EASA LINKS_The Participant Link by EASA Malta

EASA LINKS THE PARTICIPANT LINK VALLETTA.MALTA.2015

WHAT IS EASA? 1 Easa Timeline The Assembly The Network

EASA MALTA 7 The Foundation The Team Support EASA LINKS

VALLETTA 21 History Today The Site

THE WORKSHOP LINK 37 EASA LINKS Workshops

THE PROGRAMME 51 Excursions The EASA Hostel Extra Excursions

THE PARTICIPANT LINK 59 Information National Contacts How to Apply Deadlines & Fees

INFO LINKS 68

Useful Maltese Phrases More info

THE EASA TIMELINE

WHAT IS EASA? EASA started in Liverpool 1981 as an improvised gathering of European architecture students and tutors who wanted to discuss any current affairs concerning the profession and urban environments. The relaxed gathering was so successful it was consequently decided to hold another one in Delft, and soon enough it became a yearly gathering that began to host a number of organized workshops. EASA was previously held in Malta in 1998 in a disused 18th century Fort within Marsamxetto harbour. Not only did this event leave an impact on local participants, but it also became the chance for several foreign students and tutors to settle in Malta, seeking education, a place to live, as well as an opportunity to practice professionally and effectively form part of our local artistic community.

THE ASSEM

MBLY

The European Architecture Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Assembly [EASA] is a network of architecture students from all over the continent. Every summer this takes place in a different European country whereby 500 design students, graduates and tutors live together in a self-sustaining, community-like setting. The Assembly takes place over two weeks and includes lectures, building and theoretical workshops, as well as other cultural and architectural endeavors. EASA acts as a platform for the exchange of social, architectural and cultural experiences. The people who form part of the EASA event include; the organisers, the participants, the tutors and the helpers. The tutors are in charge of organizing an engaging workshop for a selected number of participants. The tutors are therefore responsible for ensuring that all their participants are involved and that the product of their workshop and its products will live up to the EASA experience. The helpers of the event contribute in anyway possible whether it be serving food or clearing spaces. The dedicated contribution of every person at the event, is what makes the event truly successful. This is also what creates the great sense of EASA spirit that every person attending cannot help being caught up in.

The main focus of the event is the workshops, where around 30 groups of students work on a small project for 2 weeks. The workshops are always linked to the main theme which embodies that EASA but they can range from discussing hypotheses and concepts to photography of local people to cooking of food and to the construction of small houses. At the end the 2 weeks everyone is able to present what they have developed and produced throughout the assembly. The workshops allow the participants to broaden their thinking and teach them new skills.

Workshop - Easa Malta ‘Living on the Edge ‘98 ’

THE NETWORK In addition to the EASA summer assemblies, EASA actively supports international communication and exchange through its National Contacts. These representatives [2 per country] are in permanent contact throughout the year and meet every autumn for a week at the INCM [Intermediate National Contacts Meeting]. During these meetings, the representatives perform reviews of the past events and decide where the next ones will be held. The active EASA network, organizes several SESAMs [Small European Students of Architecture Meetings]. These meetings take place throughout the year in different countries and gather around 100 international architecture students to produce works. EASA also organizes other events such as contests and exhibitions throughout the year. The National Contacts meetings are where decisions are made and problems within the network resolved. These meetings take place at least twice a year: in the summer Assemblies and during the INCM every autumn.

EASA MALTA In October 2013, the EASA Malta team proposed for this event to be held in Valletta in 2015. After a long bidding process the team successfully won over their audience made up of circa 150 architecture students and professionals. Said group reached a consensus selecting the Maltese team over their competitors. The 2015 edition of EASA will therefore be held in Valletta, Malta, and themed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;EASA Linksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Traditionally, universities and other institutions from each country send a number of students to this event and as a rule participation is limited to countries within the European continent. Recently an international team was set up, permitting students from around the world to attend the Assembly with a high level of response from the US, Canada & Asia. EASA Malta 2015 is proposing to expand our boundaries further and enlarge the EASA community by specifically involving neighbouring North African countries to participate. This gesture embodies the nature of our theme for 2015, EASA Links.

EASA MALTA FOUNDATION The EASA Malta Foundation constitutes a non-profit, student-run organisation that is A-political and non-institutionalised. EASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success and longevity feeds off the energy of the close-knit EASA network and its dedicated members and partners. As an organisation within the EASA network, EASA Malta strives to create the necessary platforms for the quality of exchange and education in all forms and disciplines of art, architecture, and design locally and internationally. This is done by assessing the current needs of the network and its members, and supporting those needs through close communication, attendance and participation at EASA events.

foundation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whereby the expansion of the network increases its resources and contacts in knowledge, education and support. This will also be carried out by the multidisciplinary events that EASA Malta will be organising, such as lectures, exhibitions, social gatherings, public meetings as well as small conferences. Through these events EASA Malta aims to showcase Malta, its culture, talent, heritage and its people in an international arena. In essence, the EASA Malta foundation will serve as a focus of action and information for the network in Malta and to provide a channel of communication within the EASA network.

Strengthening and promoting the EASA network is also a key aim for the

KATRINA GAUCI

SEAN ALBERT MAYL

JUSTIN COPPINI

JEAN VELLA

ELAINE BONAVIA

SAM CREMONA

THE EASA MALTA TEAM MARK CAUCHI

ZOE MIZZI

JULIAN VASSALLO

KARL EBEJER

ALESSANDRO G. LA ROSA 11

The Alfred Mizzi Foundation Centenary Logo Final Logo

SUPPORT So far, we have been supported by several organisations that have collaborated with us to develop our project to a point in which we are very confident in hosting a successful assembly. The Maltese government has supported us since our initial bid to host the event in Romania (2013) through the Ministry of Education and Employment, as well as the Ministry for Justice and Culture and the Ministry for Energy and Health. Along the way we have also been supported by architecture firm AP (Architecture Project), some of whom were organisers of EASA â&#x20AC;&#x2122;98. The Valletta 2018 Foundation have also pledged their support for our event, and are excited for EASA to feature in the line-up of events leading up to 2018 when Valletta will be named European capital for culture. Being a non-profit organisation, EASA relies on the support of people with vision and are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities.

