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Fractals 30.0: Analog Algorithms
Computational Design | Online Workshop | English | Asia-Pacific
Description:
Key Words: formfinding,generative design,computation,analog algorithms
Required Skills: Basic Design skills, interest in geometry and craft, basic knowledge of 3D modeling (a plus but not necessary)
Required Software: Rhino 6.0 or above, Keyshot or Lumion, Photoshop
Required Hardware: paper, pencil, scissors, glue, tape, stapler. Standard computer with at least 8 GB RAM, mouse, keyboard, webcam, speakers and microphone
Maximum number of participating students: 25
The Fractals Workshop is a generative design and computation workshop that is derived from the structures and growth patterns of natural systems, particularly fractals. We will learn how nothing in nature is random, but based on a set of rules of growth, or an algorithm. Unlike conventional design processes which are top-down, we will use algorithms to work in a bottom-up manner, exploring speculative design systems that are not bound by context, gravity, scale or use.

In this 3-day workshop, plus post-workshop support and a final crit, you will work with a combination of digital and physical tools. We'll be testing the potential of virtual learning and remote collaboration. The best part about this experience will be that we'll be able to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world on one single platform, and we hope this will give rise to many creative collaborations in the future! At the conclusion of the workshop, the most successful work will be exhibited in a virtual reality exhibition.

Please note that the Fractals Workshop is not a software class or tutorial but an interactive form-finding, generative design, and design research workshop in which you will use physical modeling and "analog algorithms" to drive your design forward, and computation to develop and project your analog design systems . As such, you do not require any advanced 3D modeling skills, and a basic grasp of Sketchup or Rhino should suffice. And if you don't know any 3D modeling, that's okay, too!

Don't expect anything like coursework or trying to arrive at a correct answer or final result. Unpredictability is key and being accepting of new ideas is an important prerequisite! We won't be "teaching" you anything in the traditional sense of the word, so it's important that you have an open mind and explore. It's all about experimentation, developing a new way of thinking and new methods of design.

"Only when you become comfortable with uncertainty can you innovate and evolve."

This workshop is intended for students or professionals from architecture and design-related disciplines, as well as design and craft enthusiasts.
Schedule:
Jun 27 - Jul 3
  • Day 1 / Jun 27

    11:00 - 16:00 (GMT+5:30) India

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    01:30 - 06:30 (EST)

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    07:30 - 12:30 (CET)

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    13:30 - 18:30 (China)

    Introduction and analog exploration, rules of growth, agregation // Offline: ideas for models and aggregation, paper model images to be uploaded
  • Day 2 / Jun 28

    11:00 - 16:00 (GMT+5:30) India

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    01:30 - 06:30 (EST)

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    07:30 - 12:30 (CET)

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    13:30 - 18:30 (China)

    Rule-based systems, analog algorithms, computational translation // Offline: digital modeling and aggregation, digital models to be uploaded
  • Day 3 / Jun 29

    11:00 - 14:00 (GMT+5:30) India

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    01:30 - 04:30 (EST)

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    07:30 - 10:30 (CET)

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    13:30 - 16:30 (China)

    Intro to diagramming, computational aggregation, intro to VR and rendering // Offline: diagramming, diagrams to be uploaded
  • Day 4 / Jun 30

    0:00 - 0:00 (GMT-11:00) Midway Island,Samoa

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    07:00 - 07:00 (EST)

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    13:00 - 13:00 (CET)

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    19:00 - 19:00 (China)

    Offline work: Final computational models to be uploaded, translation to VR
  • Day 5 / Jul 1

    0:00 - 0:00 (GMT-11:00) Midway Island,Samoa

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    07:00 - 07:00 (EST)

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    13:00 - 13:00 (CET)

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    19:00 - 19:00 (China)

    Offline work: Final boards and renders to be uploaded, access to VR space
  • Day 6 / Jul 2

    0:00 - 0:00 (GMT+5:30) India

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    14:30 - 14:30 -1 (EST)

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    20:30 - 20:30 -1 (CET)

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    02:30 - 02:30 (China)

    Offline work: Final submissions, VR space setup, presentation prep
  • Day 7 / Jul 3

    14:00 - 17:00 (GMT+5:30) India

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    04:30 - 07:30 (EST)

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    10:30 - 13:30 (CET)

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    16:30 - 19:30 (China)

    Final review: with invited guest critics
Instructors:
  • Takbir Fatima DesignAware,Director
    Takbir Fatima is an architect, educator and entrepreneur. She is the Director of the inter-disciplinary design and experimental architecture studio, DesignAware. She has an MArch in Architecture + Urbanism from the Design Research Lab at the Architectural Association, London. She is also a fellow of the Startup Leadership Program. Takbir was named Telangana Young Architect by the Indian Institute of Architects in 2016 and awarded the Emerging Architect of the Year by NDTV Design & Architecture Awards 2016. She was recognized in the annual selection of 50 emerging Indian architects and designers, iGen 50 in 2019. Takbir is a TEDx speaker, and has exhibited and presented her work and methods at various design events, including the Dezeen Virtual Design Festival 2020. She regularly serves as a guest speaker and critic, and is associated with the Boston Architectural College, CEPT University, VIT University, Turenscape Academy and is a Global Teaching Arist for Facebook Open Arts. DesignAware was born of a desire to create awareness through livable, wearable, usable, accessible and responsible design. The studio practices process-oriented and data-driven design. The work of DesignAware has been published by various international architecture magazines and journals. Their project, Hilltop School, was published in the RIBA Rethink Design Guide 2020: Architecture for a Post Pandemic World. DesignAware was long-listed for the Dezeen Awards 2020 as Emerging Architecture Studio of the Year. Takbir has created a series of generative design workshops called the Fractals Workshop. The workshop has been to various cities worldwide and was an official part of Dubai Design Week 2018 and Hyderabad Design Week alongside the World Design Assembly 2019, resulting in urban installations for the cities of Dubai and Hyderabad. Since May 2020, the Fractals Workshop has been taught online to participants from all over the world, culminating in a virtual reality exhibition of the student work.