June 13 @ SAT : Workshop 3: 'Architecture Otherwise'
Duration: 3 hours
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: SAT
Facilitators: Priyanka, Sahil, Varsha, Laura, Miley, Lizzie, Jess
Summary:
Today we will explore the Triennial theme, ‘Architecture Otherwise’, get inspired by some of the other participants and explore ways in which children’s ideas can transform our surroundings (built environment)
What is this session about? Understanding our individual motivations and inner compass for the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
What will we do? We will use model making as a tool to think and brainstorm - rapidly build small models, inspired by a range of works by triennial participants.
We will leave with: An understanding of shared patterns and differences in our ideas, and how to build on others’ thinking to identify common directions within the group.
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Introduce students to the triennial + theme
Get students to start thinking about issues relevant to children, linked to the built environment, and identify what they care about.
Engage with ideas related to the triennial atmosphere: beyond a built installation, how can joy, sound, movement, the senses, light and shadow, etc play a role?
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For Warm up:
A printed and assembled ‘project compass’ (let’s make this together on Friday)
For Main Activity:
an A4 or A3 base board per student, and some extras
Scale figures at various sizes
Scrap Model making materials such as: cardboard, clay, sticks, small pieces of recycled fabric, recycled materials
Hot glue, glue, making tape, staplers, scissors etc.
Post-its
journal booklet
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TBD
A Table layout where facilitators can easily rotate, sit next to and mentor children. 3-4 large tables (similar to setup for room in a shoebox)
A model making base set out in front of each child
Settling in / Warm up (1 hour)
Discuss past and present triennial participants work and rotate the project compass to understand the themes behind their work. If any installations are on site (marina tabassum, al-borde) we will walk over and look at it.
Main Activity: Makestorming! (1.5 hour)
Model making round 1: Before we do anything, we are going to start model making, trying to understand our own inner compass. It’s going to be a little bit like brainstorming - but we are going to make instead of talk. If you’d like to build a second model, you are welcome to grab another board.
Facilitators rotate every 20 minutes to support students.
If you are feeling stuck - Stand up and look at the design comments you made on the wall during Session 1 — Where you made comments on your experience of familiar places in Sharjah. You highlighted the areas you love, what you wish was different, and what you would add. Why? What was the underlying reason behind it? Write down your ‘why’ to why you made these suggestions.
Some comments were: xx
As you build, point the compass to understand the theme of your work.
is it making a statement? Is it creating a cosy space for belonging? is it playful?
Break
4. Making continues..
Ask them: about atmosphere: How do you want to feel in this space you are building?, how can sound, movement, the senses, light and shadow, etc play a role?
Reflection
Stop work!
Lay out all the models in the cozy corner on the floor.
One child selects another student's model that they'd like to learn more about. The creator explains what they were feeling while making it. The first child then offers suggestions for how to build on the idea.
Facilitation note: For the first round, the facilitator should participate as a creator — having their own model available in the mix — to demonstrate the tone and process. This helps children see that feedback should be curious and generative rather than critical. From the second round onward, children can lead independently.
This continues until all students discuss another students idea.. (use post-it’s to tag, make notes about models that have been discussed so as many students as possible get a turn)