To develop a comprehensive Plan for the New Academy of Architecture & Modern Visual Art, inspired by his work with 2A Magazine and aligned with UNESCO’s modern architecture and art criteria, the following structured framework could be considered. This framework would balance the vision of 2A Magazine with UNESCO’s values, while creating a global hub for architecture and modern visual art.
The academy plans to build a network in the field of education, fostering discussions, exchanges, and a common policy in 2A Magazine to advance the quality of architectural education.
Architects have a particular social responsibility since architecture is an art with social obligations and applications. This understanding of architecture has characterized the international activities of 2A Magazine for over 20 years and has earned professional recognition worldwide in regard to architectural feedback and advantages.
Based on the program, “ACADEMY OF UNESCO ARCHITECTURE & ART CLUB” teaches architecture in dialogue and talks about the needs of architecture and the architects. it is a process of feedback, in which the parties involved display a mutual interest in and influence each other.
The schooling and training at the academy of unesco club are based on such a dialogue in the design process. This approach assumes that the architect represents society and not himself.
Working together with fellow students from all over the world gives academys’ students an opportunity to tackle these issues directly, these also are interpreted and summarized here as needs for:
I. “contextualizing” architectural models of education with the proper knowledge of regional history and relevant critical tools.
II. “connecting” between educational fields concerned whit the built environment to allow cross-disciplinary reflections on issues of sustainability and social relevance.
III. “linking” education to industries and the emerging material culture including cutting-edge digital tools.
Revising curricula to integrate the above needs will allow students to critically reconceptualize the design of the built environment in relation to the emerging material and social culture of the region.
Education will thus better prepare students to fulfill their roles as proactive social and environmental players who can successfully bridge social and commercial concerns while respecting the historical and environmental contexts they operate in the academy will help expand offered views and insights benefiting educators and students.
Vision & Mission
The New Academy would aim to:
Promote cultural dialogue between different regions through architecture and modern visual art.
Encourage innovation in architectural design and art while staying connected to heritage and sustainable practices.
Support education and research in architecture and visual art with a focus on contemporary challenges.
Foster global collaboration and create an international platform for architects, artists, scholars, and students.
Core Pillars of the Academy
A. Education & Training Programs
Academic Courses and Workshops: The academy will offer short-term courses, certification programs, and workshops covering topics like modern architectural theory, sustainable urbanism, visual arts, digital architecture, and heritage preservation.
Masterclasses by Global Experts: Inviting influential architects, artists, and scholars from around the world to share their insights and experience through lectures, interactive sessions, and studio critiques.
Collaborations with Universities: The academy can partner with universities globally to develop joint academic programs and offer distance learning opportunities.
B. Research & Publications
Research Grants: Establish a fund to support academic research in architecture and visual arts, focusing on new technologies, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Academic Journal & Magazine: Launch a publication branch that combines the editorial legacy of 2A Magazine with peer-reviewed academic articles. This could become a new voice in architecture and art, aligning with UNESCO’s values of diversity and cultural education.
Documenting Global Architectural Practices: Initiate studies and projects that document regional architectural styles, sustainable practices, and modern visual art trends, emphasizing the diversity of world cultures.
C. Cultural and Artistic Exchange Programs
Artist-in-Residence & Architect-in-Residence Programs: Offer residencies for architects and artists from various countries to engage in cultural exchange, produce new work, and conduct workshops.
International Student Exchange Programs: Facilitate exchange programs for students in architecture and visual arts, creating opportunities to study in different cultural contexts and understand global architectural trends.
D. Exhibitions & Competitions
Annual Architectural Awards: Expand on the legacy of the 2A Continental Architectural Awards by making it a part of the academy. This award will continue to celebrate excellence in modern architecture but also add categories for modern visual art.
Global Exhibitions: Organize international exhibitions showcasing contemporary architectural works, modern art, and innovative design concepts. These exhibitions could travel across continents and foster international dialogue.
Public Art and Urban Interventions: Encourage public art projects that integrate architecture and modern visual arts in urban settings. These projects can focus on social impact, community engagement, and sustainable design.
