In the coming years, the Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) will organize several Transition Ateliers. These Ateliers will use research to blueprint radical change in the areas of energy, food, nature, mobility, water (management), circularity, and equity. Their methodology will be based on years of research by design and transition studies. The design ateliers will be associated with the IABR and will focus on speeding up thinking and design processes, while providing a public platform.
IABR invites governments and businesses to take a giant leap forward. Because we know that things can and must be done differently, we want to launch collaborative Transition Ateliers where we put design and research to work to accelerate breakthroughs.
The objective of the Ateliers is to realize tangible contributions to the desired transition. These could include interventions, structures, handbooks, scenarios, designs, or manifestos. Our aim is to use these contributions to create a mobilizing perspective on the transition, which is as urgent as it is radical and challenging. The Transition Ateliers will intentionally engage all parties already working on change to collectively form a strategic movement with a shared agenda and approach. The first examples of the Transition Ateliers will be available soon on this website.
Each Transition Atelier will be unique and adapted to a specific context and challenge. However, we will use a general methodology. In the first stage, together we will explore the existing transition potential, resistance, and dynamics to get an idea of the radical change we are seeking. We will formulate appropriate design and research questions. In the second stage, a custom-assembled team of designers and researchers will develop these on commission. Finally, in the third stage, we will consolidate the outcomes with the network and communicate the results. We will translate them into action and share them via a platform such as the biennale.
IABR takes a comprehensive approach to transition issues. Each design and transition team includes representatives of three roles: the Accelerator, the Activist, and the Ancestor. The Accelerator explores what innovations and tweaks can help create breakthroughs. The Activist drives change through immediate action, improvisation, and connection with local communities. And the Ancestor places issues in a broader timeframe, describing desirable futures, for us and future generations, beyond the constraints of today.
Inspired by these three approaches, we want to work vigorously for social change. Only by understanding our responsibilities as professionals and clients can we implement the changes needed to restore balance to our planet. It is time to participate in a world that is sustainable, functional, and equitable. A world we want.
The expected duration of the Ateliers is one year. The IABR is organizing the entire process with the support of the Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT) and LOLA Landscape Architects. To apply, please contact us at via info@iabr.nl. If you have any questions, you can call us at +31 10 20 600 33.
