Searching for Ma

1. Outtake from 3d scan of Stockholm Public Library. Student: Oliver Cassidy.

Teachers: Leif Brodersen, Teres Selberg

Studio Theme Specificities in relation to artistic interdisciplinary production as generators for ecological sustainability and social inclusion. Studies of symmetry will be followed by complexity and contradictions. Geometrical and irregular form and patterns as generators for architectural space will be analyzed in selected architectural masterpieces - and we will propose design projects for alterations and deconstructions. In the Fall, we will research natural and manmade landscapes in order to design a small Cultural Center in memory of the artist Hilma af Klint at Munsö in Ekerö. In the Spring semester, we will learn from the Japanese context examining diversity, metabolism and other conceptions of space and time. We will also study different artistic interdisciplinary tools and methods, first the relation to dance and choreography and later between filmmaking and architecture. We will design a Dance House in the Million Programme context of Vårberg and a Film Studio Residence within the dense urban fabric of the megacity Tokyo.

Teaching Methodology This studio investigates different experiences of architecture and conceptions of space in relation to the synthesizing design process. We explore basic architectural concepts such as gravity, emptiness, methodology wherein students and teachers collaborate in a kind of research-by-design structure. The students define and formulate their own projects from a given topic and self-program their projects to reflect on the problems and possibilities described in the analysis and definition of the context. The aim is to provide tools and methods in order to give the students an independent, innovative, artistic, professional, ethical, and scientific identity. Every project is specific and independent, but also relates to the general theme. Project 1 Reinterpreting Symmetries and Form Through deeper studies of emblematic buildings and their specific beauty and qualities, we will develop an understanding for symmetrical and irregular composition, geometrical or random form as generators for architectural space. We will first document, rerepresent and analyze existing architectural masterpieces. In the second part of the project we will develop individual architectural projects by making alterations of the studied buildings. The project definition is optional; deconstruction, studies of mannerism, reinterpretation, paraphrase, additions, alterations etc.

Project 2 Hilma af Klint Center By re-defining interpretations and using methods from the first project, as well as studying the interplay between art and nature, we will design an Cultural Center in memory of the artist Hilma af Klint at Munsö, Ekerö. The program includes an exhibition space, workshop speed, light, sound, color, tactility, etc. We have developed a

areas and a small library. The surrounding landscape and how it can be reshaped to create a fictive or spiritual parallel experience will be of great focus. Studies of cultural landscapes, man made nature and sustainable ecological approaches.

Project 3 Dance House in Vårberg In this project we will study different artistic tools and methods focusing on dance and choreography and develop individual architectural projects investigating the relationships between dance, movement, gravity, body and space. The brief is a small dance house for the local youth in the suburb of Vårberg, intending to use dance as social interaction and cultural production for social sustainability.

Project 4 Film Studio Residence Ii Tokyo In this project we will study Japanese traditional and contemporary culture and architecture, including important concepts such as ‘Ma’ and ‘Oku’. The brief has its starting point in the understanding of the diverse urban fabric of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area as well as in the concept of film-making (directing, editing, and producing) in relation to architecture and contemporary cultural movements. These studies will be applied in the design of a Film Studio Residence in Tokyo.

LEIF BRODERSEN LB started teaching at the KTH School of Architecture in 1996. and an Associate Professor since 2004 . He served as Head of the School 2005-2012. He is also a founding partner at the Stockholm-based practice 2BK Arkitekter, established 1999. TERES SELBERG TS is an Adjunct Teacher at KTH Architecture. She runs her own artistic practice connecting dance and architecture and is a member of the organization Dansbana! creating public places for dance. 2006 she co-founded Architects without frontiers in Sweden.