SandWorks Tsinghua Architecture Summer School (AA) 2010

As a part of The Beijing Biennale 2010, Tsinghua University held a workshop on Parametric Design in collaboration with the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in London. This focused on algorithmic design, techniques, and theory alongside the study of practical precedents. The theoretical aim is to allow the participants an understanding of how parametric design techniques enhance the design efficiency and flexibility from concept design phases to the practical installation. Ahmed Abouelkheir within a teaching team from the AA has conducted the workshop for two weeks with twenty-four students to develop an installation for Beijing biennale. The work investigated the development of a sand tectonic prototype proposed by Ahmed and his research team toward design and a fabrication system. The students have been exposed to digital design methodologies, fabrication, and assembly procedures of a large scale wall of sand. Teaching team: Tutor: Yusuke Obuchi (Tutor at DRL master programme, AA school of Architecture) Robert Stuart-Smith, ( Tutor at DRL master programme, AA school of Architecture ) Tutor assistants: Ahmed Abouelkheir & Jiah-LEE (35 degree team, DRL, AA school of Architecture) Xin Wang , Soomeen Hahm (Zaha Hadid Architects)​Participating Students: Sun Yifu, Shenyang Architectural University, Architecture Li Xiaoyun, Shenyang Architectural University, Architecture Wu Nawei, Tsinghua University, Architecture Ma Ruijie, Tsinghua University, landscape design Yang Jianwei, Shenzhen University , Wang Weishi, Southeast University, School of Architecture Zhou Jingyi, Beijing Jiaotong University, Architecture Wang Jing, Huaqiao University, Architectural Xie Fei, Hefei University of Architecture Li Wenhan, Nanjing Forestry University Gao Zheran, South China University of Technology Chen Yingxi, Beijing Jiaotong University, Architecture Guo Xin, Hefei University of Architecture and Art Lai Yuchen, Beijing Jiaotong University Yuan Yue, Zhejiang University Zhao Jingwen, Beijing University Li Jiaqi, Beijing Jiaotong University Guo Cheng, Beijing Road Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd. Yan Ming, Beijing UGA Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd.