Atlantic Wonder  International Summer School

PORTA33 — 27.07.2019

Organização: Departamento de Arte e Design da Universidade da Madeira

Madeira will host the second edition of the Atlantic Wonder Summer School from 23–30 July 2019. The rich biodiversity and presence of various natural ecosystems make of the island the perfect living lab to experiment with and shape a Nature Centred Design approach.This year we will focus on tools and methods that belong to the natural sciences. We will explore and apply these in order to learn about the complex interconnections within natural mechanisms and systems.

The first step in shifting from an anthropocentric to nature centric design approach is to understand nature’s rhythms and needs. Through direct experiences and activities in nature, the participants will work with, and reflect upon, the relationship between the natural sciences and design. By bridging these two worlds we aim to foster insights that can inform the public about natural cycles, routes and rhythms and to design for sustainable and resilient systems.

Participants will interact with experts from a range of disciplines in the natural sciences and design, while developing an interdisciplinary mindset and approach towards sustainable development.

Gabriele Oropallo

He is Senior Lecturer in Design Critical and Contextual Studies and Course Leader of the MA by Project at The Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University. He teaches Academic Practice at the University of the Arts London. He serves as Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Design History Society. His research examines the design-nature entanglement and the making of informed materials. He also co-founded critical design practices Repair Society and Arquipélagos Urbanos, whose work was featured respectively at the Istanbul Design Biennial and São Paulo Architecture Biennial. He regularly contributes to the magazine Form. His recent publications include chapters in books such as Craft Economies (Bloomsbury, 2018) and Design Culture (Bloomsbury, 2019).