Architecture as Catalyst: Almanac of Projection

This Catalyst studio explored the topic of territories and networks through the lens of the Corn Belt. Students diagrammed the processes, methods and fluvial economies related to growing, harvesting, producing and transporting corn and corn products, recognizing Minneapolis's unique role in both the history and future of the commodity. By diagramming the historic and current methods of corn production, the studio then invented new designs that challenge the current agricultural system, infrastructures and territories, speculating on a new vision for the future of the Corn Belt. The students formatted their information designs into an "Almanac of Projection," a book that formats their research of existing systems and projects how to integrate, augment or recombine them to position new futures. Information was presented at three different scales: as a book, as maps, and as an exhibition.