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PROGRAMME STARTS ON Saturday, 25th Sept 2021
LATE ADMISSIONS (on request) to SMART LABS 5.0 are OPEN
[Recordings & Examples from missed sessions would be provided to adapt to the programme]
20 X Online Sessions + 6 X Studio Sessions + Critics + Mentoring + 1 End of the Year - Showcase/ Exhibition
+ 1 Global Conference
Evolved & Upgraded Hybrid Programme
WHEN//
Sept 2021 - Feb 2022
WHERE//
20 Sessions ONLINE
3 Sessions in CHENNAI
3 Sessions in DELHI
1 EXHIBITION in DELHI / CHENNAI
Programme Outline
Currently in its fifth year / batch, Smart Labs Programme continues to evolve with changing times with a more comprehensive approach of more online technical sessions, focus on theory of computational design, new software skill-set and a design centric & experimental studio approach.
While the focus remains on distinct modules, namely, ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, DIGITAL FABRICATION, OPTIMIZATION & PERFORMATIVE DESIGN, the studio takes an experimental design approach to nurture design & application skills using Computational Design tools.
With start of pre-admissions to prepare participants well in advance, the studio continues to invite applications from serious enthusiasts of design who seek a future path in the vast domain of Computational Design.
Smart Labs, started in 2017, is currently spread across 6 months with more number of teaching sessions for the fifth iteration to cover a broader perspective on Computational Design.
Experience & Cultural Diversity
Smart Labs has always been envisioned and functioning as a diverse batch with students, professionals, academicians & independent candidates coming from different cities & countries, collaborating and learning together for 6-months. There are different categories such as student category, recent graduates, early career professionals and senior professionals, each of which, have limited number of spots available in each batch. Also, the selection team looks into the aspect of having upto 5 people from a single city (does not usually exceed 5) to ensure there is a cultural diversity to encourage multi-disciplinary and social exchange.
SMART LABS PROGRAMME FOUNDERS
![Sushant Verma rat[LAB]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/620f22_29d1a371817b4bf9aea2c52f1c292027~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_75,w_1709,h_1709/fill/w_256,h_256,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Sushant%20Verma%20rat%5BLAB%5D.jpg)
SUSHANT VERMA , PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
M.Arch. Em.Tech. – AA London, B.Arch. SSAA New Delhi, MCoA India
Sushant Verma(M.Arch. Em.Tech. – AA London, B.Arch. SSAA New Delhi, MCoA India) is an architect & computational designer, currently leading research organization rat[LAB] - Research in Architecture & Technology. Former architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, London & a Sr. Editor at Arch2O, he has held teaching positions at a number of universities internationally & is involved in education for computation & parametric design. He is the founder of rat[LAB] EDUCATION, which is an independent initiative to spread the idea of computation in design profession & education in India. Recipient of MAK Schindler Award from Vienna / Los Angeles and a finalist for AIA Emerging Leaders Fellowship from Chicago, his work is widely published and exhibited in London, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, San Francisco, Taipei, New Delhi,Mumbai among other places.He has been shortlisted in New Delhi among 5 architects for ’20 under 35’ Exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Delhi, featured as iGen 2017 Top 50 Gen-Next Designers in India, tagged as ‘Rising Star’ by Surfaces Reporter India, among other features. Sushant joined the elite list of TEDx Speakers by speaking at TEDxGurugram on ‘Smart Cities need Smarter Design Education’.
REEVEEZEE M ANTONY, ACADEMIC CO-ORDINATOR
Reeveezee M Antony is currently the Academic Innovator of RVS Padmavathy School Of Architecture (RVSPSOA), Chennai and Coimbatore and CEO of RVS School of Change. His experience as an academician in the field of architecture especially with RVS Padmavathy School of Architecture includes innovating the architecture curriculum to inculcate creativity and innovation in learning, conducting experiential workshops with faculty and students to improve exposure and outreach. At RVSPSOA, he manages the entire 5-year architecture course striving for holistic learning and development for faculty and students with a commitment to transform architecture education by taking it beyond the classroom and making it service-learning oriented and action-based towards creating a sustainable impact on society and the environment.
