The Alessi MUTANTS program is a 4-week intensive postgraduate course in emergent digital directions within object and architectural design. The course aims at investigating and exploring the systems, processes, and techniques of Alessi design in the context of studio, research, and practice. The purpose is to develop scaleable geometries that will assist in the development of objects and architectural forms.
The students will explore design mutations with a single project, probing materials and production techniques of Alessi design. The workshop and the accompaning seminars will focus on the challenges of developing and expanding the domain of Alessi object design in the context of emerging technologies in the design and production of objects and architecture.
Located in Vienna, Alessi MUTANTS will be in the context of the Architecture Department at the University of Applied Arts, where design studios by Wolf Prix, Zaha Hadid, and Greg Lynn set the standard, enabling the students to participate in a unique teaching and learning environment.
The final review of student projects will be located at the Alessi Headquarters in Omegna, Italy taking advantage of the location and presence of Alberto Alessi, Gloria Barcellini and Alessi Projects Engineer Danilo Alliata. Students will also have an unprecedented opportunity to tour the Alessi dream factory and the Alessi Museum.
Alessi Mutants Final Review Guests:
Alberto Alessi
Alessandro Mendini
Hernan Diaz Alonso
Florencia Pita
Hani Rashid
David Ruy
Jeff Kipnis
RMIT MEDIA RELEASE
RMIT Architecture students star in Venice Biennale
21 June 2010
RMIT University students have been invited to exhibit at the world’s premier architecture and design event, the 12th Venice International Architecture Biennale.
The Austrian Pavilion, curated by US architect Eric Owen Moss, will showcase innovative model projects created by RMIT students through Alessi MUTANTS, an intensive four-week design workshop at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.
RMIT Professor of Architecture Tom Kovac said the invitation for students to exhibit at the Venice Biennale was an extraordinary opportunity.
“For students to be included in the most prestigious event in the world of architecture and design – alongside such leading names as Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel and Greg Lynn – is unprecedented,” Professor Kovac said.
“These postgraduate students are the next generation of design talent and their involvement in the Venice Biennale reflects the international standing and pioneering approach of the architecture programs at RMIT.”
Five Victorian and five international RMIT Master of Architecture students will join students from the world’s leading design institutes at the Alessi MUTANTS workshop from 24 June, researching scaleable forms and fabrication techniques to create model projects that explore emergent digital directions in object and architectural design.
The workshop will be led by Professor Kovac, Reiner Zettl, from the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and Alberto Alessi, an industry linkage partner with the Alessi MUTANTS design workshop and the Venice Biennale, which opens on 29 August.
Victorian Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings, congratulated the architecture students and commended RMIT on its continued work with industry leaders.
“These students will be showcasing their world-class designs to a global audience, alongside recognised architecture and design industry leaders,” Mr Jennings said.
“This unique opportunity demonstrates the wealth of creative and cultural talent in our education sector and confirms Victoria’s reputation as a world centre for design excellence.”
An international panel of architects and designers including Alessandro Mendini, Hernan Diaz Alonso, Florencia Pita and Hani Rashid will oversee the outcomes of the project, with final project reviews presented at Alessi headquarters in late July.