The project for this year's weeklong intensive design and construction workshop
is to build a cabin for the Hunter and the Artist. During
the week participants are introduced to emerging design processes through
hands-on construction. Away from the confines of an insular indoor studio
practice, the team of participants and craftsmen will be able to engage
architecture directly, both theoretically and physically on site. This year,
the goal of the studio is to explore the programmatic relationship between a
Hunter + Artist, and build a cabin for both users on the Five Sisters Farm in Perrysburg ,
NY
Seven applicants selected from an open call will work closely with
local craftsmen and practicing professionals on site, developing practical,
technological, and presentational skills. They will work together as a team to cultivate
ideas critical to the overall form of the project. As a part of the entire
design and build process, participants will learn how to build a structure from
ground up and partake in collaborative design.
Consideration of the rural location of the Five Sisters Farm and negotiation
with the real world complexities of this site are crucial to the realization of
each participant’s design ideas. The
team will present their ideas to a local public audience, develop the design
content, and engage in all aspects of the construction.
As the name
+Farm implies, participants will have the opportunity to see first hand how a
300-acre farm with sheep and cattle operates, as well as engage in several
daily farm duties. Demonstrations and lessons will be provided which will be
valuable, as they will apply to situations beyond the farm. There will
be site visits in and around Western New York and events
with invited speakers from the design and building community. By living and designing in the
community in which they are building, participants will become more aware of
both the social and physical conditions on a farm. The nature of the +Farm experience
will provide a fertile foundation for active thinkers inspiring innovative
design exploration of building technologies.
The workshop will conclude with a community ribbon cutting, public
presentation, and celebration. We
encourage students from all backgrounds to participate, as we seek to explore
the disciplinary boundaries of design in the environment of the farm.
The Hunter + Artist
The Five Sisters Farm is
a habitat of diverse and versatile ecosystems that dynamically accommodate a
variety of user groups. Although farming
is a predominate program, Five Sisters Farm supports a variety of secondary
user groups including artist and hunters.
This year we will focus on how these two unique programs with different
working methods might relate and enhance one another.