As the Fourth Batch of Smart Labs [4.0] progresses towards a successful completion & the Batch of 2021 graduates this summer, admissions to Smart Labs 5.0 are now OPEN to students & young professionals of architecture / design from all parts of the world. The admission process is through selection criteria based on a 'Statement of Purpose / Interest' and a 10-page (maximum) Portfolio submission.
PLEASE NOTE: The Portfolio may NOT necessarily have works related to Computational/Parametric Design but an interest in the same is an added advantage to your application. The following are the criteria for selection of FIFTH BATCH - Smart Labs 5.0, starting September 2021 and will run for 6 months, with students graduating in February 2022:
1- Interest / Enthusiasm to learn Computational Design (to be expressed appropriately in your SOP)
2- Current Software Skill-set (We recommend a minimum skill-set of Rhino 3D modelling to make the best out of the programme)
3- Previous Academic Work Standard (Should reflect in your portfolio)
4- Availability to attend sessions in Chennai & New Delhi [+Online]
*Study Material & Tool-kits are provided at the time of admission to prepare well in advance.
HYBRID PROGRAMME – Evolved & Upgraded:
Smart Labs was started in 2017 with an aim to hybridize design education to make it accessible to a wider audience through leveraging online communication technologies. After successfully running as a hybrid programme with a blend of studio & online sessions, the world was hit by the worst pandemic of our lifetime, making people to adapt to new ways of communication, learning, sharing and evolving. The curriculum of Smart Labs was upgraded in a manner to allow a fully functional studio online, facilitated by physical studio whenever possible to allow social interactions and group learning. We see Smart Labs 5.0 as a blend of Online & Studio sessions with undisrupted education in a comprehensive manner, also allowing our global experts of tutors & mentors to involve themselves in a much evolved way with the participants that come from all parts of the world.
Smart Labs has always been a diverse group with students & professionals learning & working collaboratively from different cities & countries and represents a new global culture of learning.
Due to uncertainties of travels that may persist in future due to Covid-19 pandemic, the curriculum has been redesigned to be flexible for a complete Online engagement. However, studio sessions would still be a part of the curriculum and may be converted to full-day online sessions as per situations, as was successfully done in Smart Labs 4.0.
Key points about Smart Labs 5.0:
- The programme will run on a semester-basis for 6 months (Phase I & Phase II), starting Sept 2021, through till end of February 2022, when the batch of ~30 students would graduate in a formal ceremony with the opening of Smart Labs Exhibition.
- There will be 6 studio sessions (workshops & reviews, combined), 20+ online sessions (Zoom) culminating in an Exhibition Showcase in 2022.
- In total, there would be about 36 sessions, 15 Evaluated Assignments, including a Final Design Project, critiques, mentoring sessions, collaborative exercises, technical skill-up sessions & theoretical add-ons spread across 6 months for a comprehensive learning experience.
- Session frequency will be almost 4-7 sessions per month, with most of them scheduled around weekends. [ Check detailed schedule ]
- Students can be a part of any other programme alongside, or even be working alongside the programme.
- Graduation Certifications will be given at the end of Programme to each student by RVS School of Architecture, in collaboration with rat[LAB]EDUCATION.
- The 6-month programme on Computational Design requires students to be attending all sessions and fully commit themselves to a studio learning throughout the programme.
- Attendance & Assignment Evaluations combine to have an open grading system which cumulates as credits by the end of programme that reflect on Completion Certificates that are awarded on successful completion.
- Live recording of Online Sessions will be provided for future access during the course of the programme, and Studio Session content will be available to the batch through Online Database Platform.
- All sessions of Smart Labs 5.0 would be recorded and made available to all participants with exclusive rights to watch anytime during the duration of the programme.
- All files & scripts developed by the tutors, participants, assignments would be fully accessible to all to encourage open-source learning & knowledge sharing.
- Previous batch data for knowledge-building (Smart Labs 1.0 + 2.0 + 3.0 + 4.0) will also be provided from time to time for an evolved learning experience, so the current batch can evolve and build the knowledge & research carried out by previous batches.
-Early admissions would be provided with Student Tool-kits & Handbooks to prepare well for the programme in advance.
-Student works through the semester would be published in Yearly Books & be a part of Smart Labs Exhibition.
- Admissions would close once all seats are taken up through a continuous admission process. Anyone securing an admission after all spots are taken up, would roll up to Smart Labs 6.0 (Next batch).
