Course Description
This course explores the theme of technological innovation in the field of architecture, delving into the many and varied aspects of the topic. ShoP Architects firm share their professional experience through numerous high technological
impact architectural projects. The video presents the experience and advice that have enabled these practices to expand and reach an international design level; to this day, their successful works are of major architectural relevance in all aspects. Closely
examining past flagship designs and future projects, the course provides valuable examples and the useful analysis tools the firms have evolved during their successful professional pathway. The firms offer insights and inspiration on recent construction
techniques, shared from their decades of experience at the highest levels in the architectural field, providing a forum for discussion and a significant study opportunity for all architects keen to learn more about these two international-level architectural
practices’ dynamics, in which technology and innovation are a clear imprint of their own design approach.
About the Architect
SHOP ARCHITECTS
In 1996, SHoP launched a new design approach that has led to a plethora of non-conventional designs. The significance of the practice’s design approach rings through in its desire to question commonly-accepted practical models, along with the courage,
where necessary, to go beyond architects’ traditional competencies. This open-mindedness has made it possible to effectively tackle a broad range of problems common to all projects, from new planning concepts to next-generation building and delivery
techniques, and space design that responds to function. SHoP believes that intelligent and evocative architecture has a place in the real world, including among real-world constraints. It is little surprise that clients such as Google, Uber and the
US Department of State have all come to SHoP for their projects. Current projects at the practice include 111 West 57th St a more-than-400 meter tall Manhattan skyscraper, 447 Collins, a mixed-use project of some 186,000 m2 situated in the heart of
the Central Business District in Melbourne, and Uber’s headquarters in San Francisco. The practice has won awards that include the National Academy Distinguished Achievement Award, the Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Architecture Firm in the World”,
and the Smithsonian/Cooper Hewitt’s “National Design Award for Architecture”
