The first year at AA was the introduction to the theories of what makes architecture successful, and how can creativity be expressed through these parameters of different programs, so we went and studied projects from the UAE. While the region does come with it's recognized faults of clashing architectural standards crammed together, the year still took a trip to gain first-hand experience at a lot of architecture that is at the forefront of design. It is important to recognize what happens when massive urban development is met with very little resistance of any kind, as to see what should be avoided and what could be replicated in other architectural projects around the world.
The main focus of this extended trip was to gain a better understanding of the cultural context of the project's inhabitants and to survey our chosen sites in order to better continue the existing urban planning. For example, a significant portion of the time in Havana was spent interviewing and walking into the homes of the current inhabitants, asking questions like what do they feel is lacking, how is the relationship with their neighbors, and even a bit of backstory as to what brought them there. We had also gone all around Havana and out in order to get a real sense of what Cubans relation is to the aggregate of different architectural styles, and which elements are the most successful. Being at the cusp of an emerging real estate market with a scarcity of resources requires a deep look into how to make the most of every available space.
The site chosen for this year was the forest of Vincennes in Paris, which meant taking full advantage of the proximity and taking multiple long trips to France in order to understand how the city functions at the urban scale. We also stayed at the famous La Tourette in the outskirts of Lyon. This convent for friars was designed by Le Corbusier and is an example of pure purpose-built architecture. It was an experience of what are the minimum dimensions and requirements for a communal living space, something necessary for the brief of a school for 20,000. It was so purpose-built infact that because it was meant for friars who are very studious and quiet, the materials used/wall thickness and geometries of spaces allowed a pin drop to be heard across the building, which set up and interesting experience to live in for city people like my unit.