- A dedicated team of experts will be a part of Smart Labs 5.0 Team that include Studio Director, Co-ordinators, Tutors, Online Mentors, Exhibition Curators, etc. for a holistic learning experience.
- There are limited number of spots for students, recent graduates, professionals and global students (nationalities other than India).
- Each seat-type will be filled up during a limited number of admission process rounds and early-admission completion would lead to course content distribution to prepare for the programme, well in advance.
- Reading material, practice videos, tutorials as well as 1-to-1 sessions with tutors would be planned BEFORE the start of Introductory session.
FEE STRUCTURE//
INDIAN NATIONALS
- There are 2 components to the fee structure and the fee is to be paid in two parts. (Part A1 + A2 +B1 +B2)
- Part A1: rat[LAB]EDU Programme Curation Instalment 01 :: INR 34,177/-
- Part A2: Institutional & Certification Fee Instalment 01 :: INR 5,610/-
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- Part B1: rat[LAB]EDU Programme Curation Instalment 02 :: INR 34,177/-
- Part B2: Institutional & Certification Fee Instalment 02 :: INR 5,610/-
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Fee A1+A2 to be paid once shortlisted for the programme.
[Preparation material & student tool-kits would be provided on clearances]
Fee B1 +B2 to be due in December 2021.
Total course fee = INR 79,574/-
**Travel and Accommodation is to be borne by individuals. We will assist in finding affordable accommodation in Chennai & Delhi whenever required. Students can chose to participate in the entire programme ONLINE to cut down on travel costs or for personal convenience.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS / PROFESSIONALS
- International Students can enroll for the programme and avail access to all Online Sessions and preferably the Final Studio Session that culminates in a Public Exhibition.
- All 30+ Sessions will follow the studio workflow, and students will have access to assignments, studio data, course content and recorded sessions.
- International students may also attend any (or all) of the 6 Studio Sessions in Chennai / Delhi if they can bear the travel costs.
- Letters for visa will be provided by the institution.
FEE A1+A2 = USD 595
FEE B1 +B2 = USD 595
Total course fee = USD 1190
ADMISSION ROUNDS:
ROUND - I : [INDIA ONLY]
[ OPEN TO STUDENTS (Currently pursuing B.Arch. or equivalent programmes) AND RECENT GRADUATES (Graduated in 2020 or 2021)]
Starting 15th April 2021 upto 15th May 2021
* Early admissions will receive course content access for preparation before the programme, including access to rat[LAB]EDU workshops, webinars, reading material, tutorial guidance & mentoring to get the best out of the programme.
ROUND - II : [INDIA & GLOBAL]
[ OPEN TO STUDENTS, RECENT GRADUATES (Graduated in 2020 or 2021) & YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (Graduated in 2018 or 2019)]
Starting 16th May 2021 upto 30th June 2021
ROUND - III : [INDIA & GLOBAL]
[ OPEN TO ALL CATEGORIES INCLUDING SENIOR PROFESSIONALS ]
Starting 1st July 2021 onward (ongoing)
* Early admissions will receive course content access for preparation before the programme, including access to rat[LAB]EDU workshops, webinars, reading material, tutorial guidance & mentoring to get the best out of the programme.
FOR MORE DETAILS, check www.rat-lab.org/smartlabs
FOR ANY QUERIES, kindly e-mail education@rat-lab.org with 'SMART LABS 5.0 ADMISSION' as Subject Line.
"EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN"- AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN TO BEST THREE MERITORIOUS PROJECTS FROM THE STUDIO
ABOUT/
Smart Labs 5.0 is designed as a collaborative collective between rat[LAB]EDU and RVS Padmavathy School of Architecture, Chennai
Course Curriculum
Curated like a Master of Architecture Programme in intent & curriculum rigour, Smart Labs 5.0 is a comprehensive learning programme to collaboratively learn Advanced Architectural Design, Digital Fabrication, Performative Design, among other avenues of Computation & Parametric Design.
We have a diverse batch of participants that include absolute beginners to intermediate level designers that work collectively to learn computational design in the programme. The course is structured in a manner to start from basics and student tool-kits are provided well in advance before the start of programme to all participants. The initial phase is to ensure everyone develops basic skills and slowly moves to advanced aspects of computational design.
