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ARC3020Y F
Instructor(s): John Shnier
Meeting Section: L0106
Tuesday, 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

NOTE ON THE VIDEO PRESENTATION: The video is somewhat long, however, please take the time to watch it as it shows examples of past work. It is a video that was made in 2021, in the context of covid, and thus some information will not be pertinent to this year’s version. There is info re. Hadrian’s role, and trip to Rome, where reference to the written outlines should be noted. In any event, the best way to understand this studio is to try and speak to former students. The first day will include presentations from former students.

NARRATIVE ALLEGORY: This studio proposes that thesis resonates through various modes of representation; privileges ideation over final product and supports layering of ideas to produce highly conceptual work in support of all manner of relevant architectural discourse. While it uses historical figures as protagonists, it is not a studio that is trapped in any specific history---on the contrary, it encourages innovation and risk.

PIRANESI + HADRIAN AS INSPIRATIONAL PROTAGONISTS: PROLIFIC + LAYERED: We will start with a student-lead seminar that examines the work and objectives of The Venetian polymath, Gian Battista Piranesi (1720 – 1778) and the Roman Emperor-Architect, Hadrian (76 AD- 138 AD). Piranesi was tireless in his production of drawings in support of his thesis. We will use Piranesi’s seminal drawings, The Carceri, and Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, to understand their theses and motives and examine concepts such as Palimpsest, Fragment, Flux, and form. This studio asks you to draw, iterate and be a little bit obsessive, to support and embody your thesis.

A LEAP OF FAITH: PIRANESI’S + HADRIAN’S NARRATIVES, THEN YOURS: The class develops a collective position and vocabulary regarding his thesis; then we will proceed to transform Piranesi’s discourse towards creating your thesis discourse. As you develop your thesis, a site selected at Hadrian’s Villa during our trip to Rome will seek a site for allegory and narrative. It is understood that this early determination is a “leap of faith”. This early thesis concept does not have to be remarkable to start but you must start for it to become remarkable.

FOLIO: STILL + MOVING + DIGITAL + ANOLOGUE + ??? : From your personal thesis construct, you will prepare drawings/artefacts in a continuous and iterative manner. The definition of “drawing” is fluid and wide-ranging. This studio has supported everything from prints to models to operas. The objective is to create a works that are, collected curated and formed into a coherent organized collection elements. The kinetic quality of Piranesi’s work, as observed by the Russian avant-garde film maker, Sergei Eisenstein, shall also be present in your work through the integration of video, a complementary element facilitating the the 4th dimension in representation. Experimenting with incorporating drawing in motion is consistent with an understanding of flux. Examples of previous films can be seen on the Daniels YouTube site.

PROFESSOR PROMPTED; STUDENT DIRECTED, COLLABORATIVE, CRITICAL AND ITERATIVE: Students considering this studio should be prepared to undertake conceptual and VERY self-motivated/self-directed work in the type, quality and themes they create. It is the continuous discussion, feedback and critical environment that will help guide the student in defining their work and facilitating its progress. The success of each student project depends on the continuous production of new work in response to ongoing critical participation of each student in the group. The studio promotes a safe and inclusive space. The professor will prompt and guide discussions. Students must seek to understand and support each other’s work.

STUDIOS 1 + 2: A COMPREHENSIVE WHOLE: This studio merges fall and winter semesters into a seamless exercise and in turn, it is accepted that the momentum of first term work and its outcomes build towards your (final) thesis project. Research Studio 1 asks you to “curate” your ideas via drawing for examination and discussion creating directions that you will refine and develop in the winter. Final Thesis projects in this studio have typically been performative installations located in various locations throughout 1 Spadina Circle.

TRAVEL TO ROME: (NOT MANDATORY) OCTOBER 19 – 29 ???: After balloting, but prior to first class, we will meet to strategize a Rome trip, where one is immersed in a palimpsest of fragment and flux. Post pandemic realities have resulted in inflated prices and crowds. Those requiring visas, be forewarned that they are not quickly obtained. U of T Safety Abroad Course must be completed. Note that costs and complexities of travel to Italy have increased dramatically this year. Expect costs of approximately 2,500 C$ or more per student for airfare and hotel based on 10 nights in Rome. A meeting on zoom will be held immediately following the results of the ballot and prior to start of school to discuss.

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You are encouraged to contact former students to get a good sense of what to expect in this studio:

• Angel Gou: yue.gou@mail.utoronto.ca
• Nada Walid: nada.alobaidi@mail.utoronto.ca
• Jason Wu: jasonzy.wu@mail.utoronto.ca
• Catherine Della Cruz: catherine.delacruz@mail.utoronto.ca
• Sara Ghorban Pour: sara.ghorbanpour@mail.utoronto.ca