| Tutor(s) | Paul Steinbrück |
| Campus | BXL |
| Language | EN |
| Engagement | Mediating Tactics |
| Semester | 1 |
ADO ‘No Grid’
The Academic Design Office (ADO) ‘No Grid’ investigates in which way we can activate architecture as a dynamic and nomadic ‘vehicle’, less consider it as a static fact. No Grid explores how temporality can play a role within architecture and how it can become a prospect of design.
No Grid discovers a world without the Cartesian functionality of norms and rules that architecture usually subscribes to. No Grid explores a world where doubt, inefficiency and coincidence are allowed to exist.
The substance of the studio
The studio SIMPLY DISAPPEARING investigates ambiguity as an opportunity by working on a concrete design task within a context of uncertainties. Together we aspire to progress the ambiguities into a temporary intervention that we can realise collectively by the end of the studio.
Regine Giesecke, Seebau (Bauprofil), 2013
The starting point for this design studio is a request from the Brussels Environmental Agency to develop a temporary pavilion for the future swimming pond in Neerpede Park, Anderlecht. This pavilion, intended for seasonal use, will provide changing cubicles and lockers for visitors. However, the swimming pond project that forms the context of this pavilion is currently stalled, having obtained permits but not yet begun construction, waiting for definitive decisions. It has become the focal point of a public debate, with strong opinions from both supporters and opponents.
In a society where there is a tendency to seek clear, definitive answers which often leads to clashes between opposing groups, like in this case, while the questions and situations are usually ambiguous. We, as (young) designers, are not required to resolve these ambiguities. Instead, we can consciously put limiting aspects aside and think freely, allowing the ambiguities to serve as a framework for thoughtful consideration and as an invitation to develop new insights, whether they are provocative or conciliative. Insights that challenge the apparent binarity of viewpoints, encouraging everyone to reconsider their own and others’ opinions.
The ambiguous general status of the project is an opportunity to explore other ambiguities of the context, task, and underlying intentions. Is the pond and its surroundings, where the swimming is supposed to take place, the last natural reserve in Brussels, or is it an artificial, manmade landscape with multiple (sub)urban functions? Should future development prioritize ecology or recreation, or is it possible to reconcile both? Is the requested temporary pavilion meant to be an addition once the permanent interventions are realized, or is it a precursor to soon-to-come activities, anticipating the permanent structures? Do the simple functions of the pavilion offer freedom in design, or is it rather constrained by the existing project into which it must integrate? Is the temporary presence or absence of the pavilion its principal feature? Is a temporarily recurring pavilion a simple to (dis)assemble structure catering practical needs or an ephemeral appearance with the potential to evolve over time? These questions extend to the everyday level: do people actually need changing cubicles for open-air swimming, or is a large towel sufficient? There is no limit to questions that enhance ambiguity.
Peter Zumthor, Swiss Pavilion Expo 2000, Foto: Roland Halbe
Joanie Lemercier & Juliette Bibasse, Experiment during art residency in St Andrews Botanic Garden, 2024
In this studio, we will collectively use these ambiguities as matter to build the framework within which we will develop proposals for the temporary pavilion. This process will involve reflection on two key aspects of recurring temporary structures: firstly, the characteristic phases of presence and absence, structured by the moments of appearing and disappearing—what are the consequences of different construction methods and materials, what role do the construction moments play, what happens to the structure during its absence, and could (re)constructing even be considered superfluous? Secondly, the freedom offered by the temporary nature of the pavilion, which might allow it to be realized outside the need for a building permit or the planning constraints of the larger swimming pond project. Can it transform its meaning and function in the course of the time to come? How can the temporary nature of the pavilion be a chance to break out of the current context of uncertainties?
The studio aims to culminate in a collective realization on site, the form of which will be developed through collaborative efforts during the studio.
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ADO ‘No Grid’ has a tradition of working together with POOL IS COOL. This ngo campaigns for the reintroduction of outdoor swimming in Brussels through actions, projects, research and debate. The studio is led by Paul Steinbrück, a co-founder of POOL IS COOL. Throughout the course, we plan to invite architects, artists, and activists who have previously worked with POOL IS COOL on specific temporary projects. Their insights will enrich the exchange of experiences with students.
On another level of ambiguity, depending on the progress made during the first semester, there is potential for a follow-up studio in the second semester. This may focus on the continued development and realization of a temporary structure.
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Expected output:
The ways of the studio & the outcome
The studio aims to strengthen your position as designer facing a very concrete context which represents broader societal debates. The starting point of every encounter is what you bring to the studio, your experiences and ambitions, and we develop those by bringing in critical questions and providing context if requested.
To make the unknown tangible, we use imagination.
The studio focuses on the craft of design, by carefully making models, drawings, videos, etc. as a powerful tool to explore space and time.
Finally, the output will consist of a portfolio to be built by each student. This will contain the result of working on multiple tracks :
The individual track contains personal design proposals and critical insights on the given design task. It includes inspirations, references, design research as well as specific design proposals.
In addition, tracks will be created that will be carried out in groups: it concerns further elaboration and moving towards implementation of selected design proposals.
Finally, the entire class group will also be responsible for a track that will lead to the collective performance of a group exhibition at the end, as well as the possible elaboration of a collective installation on a 1/1 scale.
So you will be judged not only on your own creative input, but also on your ability to work together as a group.
Excursion/study trip/…?
Workshop week 7 to be developed in collaboration with the Brussels Environmental Agency
Timing (indicative):
week 1 : introduction
week 2 : site visit + first debates on site
week 3 : first design-attempt or reflectionoutput
week 4 : visit of Flore + Arnaud (Brussels Environmental Agency) and exchange of first idea’s
week 5-6-7 : elaboration on the proposals
week 8 : review
week 9-10-11 : iteration on the proposals / translation towards a final proposition (possibly preparing the building of a mockup)
week 12 : review
week 13 : last check / build!
week 14 : presentation