After successful completion of the course, students are able to understand the design process as a problem that can be split into solvable sub-problems. Furthermore, they are able to develop a solution strategy with the help of algorithms. The students acquire the ability to present their ideas for self-developed programs (algorithms) in form of a storyboard. In general, the specific implementation (i.e. the coding) is not in the central focus, but the development of a solution strategy with the aid of algorithms.
The task which on which the algorithm must be based is to develop and design a Kindergarten concept which lends itself to the idea of a motorcycle club. The reason for bringing these two seemingly unrelated terms together is that we want to break through pre-existing thought patterns and get to new forms of design.
Kindergarten and motorcycle? This contradiction is an interesting one, since it allows us to think outside the box.
The motorcycle scene is characterized by a culture in which freedom, belonging to a group and a certain rebel attitude ("wild style") are commonplace. This cliché is at the core of this design studio, which tries to bring forward new perspectives for children and kindergartens. This concerns both organisation as well as the actual design. Chrome steel and leather cushions on buggies, so to speak (figure 1).
Figure 1: Mood setting images
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| „Mini Mobil“ at Technisches Museum Wien, ©KidsLoveVienna |
"Toy Run", Source: Allgäuer Zeitung |
| https://kidslovevienna.com/wp-content/uploads/user-uploads/Mini%20Mobil%20Technisches%20Museum%20006%20(1).jpg |
https://www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de/bayern/toy-run-in-modbiker-spenden-15-000-euro-fuer-rettenbacher-familie_arid-12230 |
What are now-common structures in the Kindergarten and how are these broken up architecturally and pedagogically? There will be a input from a professional Kindergarten educator in which we will discuss these matters.
The design studio is an algorithmical one, i.e. we employ rules which translate requirements (=input) into a concrete architectural concept (=output). Examples:
- Kindergarten spaces as traffic areas - algorithms for planning and simulating circulation (freedom is movement without goal - but with enforced traffic rules as we can see in the left of figure 1)
- distribution of Functions along the traffic axis in order to comfortably support unplanned travels
- clustering through bottom-up processes (group formation) in contrast to individual freedom? Elaboration using the Preferential Attachment Model.
The Kindergarten is the starting point of the education and care system. It promotes the development of children before they start school. Learning social skills is a central point in order to learn the ability to resolve conflicts or - more generally - to learn to live together.
The design studio ist structured as follows:
- analysis of „Kindergartens“ as institution forster child development
- analysis of clichés that are commonly associated with the motorcycle scene
- development of an algorithm producing a design or architectural concept (aspect of the design process); presentation as storyboard
- individual design based on the analysis; its representation in floor plan, elevation, interior- and exterior views (if necessary with details)
The findings from the analysis phase serve as the basis taking into account the different functions and the purpose to be fulfilled. An algorithm (storyboard) has to be developed, that (for example) optimizes processes, enables functions to be superimposed, generates design variants, or defines the form directly. It is essential that the part of the design process that is suitable for developing an algorithm is identified.