ARC3018HF (LEC0108) 
Instructor: Petros Babasikas

The Archipelago Studio invents real Design Actions + Architectures vs. conditions of Crisis: constant, pervasive climate and social crises. It deals with global, networked sites - places without a center - un-centering solutions, reframing problems unresolvable by any single discipline, finding resiliency in the periphery. The Archipelago rebuilds and works with what we have. Repair is its primary tool, by storytelling, craft, and activism. In the fall term seminar students make a visual essay film, deeply exploring their complex site, allowing local voices to be heard, building partnerships with agents of change.  The visual essay sets up questions, and a clear position:  a Thesis.  This thesis is tested by a design project in the second term, presented in a carefully crafted exhibition posing (and answering) some of the thesis questions, designing shelter, sanctuary, or public spaces of freedom and joy. The Studio provides a working methodology and allows students to share and advocate for their work.  Beyond that, each student pursues their own thing.  The Archipelago enables change: reuse, rebuiding, resistance.

archipelago.city

Image Caption: Osei Wireko, Fragile Fringes, Accra, Archipelago Studio 2023.