ARC395H1 F P0102 / ARC2095H1 F P0102 
Instructor: Humbi Song 
Summer 2025
Dates: TBD (July 2025)

Technology is social; it shapes and is shaped by human life. It contributes to relationships between humans, and therefore influences social structures, power dynamics, and the way people connect. It can sometimes be tools of power, and sometimes tools of resistance, agency, and transformation. It is co-produced with society, and it is fundamentally social. 

Using interactive technologies in design, specifically Physical Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), students will design-build interactive spatial installations that come alive in response to human presence and movement. We will explore the interconnectedness of technology and social behaviour through the medium of interactive installations, to create poetic explorations of human behaviour and the built environment. We will take inspiration from the themes of (1) “Translating the City”, particularly through sensing, responding to, and measuring phenomenological experiences of the city, including human presence, behaviour, and atmosphere, and (2) “Poetic Justice”, investigating how to co-opt tendencies of technologies to reimagine and create a more just city.  

Students might benefit from but are not required to have prior experience with Physical Computing and AI. Workshops will provide hands-on instruction in the necessary tools. The Design-Build will result in a family of three interactive installations: architectural and sculptural works creating multisensory experiences.  

Application 

To apply, please submit a paragraph describing your interest in this Design Build course, five work samples (student work), and a short CV. 

This course is available to undergraduate Architectural Studies students in all streams who have completed ARC200H1 and ARC201H1 before Summer 2025. This includes fourth-year students graduating in June 2025. It is also open to MARC, MLA, and MUD students. 

Applications are to be submitted HERE. (Please note the form is limited to one submission for all summer courses. Further editing and amendments are NOT allowed after the form has been submitted.) 

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.