Architectural Association School of Architecture AA Visiting School 2017–18 Semester Programme
The AA Visiting School Semester Programme is a full-time 15-week studio-based course open to undergraduate and graduate students from around the world.
Students gathered outside 36 Bedford Square on the first day of term, photo Valerie Bennett (VB)
Introduction The AA Visiting School Semester Programme offers students a unique opportunity to study alongside full-time AA students and design units for 15 weeks in the heart of London, one of the most architecturally diverse cities in the world. Based in Bloomsbury’s historic Bedford Square, the AA is an internationally renowned school of architecture, with full-time students enrolling from more than 60 countries each year. The AA is the UK’s oldest school of architecture and for decades it has been recognised as an influential world leader in architectural education. AA graduates are the recipients of numerous prizes including Pritzker Prizes, RIBA Gold Medals & Stirling Awards, AIA and other design awards. The Semester Programme is part of the AA Visiting School, which each year organises design workshops in more than 40 countries across five continents. The AA presents one of the world’s largest public programmes dedicated to contemporary architectural culture, encompassing lectures by visiting architects and artists as well as exhibitions and symposia. These events offer students the prospect of meeting the world’s leading architects and discovering more about their practice whilst also gaining an insight into the benefits of showcasing their own work.
Top: AADRL Pavilion installed outside the AA, photo Cristian Bortes; bottom: Zaha Hadid giving an evening lecture at the AA, photo VB
Semester Programme The renowned unit system at the AA provides one-to-one student–tutor conversations to guide and develop students’ work. Pin-ups, workshops, lectures and juries complement the year’s varied types of interactions and levels of exposure to unit colleagues. AA tutors and external experts are invited to discuss the projects and provide personal feedback throughout the course. The Semester Programme studio space is located at the AA, which is spread between 32–39 Bedford Square and 4 and 16 Morwell Street (behind Bedford Square). The programme is integrated with the AA’s undergraduate History and Theory seminars and Media Studies courses and is designed to allow transferable study credits. The AA School awards a Certificate of Completion. A unit trip is organised in relation to the main unit brief so that students can experience sites for themselves and engage in dialogues with local professionals. The group trip focuses on architecture, landscapes and workspaces with the potential to inspire and inform the theme of study.
Clockwise from top left: Final jury presentation Spring Semester Programme; view from the roof terrace towards the rear presentation space at 36 Bedford Square, photo VB; students testing bridges, photo VB
2017–18 Programme Themes Autumn 2017 London – Almeria. Seaport Monday 4 September – Friday 15 December 2017 The Autumn Semester 2017 will focus on how to integrate obsolete infrastructure into the city. As technology evolves, the ways we work and live change. Cities, as a result, need to adapt their urban qualities to perform differently. The design studio will travel to the Spanish port city of Almeria to explore the logistic and commercial potential of the waterfront. Through group work students will look at the existing conditions of the site and its relation to the city. Here the city will be understood as layers of information that together reveal drawing and mapping qualities, which feed into the students’ own design narratives. By analysing both tangible and intangible conditions, each student will develop their own brief to target specific design challenges of re-introducing old infrastructure into changing urban areas. Design proposals will be multi-scalar in scope, enabling architectural propositions to respond to a larger narrative relating to the aesthetic, programmatic and socio-economic capacities of the city and its infrastructure. Students are invited to explore their own aesthetic style as an outcome of the progress, and the ongoing dialogue between two- and three-dimensional representation will reveal unpredictable qualities to inspire their design narratives.
Spring 2018 London – Morelia. PinkQuarry Monday 8 January – Friday 18 May 2018 The Spring Semester 2018 studio will start by looking at the historic centre of Morelia, a fascinating and harmonious unity of architectural buildings of pink stone. This pink spirit proliferates in a checkerboard street layout that opens up to give space to plazas and views of the surrounding hills. The studio will look beyond this core to explore something more pedestrian: the walking distance between adjacencies. We will question how to transition from one area to the next in order to explore the future character that complements the cultural heart of this Mexican city. Through group work students will record and map the existing conditions of the area as an accumulation of layers of information that represent tangible and intangible qualities – ie, infrastructure and flow, activity and time, verticality and pattern. The exploration of these topics will inspire individual strategies for ambitious proposals that address the future of Morelia. Design proposals will be multi-scalar in scope, enabling architectural propositions to respond to a larger narrative relating to the aesthetic, programmatic and socio-economic capacities of the city and its infrastructure. Students are invited to explore their own aesthetic style as an outcome of the progress, and the ongoing dialogue between twoand three-dimensional representation will reveal unpredictable qualities to inspire their design narratives. The AA’s proposed Easter closure dates are 28 March to 15 April 2018 inclusive. This gives students an added opportunity to develop their project further or to travel in Europe.
