About
Description
The field of architecture is constantly in search of new species of form. Most recent technological movements and capacities are utilized in this pursuit. The increased presence and prominence of new media in the context of architecture justifies a separate study of the forms that arise at the intersection of the two fields. Such generalized entities can be regarded as metaforms.
Metaforms is a studio course offering a broad range of topics focused on progressive architectural discourse framed by new media. The goal of the class is for each student to produce an architectural form which will inhabit an urban public space in New York City. The forms need not be traditional architectural constructs, but new strategies towards defining an architecture that can be expressed through new technologies. Students will be encouraged to imagine the impossible and to integrate metaforms into the contemporary city. Science-fiction sites, transportation paths, urban anomalies, invisible boundaries, and temporary autonomous zones will be examined and developed as metaform habitats.
Metaforms will emerge from a binary system: expressions and interventions. The first section, expressions, will address contemporary architectural, geometric, computing, and material tendencies that unfold to inhabit the spaces of urban environments. Expressions are analyzed through, but not limited to, techniques of storytelling, generative algorithms, spatial sound analysis, video processing, physical installations, 3D interpretations and live performances in the city-space. The second part, interventions, will activate communication strategies to connect the metaforms to actual public spaces within New York City. Such metaforms might include temporary public installations, big games, events, tours, objects, etc. The class work will culminate in final presentations critiqued by guest reviewers from related fields. No prerequisites or architectural experience is needed, however, previous knowledge on at least one programming language is strongly recommended (processing, max/msp/jitter, maya, flash etc.).
contact: email dlk253@nyu.edu
READ: Metaforms will have two texts:
1. The Metapolis Dictionary of Advanced Architecture
2. Delirious New York by Rem Koolhaas: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan
You can find these texts at the NYU bookstore, but I would highly recommend sharing or purchasing them online or used. There will be copies of both in the ER for students to check out.
All other readings will be handed out in class or online as PDF downloads.
DOCUMENTATION:
Metaforms will have a course website. Each student is responsible for creating a Metaforms digital sketchbook. This can be an online place for archiving all of the work, writing, ideas etc for this class. Please send me a link the first week of class. The digital sketchbook will also have a physical counterpart so please bring a sketchbook to class.
At the end of the semester I will be publishing a Metaforms text online and in print. Sketches, photos, dialogues, manifestos, interviews, essays, texts, and projects will all contribute to this document.
WORK:
There will be one semester long project. The project will have a midterm review and a final review. Weekly assignments and readings will be devoted to conceptualizing, designing, developing, and creating the final project. Site research will be done in groups but each student will create a unique metaform. Digital sketchbooks are to be updated once weekly and are due every Monday before class.
FORMAT: Each class will have a set lecture followed by class discussion, examples, and critique of project development. Readings listed are due the following week.
Guest lectures will be brought in to discuss specific topics and themes.
Guest Lectures: Biothing // Kokkugia // Gil Akos Urban A &O // DJ NRON // Amy Peterson
GUIDELINES:
Grading:
40% Readings/Discussion/Participation/Attendence
40% Digital Sketch Book/ Assignments
30% Final Project
Orders from the General:
Showing up to class late or leaving early will directly effect your participaton grade
Missing more than 3 classes will lower your grade.
If you have to miss a class please warn me in advance
No IM, Chat or chronic emailing during class
OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays by appointment
About the Instructor
Dana Karwas is a designer living and working in NYC. She specializes in installation, architecture, and programming.
Dana Karwas received a B.Arch in Architecture from the University of Kansas and holds a masters in Interactive Telecommunications from NYUs Tisch School of the Arts. Her main interest lies in transforming and redefining social spaces through the intersection of art architecture and technology.
Her work is rooted in architecture and extends to the edges of social systems and cultural dimensions. She has taught classes on interactive technology and the connections between architecture and the visual and sonic arts at Harvestworks digital media center, NYC and at Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation. Her recent work includes a two story video installation for Knoll International in Paris, France and a roving Party Dress that transforms into a temporary architecture pavilion for the DUMBO Art Under the Bridge Festival in Brooklyn, NY. Dana currently teaches the Metaforms class at the Interactive Telecommunications Program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Dana is the co-founder of WIKA a company based in New York’s Lower East Side specializing in new experiences for contemporary space.
http://www.winerkarwas.com
http://www.dk22.com