[EASA] Links EASA serves as a platform for architecture students from all over the world. Whilst on EASA hundreds of strangers become a temporary family, a sense of community fills the site and lifelong friendships are nurtured. Ideas, thoughts and cultures are shared. Easians are exposed to unknown things and become one, working, self-sustaining body, exuding and inducing EASA spirit.

[MALTA] Links Malta is situated on the African plate, strategically located mid-way between two continents. A place influenced by the southern most tip of Italy and the Northern most tip of Africa. An amalgamation of two cultures, resulting in a unique architectural expression; created by people with Mediterranean mannerisms; with a spoken language similar to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Semitic counterparts.

THE ASSE

EASA LINKS

EMBLY

[MEDITERRANEAN] Links

[VALLETTA] Links

Malta is the epitome of merged cultures. Throughout its history Malta has been dominated and influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Argonese, Spanish, Knights of St John, French and British. It has acted as a platform for trade between distant cultures. Always falling subject to rule due to its ideal location and vulnerable population. Each predecessor has left its mark on our tiny island, one which has contributed to the current populationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity.

Valletta is located on the peninsula known as Mount Xiberras. It is surrounded by two of the main harbours on the island. Construction of the planned city began in 1566, and the architect was Francesco Laparelli. Named after the grandmaster of the time, Valletta was created in order to strengthen the knights permanent naval base in Malta. The site was divided into a grid pattern system and the buildings were designed in a mannerist style. The architecture of the city soon lent itself to a baroque nature. The city endured great bombing in the war and most of the buildings were rebuilt in a similar manner. The whole city is like an open-air museum and gives a glimpse into Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past, tying layers of generations together in architecture, memory and experience.

[EASA] Links It is said that beneath Valletta lies another city. A network of subterranean routes comprising shelters, cellars, wells and passageways. The roads above ground are mirrored below. This system was designed to allow for an ease of movement in times when the city was under siege. This network is closed off to the public and few are those who have ever experienced underground Valletta. The site consists of a series of bastions and counter-guards that are all linked together with bridges, tunnels, sally ports and rock cut passageways, all giving onto a main ditch that will act as the hub of EASA. From our hub Easians will have direct access into Vallettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core where they will merge with locals. EASA will create a pulse beneath the city and this will transcend throughout the whole of the 0.8 sq km that are known as Valletta. Forgotten spaces will be used from all over the city as satellite venues for lectures and activities throughout EASA015. Participants will sprout out of hidden tunnels and alleys, right into the core and will leave their mark on this tiny city, adding to its palpable diversity.

[HISTORY]

VALLETTA

Valletta is a fortified Baroque city that sits on a peninsula in between two of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deepest natural harbours. Valletta was built at a time when Malta was ruled by the Knights of St John, a group of military Hospitallers, that gained prominence during the Middle Ages. At the time, the Knights were looking to secure a base in the Mediterranean after being driven out of Rhodes in 1510. Building a new city effectively meant that they would settle in Malta, that would also become a refuge for the many injured soldiers and pilgrims that were left stranded in the 16th Century Crusades. It was decided that the city would be built following the 1565 Great siege of Malta, one of the worst battles ever to be fought on the island. Having led the Knights to victory, Grand Master Jean Parisot de La Vallette asked the Pope and other European monarchies to aid with the funding of the city. The city was to be called La Valletta, and its construction started immediately, in 1566. It would be built on Mount Xebb ir- Ras which at the time was a barren tongue of land having only Fort St Elmo at its extreme end.

Valletta was design by Francesco Laparelli, who chose to split the peninsula into a grid-pattern layout, an innovative and highly advanced design strategy at the time. The city would be fortified on all sides, with deep ditches and high bastion walls on the land front, in fear of an invasion from both land and sea. At the time Valletta had its own planning department and regulations controlled all construction activities. Primarily, the grid system was employed for sanitary reasons that would complement the Maltese climate. Buildings were not allowed to project into the street as they would narrow the passageway and front gardens and gaps between buildings were forbidden. Every building had to have a sculpture on each corner and each house had to be equipped with a well to collect rainwater. A central underground drainage system was devised and every house had to be connected to it. Further to this, upon acquiring a site, construction had to begin within ten months and the building had to be completed up to three years later. 21

[VALLETTA TODAY] In the years that followed, Valletta would be embellished with eight Auberges, various palaces, monuments and numerous baroque buildings. Valletta grew to be a rich and fine city that was visited by many during Malta’s colonised years between the departure of the Knights and Malta’s independence in 1964. During the Second World War, Malta’s two natural Harbours on either side of the city were a great asset and thus the city became a haven for numerous military allies due to its strategic location. Air raids throughout WWII caused much destruction in Valletta, leading to the loss of some prestigious buildings such as the Royal Opera house. In 1980 the city was awarded the title of “UNESCO World Heritage Site”, one of three on the island, resulting in the world’s highest concentration of UNESCO sites

The prestige of the UNESCO title is also coupled with many implications and restrictions on the degree of intervention that can be done to the city’s built fabric. All locals consider Valletta as a national asset, however much controversy clouds the possibility of altering and adding to Valletta’s dominant context. Few are those willing to even discuss the introduction of new buildings, with the majority of the population believing the city is to remain untouched and for all new interventions to conform to outdated architectural styles, namely Baroque. The city is currently undergoing a new wave of contemporary injection, with the introduction of the Barrakka lift, and more recently the completion of Renzo Piano’s city gate project, to name a few. Though the latter intervention is considered as generally being “out-of-place”, much of the architectural community hails the project as a much needed stepping stone for the incubation of a new social and physical aspect to Valletta.

Valletta’s future remains uncertain, with the current legislation being adamant on building height restrictions and with a lack of exploitable land. Conscious design coupled with a respect for context will allow for the city to be propelled into the future harboring growth in ways that differ from it’s European counterparts.

