Summer DLAB experiments with the integration of algorithmic / generative design methodologies and large scale digital fabrication tools. Continuing its color based agenda, Summer DLAB immerses in ‘orange’ for its 2016 cycle, as a starting point to investigate principles of natural formation processes and interpret them as innovative architectonic spaces. These concepts are carefully interwoven with spatial, performance-based, and structural criteria in order to create full-scale working prototypes.

The three-week long programme is formulated as a two-phase process. During the two-week initial phase, participants benefit from the unique atmosphere and facilities of AA’s London home. The second phase, lasting for a week, shifts to AA Hooke Park and revolves around the fabrication and assembly of a full-scale architectural intervention realized by the use of robotic fabrication techniques in AA’s Hooke Park premises.

Prominent Features of the programme/ skills developed:

• Teaching team: Summer DLAB tutors are selected from recent graduates / current tutors at the AA. Participants engage in an active learning environment where the large tutor to student ratio (5:1) allows for personalized tutorials and debates.
• Facilities: AA London houses cutting-edge facilities for the fabrication of physical outputs through digital fabrication techniques or other forms including the use of plastics, wood, and metal. Digital Prototyping Lab (DPL) offers laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3d printing facilities. The facilities at AA Hooke Park allow for the fabrication of one-to-one scale prototypes with a 3-axis CNC router, various woodworking power tools, and robotic fabrication.
• Computational skills: The toolset of Summer DLAB includes but is not limited to Rhinoceros, Processing, Grasshopper, and various analysis tools.
• Theoretical understanding: The dissemination of fundamental design techniques and relevant critical thinking methodologies to the participants through theoretical sessions and seminars forms one of the major goals of Summer DLAB.

• Professional awareness: Summer DLAB performs as a simulation of the professional environment due the priority given to team-based design approach. Participants ranging from 2nd year students to PhD candidates and full-time professionals experience a highly-focused collaborative educational model which promotes research-based design and making.
• Robotic Fabrication: According to the specific agenda of each year, scaled working models are produced via advanced digital machining tools, followed by the fabrication of a one-to-one scale prototype with the Kuka KR150 robot.
• Lecture series: Taking advantage of its unique location, London, Summer DLAB creates a vibrant atmosphere with its intense lecture programme conveying the diverse expertise of professionals from some of the world’s leading practices in the areas of digital design and fabrication techniques.

Eligibility
The workshop is open to architecture and design students and professionals worldwide.

Accreditation
Participants receive the AA Visiting School Certificate with the completion of the Programme.

Applications
The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £1900 per participant, which includes a £60 Visiting Membership fee. A non-refundable deposit of £381 is required when registering with the online form - with the remaining balance due to be paid by the deadline for applications.

The deadline for applications is 11 July 2016. No portfolio or CV is required. The online application can be reached from:

https://www.aaschool.ac.uk/STUDY/ONLINEAPPLICATION/visitingApplication.php?schoolID=392

Return train tickets between London-Hooke Park, accommodation & food in Hooke Park, and materials from Digital Prototyping Lab (DPL) are included in the fees.

The London phase of AA Summer DLAB will take place during 25 July - 06 August 2016. From 06 August onwards, we will be located in Hooke Park until 12 August 2016. Participants need to make their own arrangements for the London-based part of the programme.

For more information, please visit:
http://summerdlab.aaschool.ac.uk/

http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/STUDY/VISITING/summerdlab

Programme Directors:
Elif Erdine (AA Summer DLAB Director):
elif.erdine@aaschool.ac.uk

Alexandros Kallegias (AA Summer DLAB Director): alexandros.Kallegias@aaschool.ac.uk