48-376 Latent Realities: Visualizing Forces of the Steel City
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Within the hands of the designer, lies the power to expose and visualize the seen and unseen forces that shape the way we live, work, and play. These forces are at times obvious, and at other times they may be quite obscure. Utilizing the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers as a point of inception this elective will explore the catalysts that have influenced the formation of Pittsburgh, the largest population center and historic industrial juggernaut of northern Appalachia. Through the process of sifting through the multifaceted nature of this once sooty city, the class will investigate the region?s hydrology, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and settlement in order to gain insight into the continued evolution of this rust belt city into a promising technology center. While the course purview has a specific focus, there will be opportunities to discuss concurrent concerns facing other developing territories as well as struggling urban centers in the region. Analog and computational means of representation and production will be critical in better understanding instances of reciprocity between ecology, economy, and energy at a series of scales. Beyond readings / discussions this hybridized course will incorporate mapping, analysis via parametric software, visualization techniques and physical fabrication through traditional and digital tools.
Prerequisites: none listed
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