In 2012 Valletta was declared European Capital of Culture (ECoC) 2018. The V.18 Foundation aims to develop the sustainability of the cultural sector through the amalgamation of art, architecture and other cultural facets of the city. It is envisioned that Valletta will become the heart of Malta’s creative economy through regeneration and sustainability, such that it can serve contemporary society: Malta’s citizens, residents and visitors. Five centuries later, Valletta’s brief has changed dramatically from the defensive city it was once envisaged as. Today, the city is buzzing with daytime activity and establishing its nightlife activities. However, much of its architecture still conforms to the traditional building styles and materials that have been used for centuries. It is a rich city, a fertile ground for new ideas, boasting context, character and timelessness. Today’s generation of architects will directly influence Valletta’s future. The EASA workshops can pave the way towards a new city: A place that can grow, adapt and coexist with today’s social, economic and architectural realities. Often seen as limiting, Valletta’s urban fabric should be looked at as a breeding ground of opportunity, one that is ready to be embraced by the EASA ethos.

THE SITE

‘Il -FOSS’, VALLETTA

The EASA campus incorporates St Michael’s 3 tiered counterguard, St. Andrew’s Tenaille, The bridge, Tunnels and rooms within St. Michael’s Demi-Bastion and part of the Valletta ditch.

[THE COUNTERGUARD] St. Michael’s counterguard was built in 1640 to protect St. Michael’s demibastion. It comprises of a three tiered artillery platform and is only accessible through a tunnel from the ditch and a bridge that leads into the city. This space has managed to preserve itself well over the centuries: sitting along the western Marsamxett side of the Valletta enceinte, it has always been an obscure but exclusive part of the fortifications. For a long time the place has been a restricted area and off the beaten track due to missing or blocked links with the rest of the City. After joining the EU, Malta acquired funds to restore part of Valletta’s fortifications and make them accessible to the public. Restoration works in this area was extensive and included the reconstruction of the chapel of St. Roche, the removal of harmful trees on the bastions, replacements of weathered stones, reinforcement of the

walls and numerous other similar interventions. All areas of the EASA site were part of this project and have just been completed. In 2010 thousands of people were given the opportunity to visit the counterguard during an open weekend organized by the Restoration Unit. Most of the people who attended, including many Valletta residents, had never had the opportunity to step inside this unique and fascinating outerwork of the fortifications. Although there are no immediate plans for use for the areas after EASA, it is envisaged that EASA will put these forgotten spaces in the limelight and that the counterguard will be successfully re-linked with the rest of Valletta and given purpose.

[THE BRIDGE] The arched masonry bridge spans between St. Michael’s counterguard and St. Michael’s demi-bastion and serves as a quick route into the City. Previously it incorporated a draw-bridge which could be destroyed if the counterguard was lost to the enemy. Most probably, the drawbridge mechanism used was of the ‘fuso con tamburo style’. This comprised of a wooden counterweight wheel pivoting on a stout wooden shaft above the doorway around which was wound a heavy rope. In the run-up to EASA LINKS, the team has embarked on the task to complete the arched masonry bridge by constructing the part previously occupied by the drawbridge. This project is currently at planning application stage and if completed, it will further strengthen the concept behind EASA 2015; ‘Links’.

[ST. ANDREW’S TENAILLE] St. Andrew’s Tenaille is a small bastioned tenaille largely cut out of the bedrock, which was a common way of construction fortifications. It is found beneath the flank of St. Michael’s Dem-Bastion. The tenaille can be accessed from a rock-hewn tunnel which descends from the rear of St Andrew Bastion, across a small bridge. While the tenaille has an open gorge, a small chamber is built into the left demi-bastion. The fortification is made up of numerous interesting spaces that will form part of the workshop locations for EASA Links.

[THE DITCH] The Valletta Ditch surrounds the city on the landward side and was formed by digging or cutting the rock and then using it to construct fortification walls. The ditch is around 1000m long and was completed in around 5 years. Recent plans submitted as part of Piano’s City Gate project included the embellishment of the ditch, an efficient rainwater collection plan and the inclusion of a public garden. Unfortunately these were abandoned due to financial reasons and currently the ditch is used as a carpark.

THE Workshops are the fundamental framework of the EASA assembly, giving essence to the event and physically leaving their mark once the assembly is over. Although a workshop should aim towards achieving a good result in the little time available, this is not the sole aim: there is also an emphasis on the process. A workshopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is largely influenced by what tutors and participants have gained from it, which is usually a direct result of how well everyone works together, the level of enthusiasm and the drive to achieve a common goal. In this spirit, tutoring a workshop is not just a case of a professional imparting his knowledge to the participants but rather about exchange of ideas and dialogue.

WORKSHOP LINK

AMSTERDAM EXPRESSIONISM

AN UNEXPECTED ATLAS

Tutors Christian Sluijmer (NL) Carlyn Simoen (NL) Frank Reitsma (NL)

Tutors

The Project aims to create a workshop in which theory meets practice. The importance of this workshop is to link the tools of the architectural expression of De Amsterdamse School with a challenge of the theme LINKS that we will formulate on site.

‘AN UNEXPECTED ATLAS OF VALLETTA’ Valletta. A city where most of the EASIANS have never been. Although Google maps and images can give us a first impression of what the city looks like, it will be necessary to actually travel to Valletta, and observe the town, to get a clue of what it’s really like. Our goal for this workshop is to map this missing - slightly subjective and sentimental - information, and produce EASA’s very own unplanned and Unexpected Atlas of Valletta.

In the materiality of our proposed workshop lies the connection between typical Dutch brickwork architecture of de Amsterdamse School and the typical Maltese limestone. First we will step into theory and then put the discovered design tools in practice by building a sculpture, folly or pavilion. The design and construction workshop offers opportunity for individual creativity in designing patterns and ornaments, and end with the collective design and construction of a sculptural intervention.

