Workshop Modules

1. Module Research Urban History, Present, Future Outlook/Analysis

Students conduct a research on the internet and in the library to learn about their city’s and region’s history, its present state and future urban plans. These concepts will be researched on topics like history, economics and culture. Another possibility is the research of certain districts instead of the entire city. Topics can be adapted.

2. Module Research Favorite Place/Hate Place

Students will express which places they like and dislike most in their environment by drawing and writing about them. They conduct a research to find out more about these locations. Subsequently, they will determine which elements make these spots either good or bad places for them. The module gives students a personal and subjective approach to their city and initiates a process in which they become aware of their own needs. This awareness is essential for planning their ideal future city.

3. Module City Walk

Students experience their environment physically by walking. They visit interesting sites and current urban planning projects, approaching the locations by sketching and measuring them with their bodies. While measuring the places with their own bodies, they literally become `the measure of all things'. They become the center of their perception, making it a personal, almost intimate experience to explore the city. The module can be extended by different types of action art.

4. Module Research Architecture/Urban Planning

In addition and extension of module one, this module is meant for students to explore more specific topics like green/sustainable architecture, population growth and modern technology in architecture through research on the internet. They learn about the definitions in general and study examples. They think of examples for their environment, either realistic or visionary. Topics can be adapted.

5. Module Research Intuitive Mapping

To discover what students think is important in their city environment, this module focuses on intuitively drawing an oversized map together. The map indicates places like the researched landmarks, favorite and hate places and future visions. Participants are asked to draw what they think the city should consist of on the map within a short time frame. Participants rotate around the map and draw on different places. This map will function as a visual summary of the research modules and as a starting point of what the Cybercity will look like.

6. Module Designing and Constructing a Video Robot

This module focuses on the creation of a video robot by the participants. The robot will ride through the eventual exhibition and is steered by visitors. Students will learn how to build a video robot, including techniques (electronics) and video installation. Each robot in each project has a different look, which means the design of the robot is left to the students. Various types are possible, starting with a simple cable video robot that even very young children can build.

7. Module Planning, Locating, Describing and Constructing a Maquette and its Environment

8. Module Photographic or Video Screen Backdrops

9. Module Local Interactive Exhibition

After workshop modules one to eight, a local exhibition with the produced maquettes will be set up as a Cybercity, including a (self made) video robot. Participants set up the exhibition, invite press and public and secure the exhibition. The robot can be steered by the participants/visitors of the exhibition. The video robot is connected to a projector that projects the cybercity images onto a large screen.
Exhibitions can vary from small to very large, depending on various factors such as the amount of participating groups in one project. Larger exhibitions can contain, next to the basic interactive exhibition, internet robots that can be steered globally via the internet, robot steering platforms in a game step pad style and video cave projections. Other possibilities: use of a web chair and web table that people can use to communicate with others remotely (www.webchair.com).

10. Module Video Documentary

The video documentary allows the audience to get behind the scenes, giving insights into the process of building a Cybercity. It shows the project through the eyes of the participants and reflects their perspective. This can be done by us or by the participants themselves. In the second case, some participants are advised and guided in the basics of developing and realizing a documentary: operating a camera, recording sound, conducting interviews, writing a short synopsis and a storyboard.