It is an Integrated Programme to introduce basic, intermediate and advanced computational design techniques,methods, workflows on a 6 month basis.This programme is designed at par with any global school within the domain of computation and is envisioned to fillthe missing gap in the educational curriculum by bridging academia and practice.
This Integrated programme shall focus on inculcating the following assets as a part of syllabus:
-Computational Thinking
-Parametric Design Methods
-Digital Fabrication Techniques and Optimization Strategies
-Environmental Strategies using Computational Design
-Introduction to Structural Optimization & Simulation
-Building Skins and Façade Systems
-Natural Systems & Form-finding
-Other advanced methodologies in Computational Design
COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER
Add-ons such as access to Smart Labs Alumni Network, EDU LAB INDIA access, Smart Labs X Opportunities & Smart Design Conference Access would be provided to Smart Labs students that would also lead to recommendation letters for Masters, recruitment references, among other perks.
THEORY | SOFTWARE SKILLS | MENTORING | DESIGN STUDIO | CRITICS | COLLABORATIONS
Schedule for Smart Labs 5.0// FULL SEMESTER
SS- Studio Session
OS- Online Session
OS01 – 25th Sept 2021 (Saturday)
THEORY // 4 Hours
OS02 –26th Sept 2021 (Sunday)
SOFTWARE // 8 Hours
OS03 –2nd Oct 2021 (Sunday)
SOFTWARE // 4 Hours
OS04 –3rd Oct 2021 (Saturday)
SOFTWARE // 8 Hours
OS05 – 10th Oct 2021 (Sunday)
THEORY // 2 Hours
OS06 –16th Oct 2021 (Saturday)
DESIGN STUDIO // 8 Hours
OS07 –17th Oct 2021 (Sunday)
CRITICS + MENTORING // 4 Hours
OS08 – 20th Oct 2021 (Wednesday)
THEORY // 2 Hours
OS09 – 30th Oct 2021 (Saturday)
SOFTWARE // 8 Hours
SS01 – NEW DELHI | 13th & 14th Nov 2021 (Saturday & Sunday)
SOFTWARE + DESIGN STUDIO // 16 Hours
OS10 – 27th Nov 2021 (Saturday)
SOFTWARE + DESIGN STUDIO // 6 Hours
OS11 – 5th Dec 2021 (Sunday)
SOFTWARE // 4 Hours
OS12 – 8th Dec 2021 (Wednesday)
SOFTWARE // 2 Hours
SS02 – CHENNAI | 18th & 19th Dec 2021 (Saturday & Sunday)
SOFTWARE + DESIGN STUDIO // 16 Hours
OS13 – 29th Dec 2021 (Wednesday)
CRITICS // 2 Hours
OS14 – 8th Jan 2022 (Saturday)
SOFTWARE // 2 Hours
SS03 – NEW DELHI | 15th & 16th Jan 2021 (Saturday & Sunday)
DESIGN STUDIO // 16 Hours
OS15 – 22nd Jan 2022 (Saturday)
SOFTWARE // 8 Hours
OS16 – 23rd Jan 2022 (Sunday)
DESIGN STUDIO + CRITICS // 6 Hours
SS04 – NEW DELHI | 29th & 30th Jan 2022 (Saturday & Sunday)
DESIGN STUDIO // 16 Hours
OS17 – 4th Feb 2022 (Friday)
SOFTWARE // 4 Hours
OS18 – 5th Feb 2022 (Saturday)
SOFTWARE // 4 Hours
SS05 – CHENNAI | 12th & 13th Feb 2022 (Saturday & Sunday)
DESIGN STUDIO + CRITICS // 16 Hours
OS19 – 18th Feb 2022 (Friday)
CRITICS + MENTORING // 4 Hours
OS20 – 19th Feb 2022 (Saturday)
CRITICS // 4 Hours
SS06 – NEW DELHI or CHENNAI | 24th, 25th & 26th Feb 2022 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday)
DESIGN STUDIO + EXHIBITION // 24 Hours
SMART LABS 5.0 GRADUATION + EXHIBITION – DELHI or CHENNAI
26th, 27th & 28th Feb 2022 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)
[EXHIBITION WILL CONTINUE & REMAIN OPEN TO PUBLIC FOR FEW WEEKS)
Smart Design Conference 2022 - Dates to be announced.