Alignment with UNESCO’s Modern Architecture & Art Criteria
To ensure that the academy aligns with UNESCO’s standards and values, specific principles of UNESCO’s approach to architecture and art should be incorporated:
Sustainability and Heritage Preservation: The academy should emphasize environmentally sustainable architecture and responsible urban planning, which is at the core of UNESCO’s goals.
Cultural Diversity: Promote inclusivity and the protection of intangible cultural heritage through the study and development of architecture and visual arts.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning, combining architecture, urban planning, visual arts, technology, and social sciences.
Global Dialogue: The academy’s activities should foster international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and a broader dialogue on architectural and artistic practices from diverse regions.
Academy Structure
A. Governing Body & Leadership
Founder and Director: Ahmad Zohadi, with his experience from 2A Magazine, will serve as the visionary leader and director.
Advisory Board: Establish an international advisory board composed of notable architects, artists, educators, and UNESCO representatives to guide the academy’s programs and ensure alignment with global standards.
B. Academic & Cultural Hubs
Headquarters: physical headquarter of the academy, ideally in a cultural hub known for both its architectural heritage and modern innovations (e.g., Dubai, a city with strong connections to Ahmad Zohadi’s previous work).
Regional Offices and Partner Institutions: Establish branches in key cities or regions that are renowned for architecture and visual arts, facilitating a decentralized yet connected global network.
Funding and Sustainability
Sponsorship and Grants: The academy can seek funding through sponsorship deals with developers & builders, art galleries, foundations, and cultural organizations.
Partnership with Governments: Partner with governmental bodies to receive funding for public projects and exhibitions that promote architectural and artistic heritage.
Tuition Fees and Publications: Generate income through academic programs, subscriptions to its academic journal, and sales of publications and research materials.
Timeline and Roadmap
Year 1: Establish the academy’s legal and organizational framework, launch the first round of academic programs and workshops, form partnerships with universities, and hold the first major award ceremony and exhibition.
Year 2-3: Expand the educational programs, research activities, and international collaborations. Launch the publication arm and initiate global architectural and artistic exchange programs.
Year 5: Develop the academy as a recognized global leader in the intersection of modern architecture and visual arts, aligned with UNESCO’s values.
Marketing & Outreach
Digital Presence: Leverage the existing global audience of 2A Magazine to promote the academy via digital channels, social media, and online exhibitions.
Collaborations with Influential Cultural Institutions: Build collaborations with museums, architecture forums, and art biennales to increase visibility.
Conclusion
The Academy of Architecture & Modern Visual Art can serve as a dynamic global platform for architects and artists to engage with contemporary challenges while respecting cultural heritage. Rooted in the legacy of 2A Magazine and aligned with UNESCO’s modern architecture and art criteria, this academy could foster innovation, education, and cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale.
Educational Topics
the educational topics would be an intersection of architecture, art, culture, sustainability, and global dialogue. Here’s an outline of potential educational themes:
Cultural Heritage in Architecture and Art
Preservation and Conservation: Learning how to preserve architectural monuments, art forms, and cultural landmarks, in line with UNESCO’s mission to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Traditional Architecture and Craftsmanship: Exploring regional and traditional architectural methods and artisanal practices, integrating historical and cultural knowledge with modern design solutions.
Cultural Impact on Contemporary Design: Studying how historical, cultural, and social contexts influence modern art and architecture, including the importance of cultural sensitivity in contemporary design.
Sustainable Architecture and Art
Green Building and Eco-friendly Design: Understanding the principles of sustainable architecture, including the use of energy-efficient materials, eco-friendly design strategies, and green building standards such as LEED.
Art and Environmental Activism: Using visual arts as a tool to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, aligning with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Regenerative Design in Architecture: Advanced topics in designing buildings and spaces that not only reduce environmental impact but also restore ecosystems and contribute to environmental regeneration.
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Dialogue through Art and Architecture
Cross-cultural Collaboration: Encouraging students to engage in collaborative projects with architects, artists, and designers from diverse cultural backgrounds to promote understanding and cooperation.
Architecture as a Cultural Bridge: Exploring how architecture can serve as a medium for intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and diplomacy, aligning with UNESCO’s global citizenship goals.
Art in Public Spaces: The role of public art installations and urban architecture in fostering a sense of community and encouraging dialogue across different social and cultural groups.