ANTIROOM II

OF VALLETTA

Jolein Bergers (BE) Sofie Devriendt (BE)

This will be done in four phases: PHASE 1: THE TOURIST PHASE 2: THE OBSERVER PHASE 3: THE UNPLANNER PHASE 4: EDITING THE UNEXPECTED ATLAS OF VALLETTA

Tutors

Elena Chiavi (CH) Matteo Goldoni (IT)

Antiroom II is a floating space on the sea shore of Malta. Its form will become an unreachable surface from the ground, only accessible by swimming or by boat. The wood structure will create a space separated from the vastness of the unlimited sea. Its center defined as a small secure water pool. The antiroom as such can therefore contra pose its smallness with the big Island of Malta. Islands have always had a great cultural significance. Our reinterpretation of islands is a thought on refuge space, where one can lie on them and feel at home. Antiroom II remains light and gentle through it floating and instability. One can enter its core, surround it, swim around it and contemplate its structure. Antiroom II is a physical symbol to welcome and accept anyone. All cultures without exceptions.Antiroom II can float and move slowly away, as a new isolated world, in the sea.

ASA

BETONBOOT

Tutors Ciprian Făcăeru (RO) Andrei Dan Mușetescu (RO) Sabin Șerban (RO) Cătalin Găman (RO)

Tutors

Augmented reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

Betonboot is a design and construction workshop, where the participants have the ability to design and build a concrete boat out of sand and cement. The participants divide in groups of 5 to 7 people, each group will produce their own boat. We imagine the workshop as a mix of construction and inputs, the project evolves as the participants interact and improve their design. The participants get introduced to a set of rules which guides the construction of a concrete shell, what spatial qualities it creates, its behavior in the water, the maximal loads it can carry, etc.

Our workshop proposes investigating the integration of AR concepts into architecture and arts as a non-intrusive experimental medium. Currently, there is a tendency to try and bridge the gap between our physical world and the virtual, data-driven world. Augmentation is one solution that can be tested and implemented where a link is formed between the physical world and the virtual one. These kind of applications can be used as social media and community tools to facilitate interaction between participants and be expanded as a digital avatar connected to the physical world.

Melchior Hoesli (CH) Guillaume Stark (CH)

During the construction phase, they will get acquainted with the characteristics of concrete, its reinforcement and what it can do. The last phase is the competition of all the efforts, the boats are launched in the sea and the participants will be able to exhibit and enjoy their design.

BODY STUDY Tutors

Bohdan Volynskyi (UKR) Valeriia Agafonova (UKR)

“Body study” is a workshop where you will learn about feeling space, absorbing atmospheres and link this experience with architecture design. The main concept of our workshop is to work on link between physical artificial world and virtual world of feelings. In “Body study” we will talk about latest art practices such as performances, happenings, relational art and try to use some of them to study our bodies, minds and the city of Valetta. The workshop aims to create a link between them through series of performances. Starting from theoretical base, discussions and exercises we will gradually move to design phase, realization and additional discussion with final conclusions. All participants will develop their own ideas, producing many variations under a common framework provided by the tutor.

CHAIR/ TUTOR NURSERY Tutors

Kieran Donnellan (IRL)

This workshop is designed to teach participants the foundational skills necessary to be a competent tutor in the future, while learning about how to design and build furniture that will be donated to local charities. The workshop is structured in 3 main phases: 1 - Individually, participants experiment with joinery techniques -They build a footstool which will be their first utilitarian structure. 2 - Working in pairs, participants will design and build their own chair with a concept that relates to Maltese culture, learning the basics of collaborating effectively and the history of Maltese culture. 3 - As a group the participants will learn to communicate effectively and clearly, and deal with some of the pressure of public speaking. The participants will get to learn a lot and feel really good while doing it.

CLOUD KINETIC Tutors

Davor Eres (SRB) Pavle Stamenovic (SRB) Ana Sulkic (SRB)

The aim is to explore possibilities of creating ambivalent conditions in relation to city landscape through various interventions, producing ephemeral structures, effects and events. The methodology of work will emerge through creating a thinktank, perceiving the concept of motion and its relation to city landscape. In broader sense, this process should deal with concept of motion in terms of cityscape layers: historical, spatial, morphological, social. Through this process we will express the elusiveness of these layers in shifted conditions of distortion that we will create and perpetuate. The workshop is structured through several topics which refer to movement as a tool to define relations and multiply the perception of a city and its nature. For this we will use space in between nature and architecture as urban nature, the citadel and the sky above, the city walls and the surrounding sea.

DIGITAL ATMOSPHERES Tutors

Georgios Kyriazi (CYP) Kristis Alexandrou ( CYP)

Our aim is to assemble an interactive space which through its behavior will stimulate different atmospheres. A series of questions will be investigated through the design and evaluation of an interactive pavilion. The form of the pavilion takes the shape of a room, the simplest and one of the most primitive forms of space, defined as an orthogonal enclosed corridor - referencing as such a spatial characteristic of the architecture prevalent in Malta, tunnels. The system consist of a series of actuators and sensors. The activation, as well as the range of influence of the system, will be algorithmically computed by the Easians. Possible parameters that participants may examine include the density of people that pass through space, their speed, their stature. New atmospheres will emerge altering the experience of the space and its meaning through the reaction of the users.

EASA FM Tutors

Clemens Hoke (AT) Arian Lehner (AT) Joonas Parviainen (FI)

EASA FM is a traditional EASA workshop consisting of a radio station that streams live during the two weeks. Everyone is invited to play some music, make a live musical performance, share ideas and even give a speech. This summer the workshop also aims like to do interview shows with some famous people from the city along with audio reportages, FM Reports from the workshops, interviews of tutors, helpers, and participants, and deliver news for example weather, events, information from organizers, lost and found and so on.

EASA TV Tutors

Olga Dolinina (BLR) Paula Brucke (AUT)

Classical Easa workshop of making movies, cartoons, stop motions, which will enlighten the EASA â&#x20AC;&#x153;daily routineâ&#x20AC;? life and its special events. The episodes always leave everyone feeling the EASA Spirit.

III Tutors

Paul Poinet (FR) Fabrice Wack (FR)

INVENT a shape and uses A long discussion within the team brainstorming that will focus on the spaces and their program that we want to fabricate and install in our inflatables. It is also an attempt to introduce participant to the fundamentals of computational design, in order to create customized forms that we would create all together on site. INFLATE it! We would start the production on site by cutting the pattern resulting from the geometries/shapes, taping it together and finally inflating it. Yes, our main tool, is AIR! INHABITATE inflatables On site all installation will be able to catalyze interaction, inside or outside of it. Our team and users strongly inspired by the surroundings will be able to interact all together in new spaces.

