BEIRUT
Mittelmeerland 3, American University of Beirut
11 – 21 April 2012
Mittelmeerland is investigating the future of the Mediterranean. Over a period of three years the intention is to research six different Mediterranean cities. Beirut is the destination after Tangier and Dubrovnik. Algiers, Istanbul and Alexandria will follow.
Beirut forms the meeting point of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – and functions as a trading hub. Its port has been constantly extended to meet the demands of a growing population and economy. Once embedded in the urban fabric, it has now become a giant container port that blocks one third of the city’s coastline. Against this backdrop of diversity, conflict, unpredictability and complexity, can we say how Beirut’s coastline is going to change in relation to the Mediterranean? What are the driving forces behind its reconstruction?What is the vision for a city of many cultures in need of modernisation? We will work on five different areas along the coastline, analysing existing conditions and future projections, playfully appropriating smallscale phenomena, translating found conditions into large-scale landscape ecologies and envisioning urban change. The architectural portraits, urban biographies, narrative maps and imaginative collages that we produce will ultimately feature in a publication of the workshop’s research on waterfront cities around the Mediterranean.
During the workshop a one-day symposium will be held. Its purpose is to examine how the Mediterranean region can reposition itself as a ‘territory’ based on climatic and economic conditions, and subject to specific social, political and spatial dynamics and experiences. Visiting critics include: John Palmesino, Ann-Sofi Rönnskog, Chris Pierce, Tomas Klassnik, Karim Najjar and Rana Haddad amongst others.
APPLICATIONS
The deadline for applications is 28 March 2012. All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required. After payment of fees, the AA can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop. A portfolio or CV is not required, only the online application form and payment.
FEES
The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per participant, which includes a £50 Visiting Membership. If you are already a member, the total fee will be reduced automatically by £50 by the online payment system. Fees are non refundable. Fees do not include flights. Accommodation during the workshop is not provided, but advice accommodation options can be advised. Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.
ELEGIBILITY
The workshop is open to architecture and design students and professionals worldwide.
Mittelmeerland 3, American University of Beirut
11 – 21 April 2012
Mittelmeerland is investigating the future of the Mediterranean. Over a period of three years the intention is to research six different Mediterranean cities. Beirut is the destination after Tangier and Dubrovnik. Algiers, Istanbul and Alexandria will follow.
Beirut forms the meeting point of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – and functions as a trading hub. Its port has been constantly extended to meet the demands of a growing population and economy. Once embedded in the urban fabric, it has now become a giant container port that blocks one third of the city’s coastline. Against this backdrop of diversity, conflict, unpredictability and complexity, can we say how Beirut’s coastline is going to change in relation to the Mediterranean? What are the driving forces behind its reconstruction?What is the vision for a city of many cultures in need of modernisation? We will work on five different areas along the coastline, analysing existing conditions and future projections, playfully appropriating smallscale phenomena, translating found conditions into large-scale landscape ecologies and envisioning urban change. The architectural portraits, urban biographies, narrative maps and imaginative collages that we produce will ultimately feature in a publication of the workshop’s research on waterfront cities around the Mediterranean.
During the workshop a one-day symposium will be held. Its purpose is to examine how the Mediterranean region can reposition itself as a ‘territory’ based on climatic and economic conditions, and subject to specific social, political and spatial dynamics and experiences. Visiting critics include: John Palmesino, Ann-Sofi Rönnskog, Chris Pierce, Tomas Klassnik, Karim Najjar and Rana Haddad amongst others.
APPLICATIONS
The deadline for applications is 28 March 2012. All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required. After payment of fees, the AA can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop. A portfolio or CV is not required, only the online application form and payment.
FEES
The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per participant, which includes a £50 Visiting Membership. If you are already a member, the total fee will be reduced automatically by £50 by the online payment system. Fees are non refundable. Fees do not include flights. Accommodation during the workshop is not provided, but advice accommodation options can be advised. Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.
ELEGIBILITY
The workshop is open to architecture and design students and professionals worldwide.