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.x-med-k. Media Ecologies 21-25 April 2008
“[T]here are other things that need doing, and one of these is the development of an imaginary of technology, an understanding of its poetics and a testing manifestation of those poetics in ways that allow us to think and sense through what that technology is.” – Matt Fuller
Following the path laid out in “Towards an Ecology of Media Ecology” FoAM, Nadine and OKNO will conclude the .x-med-k. series with a final workshop in Saint Erme, France.
In this workshop, the three organisations explore media and media technologies as an ecosystem, deeply networked. At an isolated location in the Champagne region, participants will gather for a week of workshops, reflection and practical sessions around the themes of networks, collaborative projects and Tech-Nouveau. The workshop will take an 'Open Space' approach, and all participants will be expected to take an active role in shaping their activities.
OKNO will bring it's wireless routers to craft a local wireless network extended to serve as an artistic medium. FoAM will undertake hands-on experiments with simulated biological systems, experiments which will be extended along with ad-hoc discussions regarding complexity, whole-systems, patterns, biomorphism and biomimetics in physical and simulated lifeforms and ecosystems. Participants are also invited to contribute to collaborative projects, developed throughout the week, guided by Nadine.
Retreat
Media ecologies is a retreat organised by three organisations: Okno, nadine and FoAM (under the watchful eye of the Guild for Reality Integrators and Generators). The workshop will take place between the 21st and the 25th of April at the Performing Arts Forum in St. Erme in France. We will sleep, eat, work and play on the PAF (http://www.pa-f.net/) premises. Departure from Brussels: 20th of April (Sunday) at noon. We will return to Brussels on the 26th of April in the afternoon.
The workshop designed as a master class where everyone is considered both an expert and a participant. There are no designated workshop 'leaders', as we expect all of you to take on this role, at least when it's required. The retreat aims to inspire and invigorate, through an intense exchange of ideas, techniques and perspectives. In order to use this opportunity most effectively, we ask you to leave your day-to-day duties and worries behind.
Workshop question and sub-topics
The overall question for the workshop as a whole is: “How do we develop an imaginary of technology, in which biological, cultural, mechanical or electronic systems interact?”
Following from this question, FoAM will focus on “what and how we can learn from nature to design more resilient and responsive cultural, poetic and technological systems?” . We will look at the science of biomimicry, technologies of bionics and (artificial) life, biomorphic design and ecological processes in contemporary techno-social environments. Okno will focus on the networked connections between physical and digital systems. Nadine will look at the poetics, aesthetics and politics of audiovisual technologies in public spaces.
Structure
The workshop will take place from the 21st to the 25th of April, from 10 - 6pm. The evenings are left open for socialising and informal presentations. The workshop will be facilitated as an 'open space' (http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace), also known to some by its use in 'bar camp' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_camp) or in various 'unconferences'. This means that we will not design a schedule beforehand, but instead rely on each of you to propose sessions around themes that _you_ care about. Each morning we will have one or two theoretical presentations, that will provide a context and a framework for other sessions. The afternoons are designated for hands-on experiments, discussions, expeditions, games and other participatory sessions that can further the main workshop question and/or subtopics. These sessions can take anywhere from 1/2 hour to 4 hours.
How to prepare
We would like everyone to think about the workshop questions and different ways in which we could try to answer them as a group. What is it that you can contribute to these issues? Is there anything that you feel particularly stongly about? Is there something that needs urgent attention? Or somethings that requires a slow, but fundamental change? Think about what you want to address, but also how it could be addressed. How would you engage others - should you talk, walk, make, play, or…?
If you are not familiar with the Open Space methodology, we suggest you familiarise yourself beforehand, so you know what to expect (see http://www.openspaceworld.org/ to begin with). If you have a topic, a crazy idea, or a technique that you would like to explore, you can design and conduct a session (or multiple sessions). If you are uncertain how to structure your session, or decide on the topic, I'll be happy to work with you either before or during the workshop.
_NOTE_: If you are planning to organise a session that requires particular materials and/or equipment, please let us know by Thursday 17th of April at the latest.
What to bring
- towel & miscellaneous toiletries (bed covers and sheets are provided) - any special food and/or drinks that you'd like to share with others - texts, movies, images, or music related to the topics of the workshop - materials related to your work in/near the field of 'media ecologies' - if you need it, medication for hay-fever and/or other allergies, as we will be in a rural environment. - sunscreen (which we'll hopefully need!) - comfortable, waterproof walking shoes and clothing - yourself, your inspirations, expectations, motivations and energy ;) - & anything else you think would be appropriate…
Related
biomimicry, viridian design, mechanical insect, biomimetics, category biology, biological computing, hpi, category luminous green
Sessions
Movies
- TED - Themes Inspired by Nature » http://www.ted.com/themes/view/id/14
- more can be found on the biomimicry page
sanjeev