IL- BOĊĊA

IDEE FIX Tutors

Marilin Kaup (EST) Liina Soosaar (EST) Karl Annus (EST)

We have seen architects designing boats and treehouses on EASA, but we haven’t seen those designing clothes and everyday objects. Smart ideas can be adapted to different fields and this workshop gives the opportunity to bring them together. We encourage participants to create multifunctional objects and use public space as a satellite for personal items. For example, why not use your own jacket as a mobile house or a swing? Interdisciplinary will also be used in working methods - like adapting methods and techniques used in product or furniture design in designing clothes. We feel that this workshop has a reference to “the small interventions” workshop, as the idea is to improve the world around us - make the world a better place through smart ideas. The starting point for the workshop is today’s changing urban lifestyle, which has become more nomadic and is therefore redefining design.

Tutors

Kristine Pace (MT) Daniel Attard (MT) Sacha Cutajar (MT)

The concept is based on the idea of creating an organic-shaped relaxation space that provides visual connections within Valletta’s urban landscape by framing certain views and blocking others. The smaller luminous spheres will be used to provide visual aid in leading people towards the main space through a specific path. Their positions will be used to mark other visual cues on site. Lighting will compensate for the loss of view during the day by creating an interesting atmosphere along the site. The project therefore entails the construction of a large spherical volume and a number of smaller luminous domes that will be scattered throughout the site.

INFOSTRUCTURES Tutors

Robert McKaye (CA) Ramin Shambayati (CA)

INFOSTRUCTURES introduces a new concept typology of architecture oriented towards sensorial and intimate experiences, through the audio/ visual representation of energy in the immediate environment. Our concept proposal is for a small structure that uses an intelligent sensor node which converts mechanical movement into energy and information. It is the task of the workshop to conceive a physical form of this technology through design and testing, and create an interactive architecture on the site. The scale of the project is yet to be determined, but it is planned to be either a roof, wall, or small semi-enclosed structure which is capable of housing a small group of people. The construction has 3 cornerstone reserahces, perform 3 key roles with the synergetic a relationship: 1) ENERGY ENHANCEMENT 2) SENSING 3) AUDIO VISUAL OUTPUT

KNIT WIT Tutors

Ansis Sinke (LV) Yuliya Baranovskaya (RU) Annie Locke Scherer (USA)

The workshop aims is to produce a tubular shading structure with circular knitting machines. These circular knitted tubes will be varying in length, widths, height, density, and translucency. Each component will be connected horizontally on the edges so the modules become a cohesive unit. We also can explore the option of stretching the components around GFRP bending rods to influence a final form. By combining the modules, we can create a spatial, multi-layered artifact that can span between the castle walls and create a nice shading effect.

LYRICAL CITY

KONKRET Tutors

Kuba Ulbrych (DE) Marco Silva Mirra (DE) Stefan Gant (DE)

KONKRET concrete lamps, all individually designed and manufactured on easa-land by some of the bravest and brightest architecture students will enlighten the EASA sites. We will start with some exercises introducing the participants to the material of concrete. The participants will then be introduced to lamp-design and start experimenting with other, easier to handle, materials. These will be the main tasks during the first week and we will see a lot of awesome stuff hanging or standing around. We will then go on seeking the perfect spot(s) and art(s) of intervention. A lichtgrenze-like enfilade of lamps linking the different easa-spots, a lamp sculpture park upvalueing the bar-area, a single installation representing easa to the public at the main entrance - the opportunities are unlimited and will be elaborated, shuttered, poured and installed during the second easa-week.

Tutors

Kristin Karlsson (SWE) Nielsine Otto (DK)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lyrical cityâ&#x20AC;? - a hunters and collectors pod, is a workshop that aims to find the stories of Valletta and give them new life in the shape of an illustrated podcast that combines words with sounds and visual art. The participants will acts as explorers of the city Valletta, to collect and hoarder information and artefacts, to document, find and make up stories and then to convey these stories with illustrative tools such as sounds, visual elements, still and moving pictures. The workshop is an exercise in representation but also in making one coherent piece where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different parts amplifies and complements the whole. A collage that tells a story about Valletta out of a personal point of view. In the end the participants will work on their own projects regarding the city and make a podcast with a visual dimension that will be screened and listened to in the Radio-cinema that we will plan and make together.

MANIFOLDS Tutors

Rachelle Spiteri (MT) Antiopi Koronaki (GR) Samidha Kowli (IN)

The workshop proposal is the construction of a small temporary dwelling structure out of a modular system of folded cardboard components. The starting point for this workshop is a material system developed as part of a Master’s thesis - a modular system for low-cost and fast assembly of temporary dwellings. The works so far has been theoretical and so this workshop will involve presenting this starting point to others and taking the design further, through detailing and construction. Given the participatory nature of the workshop, this is an exciting opportunity to explore, detail and realise the design with students from different academic backgrounds. Themes that will be touched upon are folding techniques, modular systems, low-tech fabrication, computational analysis.

ONION

MAXIMALTA Tutors Eudes Bonneau Cattier (FR) Maciej Janakowski (PL) Alexandre Renimei (FR) Participative Street Art in Valletta - We aim to invite local people to create with us street art collages based on their favorite places. During this workshop, participants will at first meet Valletta inhabitants by groups of 2, interview them about what links them to their city and their favorite places. Participants will then take photos of these favorite places (facades, restaurants, pubs, shops, gardens, plaza and so on). Then each participant will be in charge of one of these people «architectural dream», and make a street artwork of it. The scale of this «paper architecture» around 1/10, making Malta bigger for our mini Maltese collage-buildings. The outcome will be the street art, its photographs, and a short film about the process and Maltese people interviewed for each street artwork.

Tutors

Justinas Jakštonis (LT) Morta Pilkaitė (LT)

Any form of reaction/interaction or the sum of those causing any kind of human interrelation of various levels starts from the simplest form of coexistence – sharing a mutual space. If we tried to imagine the very primitive form of coexistence of human beings, there would be no cultural or historical backgrounds, no language, no symbolic values and no other means of communication but the pure presence, or the sum of ‘presences’ being dropped together. The idea of realising the concept is to create [physically or metaphorically] enclosed spaces defining the form of human interaction in them. At its best, this would not only be a field of research for the participants, but also an opportunity for the locals to experience a seemingly unexpected relation to spaces and subjects they [think they] know.

