Synchronising Flows                                                                  
AA Visiting School for International Students
6–14 January 2009

The AA Visiting School in São Paulo will use computational design methodologies and digital fabrication strategies to explore possible solutions for the problematic piscinões – the huge water-holding ponds that have recently been inserted into the city without any regard for the existing urban fabric or water networks. The aim is to find ways of integrating other types of activities within these liquid territories so that they not only privilege water mitigation but also incorporate new public space – in the form of cultural, recreational and other programmes – while allowing for new pedestrian connections to surrounding streets.

During the nine-day workshop participants will work individually or in small groups in a studio environment, directed by AA teaching staff and invited local environmental and urban specialists. Project-based work will be informed by a series of lectures and presentations by designers, architects, digital fabricators and other experts. Students will learn to use parametric softwares as a means of generating iterative topological mesh systems that can create new interconnections and spatial organisations above, within and around the ponds. Physical models will then be made of these digital designs, using computer numerically controlled fabrication processes.

Eligibility
The workshop is open to current architecture students, recent graduates, young designers and architects as well as young professionals and others from related fields who are interested in exploring the conditions of contemporary architecture and urbanism.

Schedule
The workshop runs from 6 to 14 January 2009 at the studio space of the Escola São Paulo located in the centre of this vibrant city. Full-time participation is required on each day of the workshop leading up to the final presentation on 14 January. The deadline for applications is 5 December 2008. Applications after this date will be considered if space is available. Download application form

All participants are responsible for securing any travel visa required for entry to Brazil, and are advised to contact their home embassy well in advance. After payment of fees the AA School can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop.

To secure a place in the workshop applicants are advised to contact the AA as soon as possible. Places can only be reserved upon receipt of the full fee and a completed application form (including a short written statement saying why you are interested in the course) sent to: Sandra Sanna, Administrative Co-ordinator of the AA Global School.

The workshop will be conducted at the studio space of the Escola São Paulo. Participants will have access to studio facilities, and are advised to bring their own laptops, digital cameras, model-making or any other design tools they wish to use during the workshop. Please ensure that all equipment is covered by insurance. The AA School takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen whilst travelling or attending the workshop.

Accommodation & Fees
Accommodation is not provided, but there are a number of affordable facilities nearby. The fee for the workshop is £545, payable to the Architectural Association School of Architecture. This does not include flights or accommodation, but does include a non-refundable AA Membership subscription valid for one year. AA Members receive regular mailings and newsletters, and have exclusive access to live webcasts of AA lectures and an online archive of AA publications. Those based in London can use the school’s libraries and participate fully in the school’s programme of events. For more information on AA Membership please visit aaschool.ac.uk/members

Contacts
Online:      aaschool.net/visitingschool/saopaulo
Director:    Franklin Lee and Anne Save de Beaurecueil
Co-ordinator:  Sandra Sanna

Email:  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Telephone:  +44 (0)207 887 4014
Fax:  +44 (0)207 414 0782

AA Visiting School
The AA Visiting School is a worldwide network of design workshops and other events organised by the Architectural Association School of Architecture. The AA is the world’s most international school of architecture, with nearly 80 per cent of its 530 full-time students coming to London from 50 or more countries. By taking the AA’s acclaimed unit-based forms of teaching and public programme of lectures and events to regional settings and world cities, the AA Visiting School allows a global audience of participants to confront the major issues shaping architecture, design and urban cultures at the outset of the twenty-first century.

If your school or organisation is interested in hosting a future AA Visiting School programme, please contact Brett Steele, AA School Director, for further information. More information about the AA School can be found online at aaschool.net.