Summer Workshop 2008

Toh

Shimazaki

Architecture

Forum



Theme

Textured Surfaces &

Tactile Details

Date

25th August 2008-

19th September 2008-



Aims/Background


Toh Shimazaki Architecture Forum(t-sa forum) 2008 is open to participants for application.


t-sa forum is an architectural workshop that exists alongside Toh Shimazaki Architecture practice. Its aim is to support the academic thinking through the help of professional practice by connecting the two activities.


It promotes a platform for research, allowing each participant to test and carry out critical investigations according to his/her own interests and ideas, with the practice’s input.


The forum also provides open debates, evening lectures, visits and discussions with practicing architects, constructors, engineers, artists and designers.


There are places for 20 participants from around the world. Last year, the visiting lecturers included some of the most exciting talents in the UK such as Patrick Lynch, Haworth Tompkins, Shin Azumi, DSDHA and Sergison Bates.


Past participants are of all ages between 20 and 30 from diverse universities such as Cardiff University, Greenwich University, Oxford Brooks University, Cambridge University, Tokyo University, Kanto Gakuin University, Japan Women’s University, Tokyo Kougei University, Chiba University and Kogakuin University.



The Course


The participants will study and pursue their chosen topics under an overall theme. This year, the main theme will be ‘Context and Craft’. Each participant will review ideas of context through their own specific chosen topics based on a proposed brief.


The brief suggests two main topics of investigation: ‘Textured Surfaces’ and ‘Tactile Details’. Students will be encouraged to choose one of these topics and develop an inventive architectural proposal for the given site. They will work with close assistance from the tutors as well as with specialised advise from t-sa staff and visiting critics.


By the end of the course each student is expected to produce three-dimensional drawings that summarises his/her proposal. This final work should meet the standard of a fabricated artefact, presenting a high level of material and conceptual refinement.


Its merit will be measured against its ability to convey an architectural idea based on one or more of the following parameters: representation, construction, design, and/or interaction.


All final works will be published in the 2008 t-sa forum book.


In addition to the studio work, the t-sa forum will promote evening lectures with outstanding professionals in the areas of art and design, as well as guided visits to some of their practices (see list below).


The tutors will also advise students on the organisation of a cultural programme in tune with their particular interests, and the Toh Shimazaki Architecture studio will organise at least one social event inviting all the people involved in the forum.



Assessment


All students’ work will be followed by regular weekly tutorials. There will be tutors who will support the participants through the entire course. The workshop will run as small group and all students will discuss their work with the others.


The work at the forum will be assessed by the tutors and the members of Toh Shimazaki Architecture as well as the external professional visitors in a group crit presentation.


Elements of the brief for the research will be based on the ‘live’ situation of projects undertaken by the practice (t-sa). A London site, which Toh Shimazaki Architecture is working on will be given to each student. A client will be asked to be involved with the briefing and the crit.


There will be a two-way critic and debate exercise with the members of the practice who are working on the projects. The consultants, such as Structural engineers will also join the debate and assessments. The participants will be given the opportunity to discuss and test their ideas and research topics with the practice members, external designers and the consultants.


It is hoped that opportunities to experience a practice atmosphere at Toh Shimazaki Architecture and other offices will be encouraged. The forum will be conducted in English.


Note:

Students are required to provide their own working materials including models, computers and drawing tools. Minimum of 15 students must enrol before this workshop can take place.


Students should have minimum conversational English in order to get the most of the summer Workshop. However you must also have good communication skills through other means such as drawings, models, photography and computers.



Programme


April:

Application is open to participants


April - July:

Interviews and Decisions on study topics to be made.


April - June:

Interview dates in Tokyo

April - July:

Interview dates in London


25th August - 19th September:

The workshop. Activities including, Introduction, Tutorials, Office Visit, Site studies, Investigations, Dialogue with Toh Shimazaki staff, Crits, Production of 3D drawings, Final Presentation, Feedback process and Work on the book.