The main aspiration of this workshop is to precisely develop a critical argument based on individual research, which will translate into pure geometrical-formal exploration; the format will be an ongoing desk crit symposium with the participants, meeting them and discussing their architectural projects, along with daily tutorials to progress their knowledge of the software techniques.

• The Workshop will begin with each participant individually focusing on an aesthetic and formal language through the concept of ‘Image Illusion.’ We will then use this to establish two types of systems: Integration (Structure, Mass) and Application (Skin, Ornament); this will be the mechanism for developing a series of topological assemblies. Using a formal and aesthetic approach, ILLUSION becomes an instrument of design and a Design Feature.



• We will then work on a series of formal digital variations, which will be transformed through distortion, contortion, and internal and external pressures, using animation and modeling techniques in order to arrive at an Architectural figure. 

The Workshop will run primarily using AutoDesk MAYA and will also cover other fundamental digital design tools. Software Introduction (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY): Maya Interface Modeling Techniques: Polygons, Subdivisions Rendering Techniques: Materials, Special Effects Advanced Techniques: Dynamics, Particles, Deformers, Animations, Camera controls; it will also incorporate scripting and animation as an engine for the purpose of generating higher complex geometry, and for visual representation. 

Day 1

Intro lectures

Tutorial – MAYA Introduction

Tutorial – Software navigation/Polygon modeling

Day 2

Tutorial: Polygon modeling, deformers, iterative design (using animation tools)

Tutorial: Mesh-modeling operations

Day 3

Open session tutorials with instructors

One-on-one critique to discuss developing work

Day 4

Tutorial: Refining techniques

One-on-one critique to discuss developing work

Day 5

Review/Discussion of final work