The new semester has begun. This is the 2nd generation of the Speculative Studio, where the focus remains the same but with a different approach and context for the study. Last semester, students engaged with Kluang in Johor as part of their design studio, creating macro and micro studies and master plans as a collective study within the studio. This semester, students are required to produce a mini-thesis as part of their graduating project. The stakes and requirements are more complex as they have to work individually to achieve a design outcome.
The intent of the studio, which is led by Dr. Aiman Mohd Rashid is mentioned in the common project brief as follows:
The workbase calls for a design approach by exploring architectural ideas through imagination, stories, narratives or scenarios. Ideas and discussions will address global issues but are set in a local context of Mersing and its communities. Students will be asked to develop their manifestos through a series of progressive workshops, reflective writings and visual images (especially collages) to speculate on what Mersing could be, inviting people around a possible future that we can work towards.
IIn this semester, 10 students have enrolled in this studio after a voting and selection system and have to publish a series of blog posts about their projects. The students will hold a seminar, create a manifesto and we intend to produce a physical exhibition, which we failed to do last semester.
Looking forward to the coming weeks.
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