Versa Design, LeroLero Productions and Archinect are presenting the premiere event, Shifting Paradigms: Design in Transition to be held at the Center for Architecture in New York on June 22, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. This event will also be streamed Live on Archinect starting at 6:30pm EST on June 22nd. Shifting Paradigms is sponsored by Siemens and is being organized by Versa Design and Lero Lero Productions in collaboration with Archinect and the Emerging New York Architects Committee of the AIA New York Chapter. Admission is free.
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The early years of the 21st century have brought advancements in telecommunications, automated fabrication, virtual design software and information systems which have completely transformed the architecture and construction industries. The dawn of the “Digital Age” has provided the tools necessary to conceive and construct buildings which would not have been possible twenty years ago. Architects are now able to collect, analyze, assemble and share complex information with consultants and fabricators through new automated systems of design and computation. Concurrently, the integration of new programmatic, sustainable and energy efficient design criteria have effectively raised the bar, creating a discernible impact on the materiality, physical form and environmental quality of the buildings that define 21st century contemporary architecture.

We stand at the cusp of a new generation of architectural expression. Shifting Paradigms: Design in Transition will explore the evolving relationship between the creators of the built environment and the technological advancements in the design and fabrication process that are facilitating a new language of architecture. As we leave the first two decades of the digital revolution behind and embrace new computational design processes, parametric modeling techniques and digital fabrication, what modern paradigms will emerge as a baseline for evaluating progress and moving forward? How is the rapid integration of machines and “hi tech” instruments into the generative process defining new trajectories and raising even more questions? How will emerging design criteria, defined by growing economic turmoil, shrinking natural resources and the demand for greater environmental sustainability, shape the architecture of the next twenty years?

Shifting Paradigms will approach these questions through a discussion with leading design practitioners and the presentation of (Re)centering the Square , a documentary film directed by Elba Calado and produced by Jason Ivaliotis, which provides in-depth analysis of the recently completed 41 Cooper Square in New York City. Designed by Morphosis Architects, this academic laboratory exists as a pure child of the digital age, providing a comprehensive model of how digital technology and a growing concern for environmental sustainability have impacted the design disciplines over the last decade. Framed around an engaging discussion with the Project Manager, Jean Oei of Morphosis Architects and Dr. George Campbell, President of the Cooper Union, (Re)centering the Square features a compelling visual tour of the facility, a detailed narrative from multiple perspectives explaining the forces which drove the design process forward and captures the transformation of the architectural profession over the last ten years through the lens of this visionary project. The film tracks the collaborative partnership between the Cooper Union and Morphosis Architects over the last twelve years and provides an inside look at the culture of design within this revolutionary practice. Following the film, a panel of leading practitioners and researchers will examine how contemporary advancements in digital technology and environmental sustainability are propelling our most innovative design experiments, facilitating a new architectural discourse, redefining the interaction between designers and machines and helping to shape how humans will interact with the built environment in future generations.

Panelists Include:

Marty Doscher: Morphosis Architects
Paul Seletsky, AIA: ArcSphere
David Benjamin: The Living / Columbia University GSAPP
Neil Meredith: Front / Columbia University GSAPP
David Pysh: Gehry Technologies
Moderated by Jason Ivaliotis: Versa Design

(Re)Centering the Square
Director: Elba Calado
Executive Producer: Jason Ivaliotis

Event Schedule:

6:00pm Wine & Hors Doeuvres
6:35pm Film Premiere
7:15pm Panel Discussion

Location:

Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Place
New York City (Map )

Film Trailer:

Trailer for (Re)centering the Square
Shifting Paradigms was brought to you thanks to the collaboration and generous efforts of the following people and organizations:

Produced by:
www.versa-design.com


www.leroleroproductions.com


Shifting Paradigms Is Produced in Collaboration with:


Center for Architecture



Sponsored by:

www.siemens.com