Updates

1) I travel tomorrow. If, for any reason, you need to contact me then you can call me at 806 445 6341. If I am able to secure a MTL (514) phone line, I will let you know. My phone also has text messaging, and email. I can call you if you tell me to. Phone numbers in MTL are like in D-FW or Houston. They require the area code before the seven digit.
2) The last day of class will be August 6th.
3) The google calendar on the class webpage is going to be our main contact point. I have detailed instructions and directions for you there. Click on stuff and it will reveal maps, texts, photos, and sounds.
4) If you've got to ask whether you should (or need to) go to something then you shouldn't go and I will always answer as such. "Naw, it isn't that important." Events that are official tours or designated class times are required and you are assessed partly on being present at these events. Any other thing, like that first dinner, are optional- just me trying to be collegial and show you all the city. The first three days of class are long stretches and are required time. Be ready to ride a bike or walk all day all three days. You will need your assigned sketchbooks. See the post below for that requirement.

The looking at and surfing on the speed and rhythm of life in this city is what you do on this trip. It is the main reason you should go on these trips. We'll also give you a somewhat traditional architectural education in studio and seminar and that is imporant too but if you do this trip right you'll blur the line betwen the two- the more the better. Try falling into the life. Go to the gallery lectures, recitals, concerts, shows, presentations, exhibitions, and parks. More than you usually would. Try- at least for a portion of this trip- to take advantage of being in a city where people think a lot about how to design and how to design in an environment that is supra-linguistic- relying more on symbol, simile, and metaphor than text in communication- that's what bilingualism does- people who can read in multiple languages are a designer's friend. Sophisticated users never hurt a designer's work. Multiple languages gives a more complex perspective and sense of nuance. You'll see. If you look and take some time to do it. I'm going to teach you how to see places this summer.