This experimental ASK studio is exploring the opportunities and consequence of the dissemination of the IT culture in the developing and previously marginalized world. Can traditional material and techniques be augmented through the deployment of digital technologies and tools? Can we explore the notion of digital vernacular to reverse one sided globalization trends? The expansion of the internet and resulting global connectivity is reformulating our design
conventions.The contemporary student of architecture will have to confront design practice in the diverse cultural situations quite distant from the home ground. The ASK Program provides the formative experience and participation in the global knowledge society. Information technology expands the possibilities of creative work when computers are regarded not only as tools, but also as the means to involve others in the design process. No longer marginalized, the citizen of the XXI century has now direct access to design process. The distributed collaborations and the participatory design takes important part in forming pervasive and ambient digital environments. While the expansion of social ties across the planet should lead to rich and complex connectivity globalization process is not yet very balanced and cultural colonialism is rampant. The one sided nature of global cultural exchanges deserves much more scrutiny and the adage „think globally, act locally” reminds of ideal condition needed to confront cultural globalization. Perhaps we can also learn from the seminal and rich “glocal” cultures.In this studio we will broaden design scope through a more speculative exploration of new technologies and materials as related to the tradition.