Why?

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Both Cape Town, as the World Design Capital of 2014, and Istanbul, as the European Capital of Culture in 2010,  serve as valuable examples of urban conditions where vernacular traditions are transformed by western customs; where layers of culture and history have developed tensions that are being continuously challenged, explored, celebrated and expressed.

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Foremost, this tour is an educational experience which aims to foster relationships between universities, students and professionals of both cities, but it also seeks to inspire young architects to explore the potential design has on varying urban terrains and on culture thus empowering us as future architects to integrate social and cultural diversities through interrogative design.

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What?

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The primary intention aims to initiate and develop relationships between designers and architects in Istanbul and Cape Town to examine the role of design and architecture in addressing cultural difference and improving urban environments within these two immensely diverse and multicultural city conditions.

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How?

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We will investigate Istanbul as a city that mirrors similar cultural diversity to Cape Town and investigate the use of design in addressing cities of difference. A publication and short film will be produced through our research.



Who?



The M+ARCH class of 2013, made up of 35 ethnically and demographically diverse students, have set their sights on the city of Istanbul as the destination for this year's tour. The city transcends the boundaries between society and architecture. A collision between contemporary and traditional customs results in an amalgamation of cultural hybrids with exciting, yet at times unpredictable opportunities.



When?



The intended date of travel is set at 10-18 June 2013. The research work, however, extends from the period leading up to the tour through to the post production of publicized work across various media, with the core findings to be released by 30 September 2013.