[Applied] Foreign Affairs

[Applied] Foreign Affairs is a trans-disciplinary lab investigating spatial, infrastructural, environmental and cultural phenomena in rural and urban Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Each lab project centers on a distinct question or clear mission and culminates in field trips and residencies through which (applied) research, mappings, rural and urban growth patterns, urban prototypes, imaginary (art) spaces, and relational physical interventions are produced. A series of lectures and talks introduces students to the spatial diversity and cultural vibrancy of the contemporary condition of the respective project context, followed by workshops which focus on the status and potential of a specific region. The process of relating and making is conceptualized in a reactive and slowed-down manner. Conditions of uncertainty and fragility are embraced. The outcome of each lab is presented in different formats and contexts.

[A]FA is performed in (experimental) collaboration with international guests, teaching staff of the IoA, and with partner universities. [A]FA is commissioned by NGOs, cultural institutions, artist collectives and individuals. A selected number of students can participate after application. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. The workload is in line with the Curriculum of the Design Studio semester program. Field work and residencies only take place during semester breaks. Students of related disciplines are most welcome.