View of Liverpool waterfront from Liverpool museum, photo Shahid Khan
Left: Autumn Semester 2017 drawing by Abdullah Alturkait; Top: View of Morelia from Beniro Juárez Street towards the Cathedral
2016–17 Programme Themes Autumn 2016 Liverpool – Industrial Edge Monday 5 September – Friday 16 December 2016 The Autumn Semester 2016 studio will look at urban regeneration in the context of the former industrial powerhouse of Liverpool, where new architecture coexists with the old industrial fabric and new programmatic relationships are being tested as the city bids to redefine its urban profile. The attempted transformation into a tourist destination is a challenge that students will take on board, working towards specific architectural responses. The focus of our study will be the interface between the water’s edge and the city; between industrial zones and new ways of urban living and working. The exercise will start with group work to record and map the existing conditions of the selected part of the city. Tangible and intangible qualities such as infrastructure and flow, activity and time, verticality and pattern will inspire individual strategies. Ambitious proposals will be tested through representation techniques and models that reveal and explore ideas in a precise context.
Spring 2017 Rethinking Living Monday 9 January – Friday 12 May 2017 The Spring Semester 2017 studio will consider how the ways in which we live, work and play have changed as a result of many different factors – economic trends, new possibilities created by emerging technologies, etc. House typologies, neighbourhoods and cityscapes transform over time while also negotiating with the historic urban fabric. In a context of constant evolution there is a need to reinvent and challenge how we adapt our physical environment to achieve a better standard of living. We will explore current ways of living, working and playing in order to propose new spatial responses and relationships with a contemporary or futuristic vision.
View of Liverpool waterfront from Liverpool museum, photo Shahid Khan
Complementary Studies Two complementary courses are part of the programme curriculum. Students from the Semester Programme are grouped with current AA third year students. This is an important part of the Semester Programme experience as it directly exposes students to life at the AA and current work, debates and experimentation from units across the school. History & Theory Studies Students are automatically enrolled in the undergraduate History & Theory Studies programme, which is designed to introduce them to the nature of architecture, not solely through the issue of design but also through the larger context of the discipline’s relation to past, present, future and diverse cultures. Writing is a central skill for the developing architect – at a professional level, architects are increasingly expected to describe and analyse designs and buildings in written form. Students are expected to independently research a problem, form a definitive argument and extrapolate clearly on that argument. A full account of the available courses can be found in the Complementary Studies Course Booklet. Media Studies Students can enrol for one Media Studies course from the wide selection on offer. Media Studies exposes students to the work of architects, artists and other practitioners. It introduces them to the innovative skills associated with traditional forms of architectural media and representation and today’s most experimental forms of information, communication and fabrication technologies. Media Studies emphasises the integration of established techniques in design with the potential of progressive media and production methods. www.aa-mediastudies.net Semester Programme Structure Optional STUDIO WORK
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MEDIA COURSE
SOFTWARE CLASSES
15 weeks
10 weeks
10 weeks
1 day
Contact Time
Contact Time
Contact Time
Contact Time
Independent Study
Independent Study
Independent Study
TOTAL 30h/week
TOTAL 5h/week
TOTAL 5h/week
7 week seminar 3 week independent study
15h/week
3h/week
2h/week
Studio Report Grade Format (A+) to (E) (100%) to (48% & below)
8 week seminar 2 week independent study
3h/week
15h/week
AA Media Studies, Photography Workshop with Sue Barr, photo Sue Barr
HISTORY & THEORY COURSE
2h/week
Course Report
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Grade Format Pass/Fail
6h
Course Report
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Grade Format Pass/Fail
Architectural Association CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
AA Facilities Students are encouraged to use the AA’s facilities to gain as many skills as possible during their experience of studying abroad. Digital Prototyping Lab Set up in the summer of 2007, the Lab contains various prototyping machines and a teaching space designed to evolve with the latest developments in digital fabrication technologies. The Lab intends to raise awareness of the potential of digital fabrication as a technique for producing final proposals and also as a design tool.
Audiovisual Department The school has a long history of utilising video within both unit programmes and Media Studies. Students are able to borrow a variety of high-end AV and media equipment. A Chromakey studio is located at 39 Bedford Square and houses Apple workstations running Final Cut Studio and Adobe CC alongside various audio, video and encoding tools.
Wood & Metal Workshop The Wood and Metal Workshop is well equipped with standing machines, hand and power tools for working in wood, metal and some plastics. Facilities are available for welding, cutting and shaping steel and other non-ferrous metals. Machinery is available for precise working in hardwoods, softwoods and other panel products.
Computer Department The AA equips students to use current design systems and software packages to their fullest extent. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, AutoCAD, Microstation, 3D Studio Max and Maya are introduced through one-day workshops during the term. Software introductions consist of six-hour teaching sessions held in First Floor Front, 39 Bedford Square and we have another 50 machines in the computer labs in number 16 Morwell Street. In addition we have A4 to A0 printers and scanners with specialist help in the Print Centre.
Model Workshop The Model Workshop provides an indoor working space for a wide variety of activities, including mould-making and casting, kiln work in ceramics and glass and vacuum-forming. Projects are realised using a wide variety of materials and techniques and range in scale from traditional model-making work to 1:1 concrete castings. Digital Photo Studio The photo studio is fully equipped with lighting, backdrops, cameras and tripods for students to use. Term time opening hours are Monday–Wednesday 10am – 9.30pm and Thursday–Saturday 10am – 6pm.
Spring Semester Programme students at work in the Digital Prototyping Lab, photo VB
Library Founded in 1862, the AA Library holds more than 45,000 volumes on the history of architecture, architectural theory, contemporary architectural and interior design and landscape design. In addition to the most up-to-date publications, it houses rare and early works, plus special collections of material on the Modern Movement, international exhibitions and the history of architectural education at the AA. The library’s online resources and databases are extensive, with constantly growing collections of e-journals and e-books.
Clockwise from top left: AA Library; aluminium sand casting in Ching’s Yard with Shany Barath and Gary Freedman; AA Birthday party spills out onto the roof terrace; model experiments by Santiago Cuaik, Spring Semester Programme 2012, photos VB
Experience
Clockwise from top left: Model by Julian Lee, Spring Semester Programme 2017; drawing by Yue Pan, Autumn Semester Programme 2016; Image by Napasom Vataniyobol, Autumn Semester Programme 2016
Clockwise from top left: Model by Yue Pan, Autumn Semester Programme 2016; Rendering by Pridi Hengsadeekul, Autumn Semester Programme 2016; drawing by Yue Pan, Autumn Semester Programme 2016, Liverpool.IndustrialEdge
Clockwise from above: Central Saint Giles drawing by Supitcha Krishnamaru, Autumn Semester Programme 2016; model by Napasom Vataniyobol, Autumn Semester Programme 2016; Autumn Semester 2017 model by Supitcha Krishnamaru
Entrance Requirements
Applications
The AA Semester Programme is open to qualified students of undergraduate and graduate standing currently enrolled in an architecture school. A minimum of two years of study in architecture or urban design is required. All candidates are required to show proficiency in the English language. To meet both the AA and the Home Office/UKVI English language requirements you will need to have one of the acceptable language qualifications listed below, unless you are from one of the following groups:
If you meet the requirements you can apply to the programme by submitting the following:
–– You are a national of a majority English-speaking country (all countries listed below excluding Ireland). –– You have successfully completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above, which was taught in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country (listed below) excluding Canada. In order to assess the equivalency of an overseas qualification the student should provide official documentation produced by UK NARIC which confirms the translation. Please go to the English language assessment section for individuals of the UK NARIC website, apply online and send us your NARIC certificate. –– Majority English-speaking countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America We also accept if you have successfully completed a course of study in the UK as a Tier 4 (Child) student or as a student under rules in force before 31 March 2009, where you were under 18 when granted leave, provided your course was at least six months long and it was completed no more than two years before your CAS was assigned. If your place is conditional on providing an English language qualification, the following qualifications satisfy both the requirements of the Home Office/UKVI and the entry requirements of the AA: –– International applicants: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each category. IELTS reports have a two year validity period. Therefore, the certificate must bear a date no longer than two years ago at the time of visa application. The AA requires a scan of the original certificate. Please check Appendix O and the Approved secure English language tests and test centres issued by the UKVI to ensure you book a test with an approved SELT provider. –– EU Applicants: IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each category. IELTS reports have a two year validity period. Therefore, the certificate must bear a date no longer than two years ago at the time of application to the AA. The AA requires a scan of the original certificate. –– Trinity College SELT test (ISE II (B2) or ISE III (C1)) with a minimum pass in each category. Trinity reports have a two year validity period. Therefore, the certificate must bear a date no longer than two years ago at the time of visa application. The AA requires a copy of the original certificate. Applicants are required to meet the scores in each category and overall – we cannot accept lower scores. In addition, your certificate must show that you have achieved the required scores during a single sitting of the examination.
