Architectural Technicities Design Studio

The Architecture Theory Studio “Architectural Technicities” is a design studio with a strong theory component. In simple terms, we will not examine architecture as a product of culture or ideology, but we will rather claim the opposite: architecture produces culture and ideology. As such, the studio aims to complement architectural and urban methodologies that are based only on typological assumptions and will necessarily open architectural discourse to philosophy, media theories and affect-oriented studies.

Opting for experimental design speculations, the students will have the chance to thoroughly problematise selected urban environments. In doing so, the students will eventually develop design proposals that will highlight architecture as a collective equipment that produces ways of life that either enhance or diminish our collective potentials. As such, the ambition of the studio is not to merely cater for the current needs, but to invent a new collectivity..

The thematic and design assignments of our studio vary, but always depart from setting up architectural problems rather than programmatic or functional prerequisites, foregrounding the potentials of architectural, material and spatial agencies involved in the design process.

This studio is highly experimental and “hands-on” in regards to the material aspects of theory as practice. It welcomes students who are inclined to explore unfamiliar (yet exciting) themes, raise interesting questions and problems, and experiment with ideas and matter to make their design practice and skills more meaningful.

By the end of the studio, the students will be able to:

1) develop a transdisciplinary approach to identify and address shared problems and concerns regarding the production of contemporary urban environments;

2) apply their own methodological innovations that may inform and trigger new ways of speculative design;

and, 3) adopt a transdisciplinary, cross-domain mentality and attitude based on in-depth reading of seminal literature and its design application in real-life contexts.

This course is compatible with the Architecture Theory Thesis course (AR2AT031). We encourage students to follow both courses in the same semester.

Students wishing to participate in both courses are advised to register in the enrolment period for the Spring semester.