*All studio and online sessions are bound to be re-adjusted as per batch decisions in co-ordination with the Studio Director & Academic Co-ordinator, as and when required.
** Online Sessions timings will be confirmed in every preceding session and as per availability of Online Mentors or Tutors.
*** The schedule has the scope to be spread across another few weeks to extend till March 2022, if required.
MODULE A: Advanced Architectural Design
With advent of design technologies and evolving use of Computational Design, architecture has been changing drastically as a profession and also in terms of the geometrical output. This is largely influenced by the tools and techniques that have emerged in last few years that advocate a strong data-driven approach to design, while also allowing architects and designers to think out-of-the-box and create smarter projects. The module looks into inculcating advanced architectural design thinking within students to be able to apply parametric design tools in a smarter way.
SMART LABS 5.0 STUDIO AGENDA
The studio will revolve around the central idea of Computational Design and extend its arms into specific modules focussing on distinct aspects of Design Technology and its application in architecture, design and art. Students will develop their skillset by learning software like Rhinoceros3D and Grasshopper3D at basic, intermediate and advanced levels in the initial sessions, supported by parallel online sessions & critiques by tutors & global mentors. Currently in its fifth year / batch, Smart Labs Programme continues to evolve with changing times with a more comprehensive approach of more online technical sessions, focus on theory of computational design, new software skill-set and a design centric & experimental studio approach.
While the focus remains on distinct modules, namely, ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, DIGITAL FABRICATION, OPTIMIZATION & PERFORMATIVE DESIGN, the studio takes an experimental design approach to nurture design & application skills using Computational Design tools.
MODULE B: Digital Fabrication
The module will give an overview of digital fabrication technologies that are relevant to architecture and design. 3D Printing, CNC routing, Laser Cutting, among other emerging technologies will be showcased and demonstrated with specific group tasks and exercises that would involve the usage of such technologies. Students will chose to demonstrate and test out available tools to develop their projects as prototypes and installations for Exhibition.
MODULE C: Optimization & Performative Design
This module will delve into the scientific aspects of building performance with respect to Sustainability objectives such as Environmental Analyses and Visibility Optimization Analyses using Computational Methods. Some aspects of Structural Optimization, form finding, multi-objective optimization will also be studied using Grasshopper3D and advanced plug-ins. Students choosing to focus on building performance aspects will explore projects digitally and develop optimization methods of design and evaluating for a showcase in the exhibition.
Through the final projects that are developed in Smart Labs, all mentioned skills and modules shall be combined in a cohesive learning environment as a part of the evolved pedagogy of the programme.
Merit-based Scholarships for Smart Labs 5.0 //
With Smart Labs programme reaching its 5th year / batch in 2021, there have been a number of ways in which the programme and curriculum have evolved over the years. The schedule has become quite adaptive and participation diversity has broadened. Specifically for Smart Labs 5.0, we have two unique merit-based scholarships (50% Fee Waiver) in place eligible for all shortlisted applicants of Smart Labs 5.0 (onboarded before 25th August 2021). While the programme has already been subsidised as per global standards and provides a comprehensive ‘Masters-like’ curriculum, the organising committee has found the need to reward meritorious students with a fee waiver to encourage a stronger intent towards innovation.
With continued industry support and collaborations, the fifth batch of Smart Labs is offering two merit-based scholarship awards to catalyze innovation and rigour in the studio. The scholarship award shall be provided as a cash award of 50% of full programme fee and would be completely based on CGPA, innovation quotient and studio conduct of performing students, evaluated across the semester of Smart Labs 5.0
Eligibility
All students shortlisted & onboarded to Smart Labs 5.0 programme before 25th August 2021 would be eligible for the scholarship.
No exception shall be made on this.
Availability
Two scholarships (respectively offered to two students) with a 50% fee value would be awarded at the end of programme upon graduation. Fee payment of programme would be same for all students regardless of scholarship possibilities.
It is expected of all students to perform well throughout the programme and work in the best interest of the studio to catalyze innovation and experimentation in design process. The 2 most suitable candidates, through an open-screening evaluation system, would be duly rewarded with the scholarship award along with a special certification & trophy, in addition to graduation certification.