OS LUZZU Tutors

Kane Borg (MT) Joe Galea (MT) Sean Buttigieg (MT) Mark Sullivan (MT)

The idea is to design and prototype an OpenSourceFloatingVessel that can facilitate inter harbour migration thus creating LINKS from Valletta to all surrounding inter harbour cities. The size of the vessel would be limited to one person and the buoyant typology will be based on the LUZZU generating awareness on the local depleting tradition of luzzu building. Following the theme, the workshop will revolve around digitally designing, constructing and investigating an affordable water-based mode of transport with the help of experts in the various related fields. In general we would like to promote a very handson workshop that constantly deals with digital prototyping, analysis and design, in a constant informative loop.

PARADOCS Tutors Anastasija Spasovska (MK) Sorcha Maguire (IRL) Gordan Vitevski (MK)

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” Marcel Proust What is a monument in an age of antimonuments? We are in search of the spatial and cultural implications of the landmark of today. Valletta is a cultural heritage site in its entirety. All aspects of architecture: thinking, designing and building; are framed by conservation laws and policies that protect the built environment. How can the city grow and what would be its new point of reference? Through a series of discussions and design exercises, we want to explore and ultimately discover the link between respect for the old and need and excitement for the new.

PHOTO LAB + SECTA Tutors Nikolay Staykov (BU) Valentin Hofer (AU) Elizaveta Chukhlantseva (RU) This workshop, will investigate the contemporary aesthetic experience of today’s world and identify beauty from the point of view of ugly in everyday visual objects. We will focus on the average, the commonplace, the nonplaces in Auge’s sense, the obvious, the non commercial, the mistakes, the ugly - all notions that not only change from person to person, but also differ in place and time. These objects will be documented through the medium of black and white analogue photography – only having 35 frames of film – resulting in more carefully chosen shots. In the early days of the project will emphasize the understanding of light volume as well as the structure of the camera and shooting techniques. Each participant will then have to develop his or her photos in a dark room to create an image from the time of lighting to complete copy. Through this technique the participants will be able to discover, reflect, analyze these ‘ugly’ objects and develop them into interesting images.

PRESS PLAY Tutors

William Bondin (MT) Chris Leung (GB) Francois Mangion (MT)

This workshop seeks to animate public spaces across the city, both metaphorically and literally, through the creation of interactive installations and architectural performances which embody the spirt of play. We will look at aspects such as co-operation, interaction, confrontation and observation from a contemporary architectural perspective. If games connect people, encourage dialogue and stimulate co-operation, then why shouldn’t architecture? What can we, as designers and inhabitants, learn by pressing play? This workshop introduces the world of interactive design from a practical perspective. In order to build interactive systems we will learn physical programming using the Arduino open-source platform. After a brief introduction to world of physical computing, we will develop and fabricate a number of installations which respond to particular sites, within the scope of EASA 2015.

ROPE PAVILLION Tutors

Rémi Buscot (FR) Willem Coenen (BEL) Delphine Levy (FR)

The aim of this workshop is to build a pavilion in connection with the past and the story of Malta: the marine environment. Giving a new vision on materials and form, this pavilion would reinterpretate the sail form with old rope from boats. Simple forms that would float with the wind. Linking present and past, the reuse of rope that has already travelled on the sea would give it a second life by exposing it as a memorial of the sailing culture. Having these different ropes and linking them together into one pavilion. People from all over the world would connect by linking these ropes and structure together. Working with rope structures is always about tension, knots and connections just like human relationships. As on a boat the knots technique would be very important, the use of simple gesture and knots would be the final detail to connect it with the sailing story.

SMALL INTERVENTIONS Tutors Phoebus Panigyrakis (GR) George Kapraras (GR) Oscar Zetina (GTM) Small Interventions history goes back to the very fundamentals of EASA. Giving back to the community. It is structured on the idea of analyzing the site, detecting problems and places, designing solutions and interventions, and constructing them. Its history begins as a workshop named “Fix It” many years ago, and with it’s current name it was organized every year since EASA 2006 Budapest [with a small break in 2012 in EASA Finland]. The participants will analyze the site in the first place, then address the issues that come up with their own way by intervening in a very functional way in the environment and the assembly surroundings. Theoretical work, models, and detail plans of their intervention will conclude their design work allowing them to work in 1:1 scale by constructing their interventions and putting them in place.

THE GREAT PRETENDER Tutors

Yazgi Demirbas (TUR) Peter O’Brien (IRL)

For the past twenty or so years, new life forms called Strandbeests have been roaming the coasts of the Netherlands. Powered by wing-like sails, they harmoniously traverse the soft ground with numerous spindly legs. The Strandbeests majestically transform mundane materials such as PVC tubes, zip-ties and soda bottles into complex and stunningly elegant movement. What makes these kinetic sculptures so noteworthy are their clarity and disregard for presumed boundaries between art, engineering and biology. Their persistent occupation of liminal spaces that seamlessly link the foggy area between objects, organisms and between things that are real and things that are sometimes indescribable. This summer a new animal will be born. Valletta will see the birth of a new EASAian Strandbeest. The Great Pretender workshop will build on the work of the great progenitor Theo Jansen to create this new kinetic sculpture.

THE IMMIGRATION GAME Tutors

Reko Laurilehto (FI) Hong Wan Chan (BEL) Leena Salo (FI)

The aim of the workshop is to approach the severe problems of the Maltese refugee crisis with the toolset of game design. We propose a workshop where we, as tutors, guide the participants through a process of creating a game. In the game, players would somehow act out/play as all types of different stakeholders involved with the current refugee situation facing Malta. We think this issue would translate into game mechanics well, because it involves many different “players” with very different resources, starting positions, strategies and motives. It would also lend itself to many different types of gameplay and ways of approaching the problem, e.g. political, humanitarian, architectural etc. Through lectures related to both the issue at hand, as well as game design, and visits to sites related to the theme - we want to inspire the participants to create an awareness-raising, discussion provoking game experience that they can share with others by the end of the event.

