Educational Program - Open Thesis Fabrication

OPEN THESIS FABRICATION
25 credits

Programme
In design and architecture, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) fabrication equipment has given designers unprecedented means for executing formally challenging projects directly from the computer. The impact of digital production in these fields allows the production of complex geometries and opens up a wide field of research and experimentation.                                                                                                               Open Thesis Fabrication is a 25 credits program which extends over the period of 15 weeks from September to December 2010. The course is open  to students and professionals who would like to develop a specific research agenda within the field of digital design and fabrication. The program focuses on the development and completion of full scale prototypes using advanced CNC machinery, applying experimental materials and testing smart energy sollutions.                               Student projects will be followed by experienced tutors and regularly discussed with external guests and consultants with expertise in the field. Along these special sessions will take place specifically related activities such as: factory and building sites visit, field trip etc.

Teaching Staff
Consultants and reviewers will be guests from all over the world specialised in the field of digital design, fabrication and manufacturing

Program Structure /Calendar
Open Thesis Fabrication starts on September 5th. The first week is an introductory week where the students will be given bibliography for readings (book, articles and software manuals) and they will have a short introduction to the Fab Lab BCN (www.fablab.es) , one of the most equipped digital laboratory in Europe. After the introductory part participants should present their Thesis topics within the Open Thesis Fabrication Research Agenda whish they will be developing during the 15 weeks of the program.  There will be weekly activities and conferences such as desk crits with advisor tutor every 2 or 3 weeks. Final submission
of the supervised projects will take place on December 20^th along with an Open exhibition of the final projects.

Program Activities
Factory Visits
Building Sites Visit
Field trip (not sponsored, optional)
Special desk crit sessions with consultants
Desk crits with advisor tutor (every two weeks)

Program Research Agenda
Digital tectonics
Parametric Facades
Micro-Houses
Self Sufficient Buildings
Solar House
Experimental Structures
Advanced Materials
Intelligent Houses
Intelligent Facades

Language of Teaching
English

Aimed at
Students or professionals from the field of Architecture, Engineering, Fine Art, Design, Landscape, etc.

Price
The  price for  this  special program  is 4.500 euros and students can develop the project during a 4-month period; from September to December. 

Applications
The documents required for the applications are the following and should be sent digitally to applications@iaac.net
- Curiculum Vitae
- A letter of intent explaining the project that student wishes to develop as long as his/ her interests.
- A copy of valid passport (valid copy of I.D. is accepted)
- A copy of a non-refundable application fee of  50 euros, payable by bank transfer to the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya at the bank:
Caja de Arquitectos in Barcelona (Spain)
Account Number: 3183-0800-8200-0064-8636
IBAN: ES86 3183 0800 8200 0064 8636
BIC/SWIFT: CASDESBB
 
Course Director
Marta Malé-Alemany

Credits
25 credits