Mobility of the Line

Mobility of the Line: An Interdisciplinary Conversation

Postgraduate students from the Faculty of Arts' Architectural Studies MA organised a three-day symposium/exhibition event entitled 'Mobility of the Line: An Interdisciplinary Conversation,' which took place between 10 and 12 January 2008 at the CETLD and CRD at Grand Parade, University of Brighton.

The aim of the symposium was to explore how certain disciplines such as film, graphic design, sculpture, photography, performance and animation affect space, and consequently contribute towards innovative design methods in architecture. The Interdisciplinary Conversation focused on a line as a 'mobile place' in which different disciplines demarcate space through a variety of creative practices. This innovative postgraduate learning and teaching experiment was funded by CETLD and engaged students and staff in the Architecture and Interiors Department at the University of Brighton.

MA students presented their practice-led research in a Student Day Symposium and exhibition of their work. Followed by a two-day Invited Speakers symposium, the topic was further elaborated through discussions between academics and practitioners interested in interdisciplinary conversations. Speakers included: Professor Neil Leach (Architecture); Professor George Hardie (Graphic Design); Professor Charlie Hooker (Sculpture); Professor Maxine Naylor (Product Design); sculptor Costas Varotsos; performance artist Sean Clute; artist and designer Giacomo Picca, amongst other national and international figures.

As a part of their Independent Project and Masterwork unit of study the event was fully planned and organised by the Architectural Studies MA students and overseen by their Subject Leader Dr Ivana Wingham. In combination with producing and presenting their own works the students had to work outside of the conventional academic structure and face the issues that usually arise in practice – such as sponsorship and raising funds, budget management and promotion of the event. Facing a challenge that included attracting a list of international and national speakers and the arrangement of different venues was rewarded by an extremely positive response considering the modest budget.

In preparation for this event students organised a visit and participation in the Art of Research symposium in Helsinki (1 - 3 October 2007) in which different interdisciplinary approaches to design were discussed and shown at the Helsinki School of Art and Design. In addition to participating actively in the symposium discussions and workshops, MA students also learned about organisational issues within an event of a similar scope, and this visit provided students with a number of potential contacts.