Masters Stream Design - I shop, therefore I am
2022
University of Newcastle
School of Architecture + Built Environment
Barbara Kruger
‘I Shop Therefore I am’ (1987)
Architects suffer from ‘Originality Syndrome.
- Winy Maas/MVRDV
This studio will explore the relationship between authorship, alchemy, and architecture through an inquiry into emerging technological and cultural trends. Specifically, it will focus on the shift toward open-source values and the exchange of tradable digital design assets. The central theme of this inquiry is the evolving role of source material in architectural practice, proposing that by 2030, architectural elements can be bought and sold via online platforms tailored for designers.
The studio is particularly interested in exploring the impact of methodology on design processes, with an emphasis on understanding the effectiveness of collaboration when the exchange between architects is made explicit. This approach aims to highlight the network effect—how interconnected contributions generate greater value—and uncover new, meaningful dimensions of architectural practice through shared creation.
Set in 2030, the cultural movement of Newfoundism encourages the open and unencumbered exchange of resources perceived to hold value, free from the traditional constraints of copyright mechanisms. In this context, architectural components—from structural elements to spatial configurations—are created digitally and traded openly within a collaborative network.
As part of the research component, you will engage with past precedents and explore future philosophical frameworks to inform your design approach. This will culminate in developing a final provocation generated through digital collage and digital modelling as primary tools for exploring studio themes. These methods will serve as vehicles for testing ideas and pushing the boundaries of what is possible within an open-source design context.
For the project, you will choose your own architectural adventure by intuitively selecting from a catalogue of sites, iconic architects, and speculative scenarios. This will enable you to develop a customised brief and program for your design, fostering a personalised and experimental approach. Your final project should demonstrate an appropriate scale and complexity that responds to the specific parameters of your chosen site while also addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by the evolving landscape of architectural authorship and digital exchange.
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