Innovation and Technology in Architecture and Art
Digital Arts and Architecture: Emphasizing the role of technology in creating digital art forms, virtual reality (VR) installations, and innovative architectural designs through parametric or computational modeling.
Smart Cities and Urban Innovation: Educational programs on the role of architecture and design in the development of smart cities, integrating technology to create more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban spaces.
AI and Design: Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence in both architecture and visual arts, including generative design in architecture and the role of AI in creating new artistic experiences.
Learning from Indigenous Technologies Societies have learned to live in harmony with their geographical and their natural surroundings and developed technologies to build their houses and cities with local resources and in accordance to their beliefs and with their possibilities, through thousands of years.
To learn from these indigenous technologies and to recontextualize them today could be the wisest method to achieve a better performance of our buildings in harmony with nature and in respect for the cultures.
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Architecture and Art
Integration of Art in Architecture: Studying the synergy between art and architecture, including how artists and architects collaborate to create holistic and aesthetically enriched spaces, like sculptural buildings or integrated public art projects.
Art and Design Thinking: Applying creative thinking and problem-solving strategies from the arts to architectural and design challenges, fostering innovative and unconventional solutions.
Temporary and Ephemeral Art & Architecture: Exploring the role of temporary installations, pop-up architecture, and performance art in the transformation of urban and rural spaces.
Architectural and Artistic Criticism and Theory
Critical Analysis of Global Architectural Trends: Analyzing contemporary architectural movements and trends, understanding how global economic, environmental, and cultural forces shape modern architecture.
Art and Architecture History: Providing in-depth knowledge of the history of art and architecture, from classical forms to modern and post-modern movements, with a focus on how these histories intersect with contemporary practices.
Architectural and Art Journalism: Aligning with 2A Magazine’s focus on architectural journalism, students would learn how to critique and document art and architecture for publications, both in traditional and digital formats.
Ethical and Inclusive Practices in Art and Architecture
Socially Responsible Design: Teaching architects and artists how to create socially inclusive spaces, emphasizing the role of architecture and art in fostering equality, accessibility, and social justice.
Art and Architecture for Marginalized Communities: Understanding the role of art and architecture in giving voice to marginalized communities, ensuring inclusivity in the design of spaces and promoting art as a tool for social empowerment.
Gender and Diversity in Architecture and Art: Encouraging a critical look at the laws of equality.
my plans to build a network in the field of education, fostering discussions, exchanges, and a common policy in 2A Magazine to advance the quality of architectural education.
Ecological Upgrading: Renaturising of Waterways
Rivers and streams are Biotopes for animals, and recreational areas for people and they influence the climate. In many areas and countries, riverbeds have been straightened, barriers have been built on them, and have been covered for the sake of getting a better performance for usage and more profitability. Renaturizing these areas through ecological measures is a step towards getting a better climate, and better living environments for people and animals.
Urban Greening
All over the world, the cities are growing and more people are leaving the countryside to live in the cities, causing more traffic and more pollution. Greening the cities is a solution for cleaning the air, saving energy, bringing back biodiversity and wildlife into the cities, and improving the quality of living altogether.
This can be achieved by reducing the asphalted areas of remote roads and parking lots and promoting bicycles and shared vehicles and adding greenery in public areas as much as possible, and greening the facades and rooftops of the buildings, installing sun collectors, reusing the wastewater and…
The Role and the Importance of Neighborhoods for the Quality of Life in the Cities
All over the world, the cities are growing and more people are leaving the countryside to live in the cities, Today we might define a neighborhood rather by its material aspects than the immaterial ones such as the relationships between the neighbors, the playing ceremonies of the children, or the rituals of meeting at the local bakery or the fountain. Our neighborhoods and what we relate to are rather defined by their material aspects, the shape of the buildings, the signs the green areas, or landmarks.
Keeping Mixed-use, Diversity, and Affordability in Regeneration of Urban Areas
By bringing new impulses into an area to ignite Revitalization planners should instruct policies to guarantee the continuity of its social and functional diversity and also preventing the total gentrification of the area.
Even in completely new neighborhoods, there should be strategies to ensure the success and survival of the planned multifunctional use for inhabitants with different backgrounds, education, age, ethnicity and level of income.