WORK PLAN

Led by Professors Isami Kinoshita and Sawako Ono, the Chiba University studio will begin in the Fall 2002 term (October 2002 to February 2003). The students will work from October to December in conducting research of the community and the site with participation of residents. The students will translate their findings and other background information into English and put them on the website. Led by Professor Jeff Hou, the studio at UW will take place during the Winter Quarter (January to March 2003). From January through February, Japanese and American students will work in pairs to develop design solutions to the problem.

In March, the students and faculty of the Chiba University studio will visit Seattle. The students from both countries will then have an opportunity to meet face to face to discuss and present their final work. At that time, in addition to a discussion of the Kogane project, the students will work collaboratively in an intensive charrette on a similar project in the International District.

Use of Technology

The studios will rely on the Internet, including emails and website, as the primary means of communication and collaboration. A specific goal of the course is to explore ways of effectively using the Internet and digital media for cross-cultural design collaboration. The chance for actual visits would allow for a critical comparison of the virtual interface and face-to-face interactions.

Timeline

Summer 2002
- Site visit to Japan
- Course design and development

Fall 2002
- Chiba studio begins research of community and project site

Winter 2003
- Design collaboration between UW and Chiba University for the Kogane project begins in January
- Chiba studio visit Seattle in March
- Charrette on International District

Spring Break 2003
- UW studio visits Japan

Spring 2003
- Course assessment
- Compilation of studio work