THE TING Tutors

Istvan Ulmann (HU) Marton Peto (HU)

The workshop aims to build a music box - with wheels and combs where the comb brings out the sound by oscillating while the wheel is spinning and hitting the quills. Plot twist! The aim is to build such a music box, which is going to be spinning by wind over a toothed gearing. The structure provides a LINK between nature and music. As the windmill is spun by the wind, it drives the gears, which drives the barrel, which has spikes on it, which hit the quills of the comb and the outcome is a beautiful melody. Every part of the machine is LINKED together to become one big, working, never-ending melody in the wind.

UMBRELLA Tutors

Pauli Ritkaniemi (FI) Hugh O’Rourke (IRL)

Umbrella is the longest running workshop in EASA being there every summer producing newspapers with inspiration, experiences and insight to the micro cosmos that is EASA. In Umbrella, you get to write stories and news, learn how to get to the point and get peoples attention in writing. You will also get the chance to explore the whole assembly and its surroundings and see what all the other workshops are doing. Umbrella knows what’s going on and where are the best places to be at. Most importantly Umbrella creates, lives and experiences the EASA-spirit!

URBAN JEWELLERY

UNDER MY SKIN Tutors

Tutors

Our workshop will use basic technique of flash tattoos and develop it further, taking it to another level.

Idea of the workshop is to create impactful conceptual jewelry pieces inspired by urban environment. We are using methods of product design to translate inspiration into an object. This summer our inspiration will be Valetta itself and created designs will reflect its spirit. We will translate its shapes, textures, lights and atmosphere into design objects applied to human body as jewelry. Participants will learn conceptual design, art of storytelling behind the product and get some practical skills of working with mood boards and paper modelling. Together we will tell the story about Valetta in beautiful creations made of paper and wire.

Anja Demic (SRB) Lana Loncar (SRB) Aleksandra Stepanovic (SRB)

The theme is based on Maltese specific and layered history and culture. We would research old Maltese myths and legends and specific customs (linguistic and social) and incorporate them into contemporary art work – body art. We want to accentuate the connection with the city. Our participants will get the chance to explore city to its most secret and mystical parts. The city, being inspirational as it is, will be perfect for translating it into artwork.

Inesa Kovalova (UKR) Natalia Orekhova (RU) Larisa Sisoeva (MD)

VISUAL LINKS Tutors

Eoin Mccooey (IRL) Robert Hanson (FI) John Macken (IRL)

VisuaLINKS aims to change one’s perception of the city by creating a sculptural form which is to be perceived from afar whilst changing one’s perception from within. VisuaLINKS appears in the form of a periscope crafted of engineered timber with mirrors reflecting a view of a scale previously not seen, rising out of the city from a disconnected location to link with a spectacular vista of the city and landscape. Participants will first be immersed in the theory of periscopes, perception and self-perception, subsequently building small-scale plywood periscope interventions around the city which will culminate in the construction of a large scale periscope. This periscope will be the centerpiece of the workshop, pushing the boundaries of the conventional periscope typology, and also one’s perception of place. Participants will gain invaluable experience in working with Cross-Laminated Timber, learning about its detailing and utilising a material vertically, seen as the future of sustainable high rise construction!

YO! Tutors Matthieu Bordreuil (FR) Sylvain Dupuis (FR) Stanislas Taboureau (FR) Yo! Is a prototype of floating shelter, scaled on human body that will work very well as an isolated project, but will gain from the connection with other modules. We see Yo! As a great floating island, a ludic shelter to enjoy Malta’s marvelous landscape, or a floating tent that can join other as one would do in a desert caravan to create interactions and temporary communities as much as a lodge for romantic night/ nap getaway on the shore. At night, it will become a floating lantern and will lighten the bay. Yo! Is a flexible system of complementary triangular modules designed on the same basis. Then the upper part takes different shapes and is the occasion to experiment with the participant’s different structures according to the program, the activities or specific site needs. Its simple geometry makes it very easy to assemble with other platforms and imagine various construction combinations.

[THE LECTURE SERIES] An exciting lecture series with both local and foreign speakers is being set up for the Assembly. The lectures will be based around the theme of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Linksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and will also comprise of interesting debates and discussions.

[DAY WORKSHOPS] Several day workshops will be organised for a selected number of participants where EASIANS will be given the chance to collaborate with Maltese institutions

[THE EXCURSION] An excursion day has been planned for all EASA participants and will be descirbed in the coming pages.

PROGRAMME JULY - AUGUST 2015

EXCURSION 10TH AUGUST

A full day (9hours) on the Atlantis Ship touring the Maltese Islands enjoying the beautiful sun and sea! The ship will depart from Sa Maison at 1000hrs, sail up to Selmun (Imgiebah Bay) and anchor for time to swim and snorkel, then sail round the north of Gozo stopping at Comino and mooring – allowing time to explore/swim. Then returning to Sa Maison by 1900hrs.

Fee €20 (with participant fee) or €25 (at Info Point) Pay beforehand to save money! 52

EASA HOSTEL & EXTRA EXCURSIONS 16TH- 18TH AUGUST

For 3 days after the checkout day (16th August) the EASA Site will remain functioning as a hostel for all those Easians who never want to leave Malta! The accommodation, toilets, showers, and bar will remain functional. During this time you can use the site as a base to discover the rest of the island. Valletta has very good links with the rest of the island through bus terminus in front of City Gate. We are also offering the great chance to participate in some extra excursions to see what Malta and Gozo has to offer in terms of Architecture, Heritage and Natural Beauty. The fees for the excursions are to be payed at the info point and include bus tickets, ferries, tour guides, and entrance tickets. 54

EASA Hostel 16th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18th August 2015 Fee: â&#x201A;Ź10 per night (to be paid at Info Point)

THREE CITIES & BLUE GROTTO 16th August 2015 Afternoon Half Day (6 hrs) FEE â&#x201A;Ź35 Departing at 1400hrs from Valletta ditch. A tour to the Three Cities where the Knights of St John settled in 1530 when they arrived to Malta. A guided walk through Vittoriosa where the guide will take you through narrow streets around the Collachio, a secluded area the Knights had chosen for themselves. A photo stop at the waterfront with a beautiful view of the Grand Harbour including Valletta. Your next stop would be at Wied Iz-Zurrieq where the Blue Grotto is to be found with ample time for boat rides (optional â&#x201A;Ź8.50 per person), swimming, and snorkelling. Returning to Valletta ditch at 2000hrs.

