Description
As the sustainability movement gains social and political traction, and postures as a legitimate discursive movement within architecture, it is imperative that the discipline shift its role in the production of built form. This seminar will focus on "Rainwater Harvesting", one of the several energy systems under the umbrella of sustainability, through the lens of hydrophilic morphology (water loving form and structure). Rather than seeking to resolve problems of optimization or efficiency, the charge will be to produce semi-tectonic forms that open up novel sensibilities grounded in hydrophilia. Issues related to affect, sensation, legibility, and phenomena will be central driving factors alongside more pragmatic issues related to performance. The class will study specific models from various fields such as botany, biology, medical, military, etc. in order to harvest useful principles, qualities, techniques, and effects. These will be converted into a matter/geometry complex that lies