[Sigcrit-l] 2 more from Nettime: Knowledge maps of the twin cities and interesting Braman article

[Ron Day]

fyi.
originally posted on Nettime:

Date: Tue, 07 Jan 2003 13:27:34 -0600
From: Kate Carmody <kcarmody at umn.edu>
Subject: CALL FOR PROPOSALS:Knowledge Maps of the Twin Cities

January 7, 2003
Minneapolis, MN

DESIGN INSTITUTE INVITES PROPOSALS FOR KNOWLEDGE MAPS OF TWIN CITIES

$6000 FELLOWSHIPS OFFERED TO INTERDISCIPLINARY DESIGN/RESEARCH TEAMS

In 2003, the University of Minnesota Design Institute will host the TWIN
CITIES DESIGN CELEBRATION (TCDC), a multi-faceted program of design
commissions, publications, symposia and public events, held with generous
support from Target Corporation.

The mission of the TCDC is to create a series of events and activities that
enable the public - both residents and visitors - to see and experience the
Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul from new perspectives, and
participate in shaping their future as a creative metropolis. These
case-study projects in the Twin Cities will demonstrate how design can
enhance urban culture and stimulate economic development, showcasing 'Design
Central USA' and yielding insights applicable to other U.S. cities.

As a key component of the Twin Cities Design Celebration, the Design
Institute plans to commission and publish a series of Knowledge Maps of the
Twin Cities.

For the purposes of this project, a Knowledge Map is defined as an original
depiction of a body of data, arranged to reveal new insights into a given
physical or conceptual territory. It articulates a distinct polemical
position on that territory and opens up discussion of its future (re)design
and (re)interpretation.

In contrast with regular tourist maps - which are primarily designed to
facilitate consumption of a city's touristic or commercial 'highlights'
(such as historic homes or restaurants) - the TCDC Knowledge Maps will offer
alternative readings of the Twin Cities, making observations and
connections, and posing questions about their socio-economic, industrial,
demographic and environmental attributes. Further details will be provided
in the Knowledge Maps Request for Proposals (see below).

Fellowship honoraria of $6,000 will be offered to each of nine
interdisciplinary teams, comprising writers/researchers and at least one
graphic designer, for the editorial development and design of Knowledge Maps
that chart aspects of everyday life activity in the context of the Twin
Cities. Currently enrolled students are also eligible to apply.

Production of the TCDC Knowledge Maps will be underwritten by the Design
Institute, for publication in summer 2003, in time for the Twin Cities
Design Celebration 'peak week' of public programming in early September
2003, when a specially commissioned mass-participation Urban Game will also
have its debut.

HOW TO APPLY:
To receive the TCDC Knowledge Maps Request for Proposals and additional TCDC
background information, submit a Letter of Intent to participate and a
filing fee, enclosing a check or International Money Order for US $30 made
payable to the University of Minnesota Design Institute. These must be
received at the Design Institute by January 27, 2003, and include:

* Name of team leader, with phone number, email and mailing address for
correspondence
* Name, email, and telephone numbers of each additional team member
* one sentence biography per team member

SEND YOUR LETTER OF INTENT AND FILING FEE TO:
TCDC KNOWLEDGE MAPS RFP
Design Institute
University of Minnesota
149 Nicholson Hall
216 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis MN 55455
USA


DEADLINE:
Monday January 27, 2003 (note: receipt deadline, not postmark deadline)

RFP packets will be distributed from January 6, 2003.
Completed proposals will be due at the Design Institute on Friday February
28, 2003.

ABOUT THE DESIGN INSTITUTE
The University of Minnesota Design Institute develops advanced research,
educational programs and interdisciplinary partnerships to improve design in
the public realm. One of five Centers of Excellence at the U, established
with recurring funds from the Minnesota Legislature, the Design Institute
addresses the intersections of design and public policy, exploring the
artefacts, environments and underlying social processes that shape our
everyday material landscape.

Design Institute general enquiries: design at umn.edu
http://design.umn.edu

______________

The cyborg is not only a feature of individuals, but also of
society as a whole.  Readers of nettime might find a
just-published piece on posthuman law of interest at
the below First Monday address:

http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue7_12/braman/index.html

Sandra Braman