framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

Within the 10 day between the first and second session, after the initial group
formation, research and observations must be collected and collated as participants
will be required to prepare a 2 minute individual presentation on their return. The
participants should summarise the urban conditions and the issues Sharjah faces,
finding similarities with other cities in The United Arab Emirates and overseas. They
will then carry out further research into the history of Sharajah specifically looking at
how they could redesign Sharjah whilst retaining the emphasis on heritage.
The final presentations will consist of drawings, a physical model, performance or
digital display which will capture the essence of their idea. At this point, the research
has to be cited rather than explained. The ideas must be clearly articulated in 2 minute
presentations which will be critiqued, then shown in a 4 minute film in a final
installation on the final day of the studio. The studio insists on the use of metaphor,
naming, and philosophical background as crucial tools. Feedback and discussion are
reserved for tutorials and collaborative workshops.
The final day will present the opportunity for everyone to witness and discuss all
presentations before the installation. This will be made possible by the reformation of
the groups therefore reducing the number of ideas to be presented. Throughout the
development of the design strategies, participants will be exposed to a broad range of
technologies, software, digital mediums and applications. Each participant must work
with physical as well as data models where appropriate, the date of which will be
collected by tutors for a catalogue of future material.
During consultation with the tutors the participants must decide on the outputs for
their presentations. Each participant must produce a 3 minute digital film version of
their strategy and provide the appropriate material in the form of evidence such as
texts, photographs and films. The participants must accompany this with a document
of 100 words outlining their idea.
With the assistance of the project tutors the participants are required to express their
own briefs and formulate an appropriate outcome to tackle the problems facing
Sharjah. Together with the intensive nature of the studio, this pertains to the
combination with all participants to make the VDS. Tutors and participants will meet
throughout the studio to discuss projects in progress, and tutors are not permitted to
enforce their own philosophies on the participants but instead to encourage
participants to think in a different way, but ultimately make up their own minds.
At all times participants are required to justify their response and design strategies
which should show an understanding for the philosophical and historical lineage of
their ideas and why they now have the permission to think and act in a particular way.
Ultimately, participants are responsible for their final designs and installations.
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