–– Completed PDF application form –– A4 Portfolio consisting of 20 sheets that demonstrates your range of skills –– University transcripts in English –– Original letter of reference on letter-headed paper –– Certificate showing proficiency in English language. Refer to English language requirements listed under entrance requirements. If you do not have the certificate and are planning to take an English language test, you can still make an application with the above documents and submit your results when you receive them –– Copy of your passport All documents should be submitted as a digital copy with a completed application form to visitingschool@ aaschool.ac.uk via email or other file transfer methods such as WeTransfer; however original documents or certified true copies of certificates are required prior to enrolment. Applicants will be notified of results by email no later than two weeks following the admissions deadline. If applications are received before the deadline, applicants will be notified of their results sooner. Applications received after the official deadline will be accepted at the discretion of the school, space permitting. Please do not pay course fees until you have received an offer. The application deadline for the Autumn Semester programme is 28 July 2017. The full fee of £9,920 has to be paid by 4 August 2017. The application deadline for the Spring Semester is 14 November. The full Spring Semester fees of £9,920 has to be paid by 21 November. Fees The tuition fee for both the Autumn Semester and Spring Semester programme is £9,920, which includes AA Visiting Membership. The deposit is £3,920 made payable after acceptance onto the programme. Further details can also be found on the Semester Programme websites: Autumn Semester www.aaschool.ac.uk/autumnsemesterprog Spring Semester: www.aaschool.ac.uk/springsemesterprog
Programme Semester Programme Director AA Visiting Naiara Vegara School
Course Tutor Katya Larina
Naiara Vegara has an AA Diploma and is Visiting a registeredSchool architectDirector RIBA Part III. She is a PhD candidate Pierce under the research topic Christopher of Streetware. She is currently Director of Metrópoli Cities Lab London, working on Visiting School Coordinator projects around the world at the scales of urban design, landscape and architecture; Andrea Ghaddar and Director of the AA Visiting School Semester Programme. Naiara also teaches on the AA Masters in Housing and Urbanism programme and has been running the AA Streetware Visiting School in Southeast Asia for five years. She has been a visiting critic at many architecture schools and has presented her research on virtual environments and the design process in architecture at workshops at the universities of Columbia, Princeton, Pennsylvania and Taylors in Kuala Lumpur.
Katya Larina is a senior architect and urban designer at Gustafson Porter, London. She received her Master’s in Landscape Urbanism from the AA and has been co-directing a series of independent workshops. She has also been invited as an expert and guest lecturer at Institute Strelka (Moscow), the Bartlett School of Architecture and the AA. Katya is co-founder of the research and education project U:Lab. spb, which develops tools that are used in the fields of design and analytics of critical urban environments of Russian cities. U:Lab.spb focuses on social economic strategies that combine knowledge from the fields of sociology, economics, urban planning and ecology to foster the redevelopment of Russian industrial cities and knowledge centres.
Course Master Marie-Isabel de Monseignat-Lavrov Marie-Isabel de Monseignat-Lavrov has an AA Diploma and is a registered architect ARB/RIBA part III. She is currently Director of MdeM architects and Course Tutor of the AA Visiting School Semester Programme. Previously she taught at the UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design. Marie-Isabel is a regular visiting critic at many architectural schools including Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, UAL Central Saint Martin and the University of Westminster in London. She has worked in the fields of urban masterplanning, architecture and interior design in various offices: in Amsterdam for MVSA, in Paris for Alberto Pinto, in Buenos Aires for Sanchez Elia, in New York for De-Kar Design and in London for Acme Ltd. Architectural Association, 36 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3ES. T +44 (0)20 7887 4000 F +44 (0)20 7414 0782 Produced by AA Print Studio. Design: Rosa Nussbaum, Boris Meister. Architectural Association (Inc), Registered charity No 311083. Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 171402. Registered office as above. AA Members wishing to request a large-print version of specific printed items can do so by contacting AA Reception +44 (0)20 7887 4000 / reception@aaschool.ac.uk or by accessing the AA website at www.aaschool.ac.uk
www.aaschool.ac.uk/ semesterprogramme