Pratt Institute Graduate Architecture Studio

1. ARCH 624 DESIGN STUDIO 5: Vertical 1
Fall 2010
The “TRANSITION” Studio:
Our studio will work on new ways to engage architectural design as an instrument for systemic change toward a more sustainable,
innovative and productive society. To this end, we will examine two separate but related fields of study:
 Transition Theory: Sustainable development is rapidly moving from the periphery to the mainstream of politics, science and
business. Over the past few years, a strong consensus has emerged that some major global problems - i.e. “wicked” problems
like climate change - can only be addressed through large-scale concerted action and systemic change. Yet, in many instances,
we cannot fully define the challenge at hand – nor can we create (or enforce) a pre-determined plan that solves the issues.
Transition theory (which is based on systems theory, complexity theory and sociology) is about non-linear processes of social
change in which the structure of a societal system transforms. Transitions are the result of technological, economic, ecological,
socio-cultural and institutional developments at different scales that influence and reinforce each other. Transitions seek to
organize radical changes in sectors like energy and transportation, the building industry, agriculture, health care etc…For
example, transition practice often involves the creation of “niches” in which iterative experiments and innovations can occur;
outside of conventional rules. These and other techniques (developed in the Netherlands) will inform our design process.
 Urban Economy: The economist Ronald Wall (formerly with OMA and MVRDV) has noted that global economic forces and
urban development can no longer be separated. Wall observes that most architects today “conform to the apathetic procession
of the world economy, eagerly converting capitalist assignments into compliant materializations, like office towers, business
centers and commercial parks, giving very little consideration to the impact of their activities”. Instead, he urges a new kind of
pro-active architectural practice that challenges the inequities of global capitalism: “Driven by profit maximization, the world
economy forms a seemingly indifferent, self-organized process, largely benefiting a handful of individuals.” He suggests that the
economy should not be left to its own devices and that architects should imagine the kind of economic development that they
want. He posits a hypothesis called Archinomics: “To effectively develop cities within our globalizing world, a strong overlap
between the disciplines of architecture and economics is needed, in which hyper-information and hyper-imagination mutually
develop. This should primarily concern how relative developments ‘between' cities coincide with developments ‘within' cities”.
Our studio project seeks to enable innovations and transitions in the sector that is closest to architecture: the construction industry.
The building will be an experimental structure that contributes to a systemic transition to a sustainable and “climate neutral” building
culture by engaging material, energy and water cycles, fabrication techniques and labor practices. Rather than developing complete
environmental models for this building - for which we don’t have the time and resources - we will try to overcome the systemic flaws of
conventional “green building” practice by experimenting with new ideas, rule-sets and design processes. We will learn how our design
choices - i.e. new forms, material assemblages and programmatic juxtapositions can become strategic and synergistic – shaping not
only the building itself – but also pivotal elements of a larger economy.
Our building will be located in mid-town Kingston, NY in the Hudson Valley. It will promote the Hudson Valley’s innovation economy
with new types of spaces for learning, exhibition, meeting, (net) working and experimentation. The space/ program relationships
(rules) should create a milieu for innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship – a culture that thrives on risk and constant change.
The building will be approximately 60,000 to 80,000 SF; the major components of the program are:
 Life Long Learning (LLL) Center - employment resource center, computer lounge, video-conference facilities, small library and
day-care center. It also includes a big workshop and large flexible spaces for job training, classes and experimental projects.
 Offices and Support Spaces for economic development, trade or business organizations as well as local advocacy groups.
The program also includes some subsidized office, lab and art studio spaces.
 Conference Center with meeting rooms, exhibit spaces for (green economy) products and technologies, café/restaurant.
 Loft-type housing and guest rooms.
The building complex itself should be a living laboratory and evolving exhibit of a new building culture – a place where
people can go to see the latest materials, technologies and energy concepts that are produced in the region.
This program will be adjusted based on discussions with local groups, site visits and research.
 Eligible: 5th Semester Graduate Master of Architecture (MARCH) and MS in Architecture (MSARCH) students.
 Studio led by Pratt Institute Professor Meta Brunzema: mbrunzem@pratt.edu and Meta Brunzema Architect P.C.