framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

To combat the prevalent cultural restrictions the essential technological tools rely heavily
on digital media sources including: the social networking website Facebook; real-time
interactive graphics such as Whiteboard; 3D Visualisation programmes such as Sketch-up
and Autocad; and other forms of online communication such as video conferencing via
MSN Messenger and email. A VDS website will also be available with all relevant links for
reference and collaboration. Essential materials for the project consist of mainly key
texts fundamental to the philosophy of the project itself; the VDS website; lectures from
field experts and academics; studio-based work including informal and formal meetings
with project tutors. Due to cultural restrictions the project will run parallel for male and
female students in separation.
Prior to the VDS, participants will be fully equipped with all the necessary technological
tools via the VDS website, Facebook and MSN messenger. Students will required to
create a Facebook page where they will be expected to complete all profile
requirements. They’ll also have an MSN identification where they will be encouraged to
network and collaborate with fellow participants and they will have instant access via a
desktop icon to the VDS website where all relevant links will be available.
Day One: 12/10/09: 15.00hrs
Introductory Day: Welcome & Virtual Tour
The day will begin with a short introduction from Studio Coordinator Gemma June
Howell. Then an introductory lecture, from Studio Director Amal Al-Ali will follow which
will serve to welcome the participants and provide them with a brief overview of the
project itself. She will emphasise the importance of the use of technology, placing great
emphasis on extensive use of the VDS website which will contain links to all relevant
material, design applications, digital mediums and collaborative tools. Drawing on the
success of Prof. Goodwin’s Porosity Studio, Al-Ali will initiate the employment of
metaphorical free thinking when devising design strategies. In conjunction with the VDS
tools and digital media, this freedom of thought should make for successful creative
collaboration in the production of innovative design concepts - both aspects of which
are crucial to the focus of the studio, and will subsequently form backbone of the VDS.
In relation to the studio’s philosophy of embracing digital technology as a means to
educate future generations, Al-Ali will offer her own socio-political and philosophical
opinions to encourage the participants to establish their own philosophical beliefs and
political viewpoints. In order to establish how the participants must approach the
project, Al-Ali will draw on Prof. Richard Goodwin’s successful Porosity Studio. At this
point, Al-Ali will select examples of the Porosity Studio’s best final exhibition films to give
the participants a clear idea of what is expected. The introductory lecture will also
include speeches from both Pradeep Sharma and Randah Taher, who will consider the
future challenges and the expectation of the UAE nationals as an educated generation.
Al-Ali will then take the participants through a Virtual Tour of Sharjah to offer a clear
overview of the emirate, both historically and politically. Participants are expected to
physically explore the emirate during free periods and their own time. Due to the
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