GOZO TOUR 17th August 2015 Full Day (9 hrs) FEE €57 Departing at 1000hrs from Valletta ditch to the Cirkewwa terminal in the north of Malta, boarding the ferry and crossing the South Comino Channel, passing Comino and arriving in Mgarr, Gozo. From there you will cut through the Gozitan towns and countryside to Dwejra bay at the northeastern side of Gozo, where you will be able to see the sublime Azure Window and the Inland Sea. Here you can also take an optional boat ride (€4) through a cave in the Gozitan cliffs, which leads you out into open water. From Dwejra you will move to Fontana, a small village which is wellknown for the natural water spring there; here you will be stopping to sample some of Gozo’s traditional delicacies – goat cheese (ġbejna) and traditional liquor.

For lunch you will be taken to the centre of Gozo, to the capital of Victoria and the Citadella. After lunch you will head down to Xaghra to see the prehistoric Ġgantija Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese islands and are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site consists of two large stone temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200 BC. These are considered to be one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world! Last stop on the Gozo tour is the sublime Ramla l-Hamra Bay, where you’ll have ample time to swim, chill, sunbath, eat and drink before making the journey back to Valletta to arrive at 1900hrs.

MDINA & GOLDEN BAY 18th August 2015 Morning Half Day (6 hrs) FEE â&#x201A;Ź35 Depart 1000hrs from Valletta ditch. A walk through the Medieval Old Capital City of Mdina through winding streets with a lot of different Palaces and Mediterranean Medieval Architecture. Free time to roam around, the city and the suburb of Rabat. Trip to Golden bay for swimming. Return to Valletta ditch at 1600hrs.

THE PARTICIPANT LINK

INFORMATION

[WHAT BEING A PARTICIPANT IS ALL ABOUT]

EASA NATIONAL CONTACT (NC) Your National Contacts (NCs) are your main link to the organising team. You apply for EASA through this contact and they will be the oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to guide you from the application process through to the EASA event itself. So if you have any questions or comments both before or during the event - contact your NC. They will help you with any issues that may arise. The organsing team is dedicated to ensuring the event is a success and will take on any feedback passed along to them through the NCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. EASA is a family and you become an active part of it the second you join your team.

WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION While looking at the list of workshops provided in this booklet will give you an idea of what they entail, you will be better informed during a workshop presentation during the event. You will then be able to attend the workshop fair where you can even discuss the workshops with the tutors before making your selection. The workshop will be the most important and exciting part of EASA and we recommend you put your heart and soul into it. So be sure to always attend and give your 100%. Your tutors are there to guide you and help make your workshop experience an amazing one!

EASA DUTIES Everyone attending EASA contributes to the running of the event. This means that every country has its own duties. These would consist of serving food or cleaning up during the event. A detailed schedule of these duties will be included in your welcome pack given at the start of EASA.

WHAT TO BRING It is important that you bring the following items with you: • A sleeping bag and mat • A plate, bowl, fork, knife and spoon • A swimsuit and towel • A cap the protect you from the sun • Bring your E111 Card - European Health Insurance (If you are in the EU)

MALTA IS HOT! STAY HEALTHY As you may know, August is one of the hottest months of summer and the temperature in Malta will rise to about 35°C. It is therefore important to take the following measures to avoid dehydration and sunstroke: • Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during hot periods of the day usually between 11.00am till 4.00pm. • Drink water regularly throughout the day • Seek advice if you have any concerns 61

NATIONAL CONTACTS

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in applying for EASA you must contact your National Contact from the list in the previous pages. Every country then has their own selection process and so your NCs will guide you on how to apply and they will be the ones to select the chosen applicants. Once you are chosen for EASA your NCs will then guide you on how to pay your participation fee. Your NCs will then pass on your name and fee to the organising team and you will officially be a participant for EASA Malta - EASA LINKS 2015!

1st Round Deadline: 15th April 2nd Round Announcement:

20th April

2nd Round Places Allocation:

25th April

ALL APPLICATIONS DEADLINE:

30th April

PAYMENT DEADLINE: 1st May

FEES Host

€ 320

Malta

Group 1

€ 300

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales, and International.

Group 2

€ 240

Cyprus, Russia, and Spain.

Group 3

€ 180

Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia.

Group 4

€ 120

Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey.

Group 5

€ 60

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Ukraine, CLEA.

Helpers Tutors Guests

€ 70 50% off country fee (minimum of € 60) €20 per day 67

USEFUL MALTESE PHRASES ENG: Good Morning! How are you? MLT: Bonġu! Kif inti? ENG: Valletta // Ditch MLT: Il-Belt // Il - Foss ENG: Architect // Architecture MLT: Perit // Arkitettura ENG: Help me! I’m Lost! MLT: Ajjut! Intlift! ENG: How do I get to the beach? MLT: Kif nasal sal-baħar? ENG: Yes - no - maybe MLT: Iva - le - forsi ENG: But first lets take a selfie! MLT: Imma l-ewwel ejja ħa nieħdu stessu! ENG: Cheers! MLT: Saħħa! ENG: I’m Irish - the sun scares me! MLT: Jien Irlandiz - ix-xemx tbeżżani! ENG: This is the best EASA ever :) MLT: Din hija l-aqwa EASA :) 68

INFO LINKS For more information about EASA LINKS visit our WEBSITE:

www.easalinks.com or our facebook page:

www.facebook.com/ easamalta015 Check out our ISSUU Packs:

issuu.com/easamalta or Contact Us:

easamalta@gmail.com

The EASA Malta Team looks forward to hosting you this summer at

EASA LINKS Valletta 2015!