‘The world’s most valuable resource isno longer oil, but data.’ The Economist,2017.

What is the ‘cloud’ and how is datashaping the way we design cities andbuildings in this ever more connectedworld?By entering the information age, we-humans- have changed our relationshipwith the physical world. We are todayliving in a world where data, algorithmsand ‘clouds’ are ubiquitous to our dailyactivities while we have increasinglybe¬come fully committed to stayconnected with each other regardlessof time-zones, geographies and politicalborders…The aim of the studio is to create anunderstanding of the physical impactof data on our world today. Data hasbecome a critical component to ourlife -when was the last time that youspent 24h00 offline?-, yet, we hardlycomprehend its mechanisms: globalinternet cable networks, automateddistribution centers, self-driving vehicles,

data centers, AI robot citizens… are yetthe tangible evidences of a complex andconnected world.During the semester, students are askedto critically study the physicality and theimpact of data on our built environment;and to translate these diagnostics intoconceptual architectural visions.The semester is divided in 2 chapters.Chapter 1 / Research (‘networks/systems’): Students develop a researchon the networks and systems for whichdata has today a critical importance.Chapter 2 / Design (‘footprints’): Studentsdesign a specific, intensive point of thislarger system: an architectural object atconceptual level. The design proposalmust reflect the thesis developed earlierin the research phase.Lectures and (possibly site visits)with experts are organized during thesemester. Research books, large scaledrawings (A0) and a conceptual modelwill be produced by each student. Finalworks of the studio to be exhibited as acollective show in a cultural institution inthe Netherlands.

TutorsPaul CournetNegar Sanaan Bensi

Responsible InstructorsKees KaanNegar Sanaan Bensi (Coordinator)

Code AR2CP011Credits 15 ECTSLocation NLExcursion TBCCosts 50-100

Project type Research & Design

Approved Master 2 Architecture design project

Yes

COMPLEX PROJECTSMSc2 Research & Design Studio_Datapolis

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Photo: Amazon 100,000m2 fulfillment center in Carteret (New Jersey, USA)