The lifespan of contemporary uses is much shorter than the lifespan of buildings. In this studio, we will look at the potential of a short-lived architecture that could simply disappear after its short-time use. This ambition poses challenging questions regarding construction materials, the life cycle of construction systems, disassembly/decay and structural typologies.

To address this agenda, we will explore the architectural and structural potential of paper casting. We will use a range of humble materials, from cotton to recycled paper and expand upon traditional methods of papermaking and paper casting using strategic, experimental tactics. We will fabricate material swatches, scale models, and ultimately make a full-scale or large partial cast paper enclosure with an emphasis on investigating thin shell/monocoque structures and the weathering/decaying process of paper. The aim of the studio is to encourage students to develop habits of working that are resourceful, inventive, produce little waste, and that leads to a form of architecture that is temporary, with a positive and productive ecological impact.

The studio fosters material research in architecture as an integrated endeavor between scientific, tectonic and cultural readings. We will exercise to express theoretical and spatial concepts through physical artifacts. Insights will be triggered by working within the material specificity and fabrication techniques of paper casting/fibers / pulp.

The studio is organized in collaboration with the Material Culture Research Group at the University at Buffalo where graduate architecture students will be working on aligned projects. Respective field trips between Buffalo/Toronto will allow for critical cross-pollination of studio cultures, research methods and pedagogical models offered by the distinct institutions of the University of Toronto and the Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.

The course will be held on Fridays from 9am-6pm with additional support available via Skype/Google Hangouts.