Where does novelty in architecture come from? Do we conjure up ideas within an isolated void of our imagination? Or instead, are we guided by a conversation with things that already exist, from our day-to-day surroundings to that which has come before us? This studio will tap into both sides of this creative paradigm, where found elements of architecture will spark new ‘what if’ speculations, and our design experiments will aim to re-inform our understanding of the everyday. Elemental speaks to a way of working, as 3-dimensional testing and real-world feedback will provide as much necessary input as do traditional research and analysis. For our return to the CCA campus after more than a year of remote work and study, Elemental emphasizes one of architecture’s greatest design tools. This is the translation of our ideas through the production of built models and mock-ups. Our advanced studio will pursue empirical design throughout the semester - defined here as being “knowledge gained through action.” These processes will allow us to create happy accidents, uncover wild opportunities, and develop complex spatial outcomes. Think of this as a proof of concept method: a design is pursued in dialog with matter in gravitational space, which is of course, “the space in which we live.” Here, unexpected consequences are mined for new possibilities, and logistical failures are re-defined as new opportunities for design. The semester will be paced to allow students ample time to work on a large-scale final production model, which will be arranged into a studio exhibit in the CCA Nave for final reviews. Important is the fact that these models are meant to play an active role in your exploratory design process, as opposed to after-the-fact representation. Individual projects will be conceived and crafted to articulate your argument around studio themes. Understanding that we have time and budget limitations, the studio will require only a few select presentation drawings, your large-scale model, and process documentation for the final review.

Visit Workday to view this information.