Groundscape Architecture Lab. Carpark Futures (edX)

Developing architectural and design knowledge for the urban underground. ‘Groundscape’ is a new word coined by architect Dominique Perrault to integrate underground spaces into architecture knowledge. The general focus of this course is to provide students with underground design strategies that respond to contemporary urban challenges. Indeed, The underground of cities has become one of the most innovative and radical terrains of experimentation for future urban development by providing much needed spaces capable of optimizing existing city centers, by making them more resilient, responsible, durable and beautiful.

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In this course, students will learn a variety of architectural strategies that engage with the urban underground and will produce a design project on a given underground site.

This 2021 edition of the course will invite candidates to focus specifically on the urgent question of underground parking lots, which are at the heart of the current transformation of mobility, logistics and energy.

In addition to the course, students are invited to participate in the open design competition Carpark Futures : Opportunities in the Underground whose Final Jury will take place in March 2022.

This edition of the MOOC Groundscape is done in collaboration with Indigo Group, world leader in parking solutions, as a continuation of their ongoing work with DPA available here:

What you'll learn

● Engage with the architectural potential of the urban underground.

● Learn new design strategies

● Experiment with the notion of ‘Deep Urbanism’

● Prepare for your participation in the open competition Carpark Futures : Opportunities in the Underground.

Syllabus

The course is divided into two parts:

The Groundscape Architecture Design Lab is structured along a series of 5 episodes divided into different Acts, including keystone Expertise visits, diverse Experiences, and Groundscape Talk lectures.

In parallel to the talks and visits you will participate in the Carpark Futures Design Studio , a design oriented studio where you will develop your own personal Groundscape project.
THE GROUNDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN LAB
Episode 1: The Groundscape Manifest

Introduction to basic concepts related to the notion of Groundscape such as Void, Light, Geography, Landscape, Heritage, Depth, Density, Network, etc…
Episode 2: Conquests

Study of Groundscape as a tool for the creation of new territories through the disappearance of architecture.
Episode 3: Geography

Study of Groundscape as the blending in of landscape and architecture. We will underline the capacity of the underground territory to establish complex networks and links with apparently simple actions.
Episode 4: Legacy

Study of Groundscape as an aesthetic and respectful urban solution in heritage sensible sites. We will dig into the ground to establish the foundations of Groundscape architecture
Episode 5: Into the Lab

An invitation to look inside unheard of design methods specifically oriented towards subterranean territories.