This year INDESEM 2021: Datascape will take place from 29th of May to – 3rd of June. The program of the INDESEM seminar week consists of lectures, excursions, and a workshop, all organized around a specific contemporary theme. Every edition of the seminar aims to raise awareness about this theme and its consequences for architectural practice. The seminar provides an environment in which students, tutors, architects, and theorists engage in conversation and discussion about the current and future position of the architect within society.
INDESEM 2021: ‘DATASCAPE’
Today, the built environment is rapidly becoming an intersection between the physical and the digital worlds. The rise of the digital world is challenging the traditional design process. Data influences many aspects of our lives; from the ads we see on our social media feeds to the music recommendations on our Spotify pages. Every action, feeling and step taken in the buildings we design can now be quantified. However, the impact of Big Data on our physical spaces remains unclear. How could data – about how people live, breathe and move through the projects we create – influence our future architectural designs?
‘Data Drives Architecture’
What if data leads the design process? Big Data processing through Artificial Intelligence offers the possibility to generate the optimal design, according to a set of parameters. Artificial Intelligence is able to use limitless amounts of data to make decisions and recommendations during the design process. The architect acts on what the data delivers. This gives data the authority to dictate how the design will look. Where does this leave the architect? How will this impact our definition of creativity?
‘Data Supports Architecture’
The rise of computer-aided design software resulted in countless digital tools at the architect’s disposal. The design process does not necessarily require the traditional pen and paper anymore. For example, parametric design adjusts its form to the submitted range of parameters based on the geological context or the client’s wishes. 3D modelling and rendering tools aid the architect during the design process by testing the spatial qualities of the design or by convincing a client. However, if the computer does all the creating, the architect goes from a master builder to a master explainer.
‘Architecture Supplies Data’
Architects not only consume data, but also produce data. Every move on the internet, or even off, is quantified and stored in data centers. In other fields, data is widely accessible by all parties. However, authorship in architecture obstructs the widespread sharing of information, research and data amongst architects. Every design requires a tremendous amount of research into a wide range of topics. By sharing this knowledge, architects could help other architects build better buildings. However, authorship and artistic identity are still core principles in the field of architecture. Will the Starchitect disappear?
INDESEM.21 offers you the chance to have personal conversations with architects at the forefront of the digital revolution.
Speakers announced:
- Norman Foster (foster + partners)
- Ben van Berkel (un studio)
- Kim Herforth Nielsen (3XN)
- Caro van de Venne (barcode architects)
- Wessel van Beerendonk (studio RAP)
- Lennaert van Capelleveen (architech company)
- Sanne van der Burgh (MVDRV)
and more speakers will be announced soon.
You will have a unique opportunity to ask the questions you have always wanted to ask renowned architects. INDESEM.21 will challenge your creative abilities by asking you to step outside your comfort zone and connect with an international audience. Besides lectures, workshops and excursions, you will also work on a small design brief with a group of international students. ‘Together with architecture students from around the world, you will determine the vision for the future of architecture and data.’
Fill in the online application form on our website https://indesem.nl/apply-now/
The deadline for the entry is April 23rd 2021 // 23.59 CEST
WHAT IS INDESEM?
INDESEM (International Design Seminar) is a biennale, founded by a group of students in 1962 and reinitiated in 1986 by Herman Hertzberger. The biennale is hosted at the faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment of the Delft University of Technology. INDESEM has had the honor of hosting internationally acclaimed architects such as Aldo van Eyck, Adriaan Geuze, Rem Koolhaas, Wiel Arets, Ben van Berkel, Winy Maas, Daan Roosegaarde, Jean Nouvel, Shigeru Ban, Steven Holl, Greg Lynn, Peter Cook and Renzo Piano, and theorists such as Saskia Sassen, Bruno Latour, Anthony Vidler, Neil Leach and Michael Speaks.
ORGANIZATION
INDESEM is organized by a student committee, consulted by renowned faculty professors. Herman Hertzberger, Wiek Röling, Michiel Riedijk and Winy Maas curated previous editions of the seminar. The INDESEM.21 board consists of Hidde Dijkstra, Tijmen Smith, Willem Damen, Inez Spaargaren, Valentin Zech, Louisa Hollander, Nadine Nossbaum and Elina Gaillard.
Instagram: @indesem_official
Website: www.indesem.nl
E-mail (contact us with your questions): [email protected]