanced tutorials on generative design algorithms and analysis tools will be provided. Building on its core methodology, AA Istanbul VS will perform as a team-based workshop promoting collaboration and research. Advanced fabrication techniques will be introduced.
Stage 2: Participants will propose design interventions based on the skills and knowledge gained during the first stage. They produce study models of various scales. Finally, robotic fabrication and assembly of a full-scale working prototype follow.
Prominent features of the workshop and skills developed
- An active learning environment where the large tutor-to-student ratio (4:1) allows personalized tutorials and debates.
- The toolset of AA Istanbul includes but is not limited to Rhinoceros, Processing, and Grasshopper, as well as analysis software.
- Access to digital fabrication tools such as 3-axis CNC router, laser-cutter, and 3D printer.
- Design seminars and lecture series support the key objectives of the program, disseminating fundamental design techniques and relevant critical thinking methodologies.
- Robotic design and fabrication processes will formulate the physical prototyping phase of the program.
Sponsors
Accreditation
With the completion of the program, participants receive the AA Visiting School Certificate.
Eligibility
The workshop is open to current architecture, structural engineering, and design students, Ph.D. candidates, and young professionals.
Software requirements
Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino 5 (SR7 or later). No prior knowledge of the software tools is required.
Applications
The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £700 per participant, which includes a £60 Visiting Membership fee. Discount options for groups are available. Please contact the AA Visiting School Coordinator for more details. Or, you can find more information on the application and discounts from the link:
For more information, please visit:
Contact details:
Elif Erdine (AA Istanbul Visiting School Programme Director)
AA Visiting School Coordinator:
