• Is this an Online Design Studio without real face-to-face interaction?
Yes, the entire studio will be conducted online using communications tools such as Slack®, Zoom® and BIM 360®. Interaction will happen through video conferencing. Participants shall be expected to have a Broadband connection with a minimum bandwidth of 10Mbps along with a reasonably fast computer to run CAD, 3D, Image editing software etc.
• What is the expected amount of time that I will need to give to the studio per week?
This will be an intense 4+1 weeks of interaction, learning and producing. We will expect the participant to be as committed to the studio as in any other International Design Studio or Design Competition.
• Will design work be expected as individuals or as a group?
Participants will be divided into 25-30 groups. Since the idea is to not exclude anyone from participating, group sizes may be large or small depending upon the number of participants who register. The group members will be divided randomly. Instructors may help groups to self-organise to elect a representative or presenter. We realise this may be quite challenging with all the dynamics of group work vis-à-vis individual aspirations and efforts. Effective communication of ideas and design will be key along with the use of collaborative tools to create options and alternatives each of which will be discussed and exhibited. An initial orientation on the first two days of the studio will be utilised to elaborate further on this.
• I am not aware of Slack, Zoom or BIM360. How can I participate?
These platforms are key to professional collaboration and work especially in a new working environment that we find ourselves in. Webinars at the beginning of the Studio will be conducted to introduce these platforms to all participants.
• I will not be able to devote enough time to the Studio consistently. Should I still join as part of a group that might have other active members?
We would like only the most passionate and engaged participants to be part of the teams. If you are unsure of your commitment to the studio, we recommend you join to audit the studio rather than participate. Auditing a studio would mean that you would have access to all group and individual discussions, lectures, webinars without having the option to interact with students or instructors directly.
• Will I receive a certificate of completion at the end of the Studio?
All participants will receive certificates of completion. Instructors may also decide to award merit certificates to deserving individuals at the end of the Studio based on individual effort. Auditing participants will not receive a certificate of participation.
• I will not be able to attend this Studio. How can I ensure that I can attend a subsequent one?
Please subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed of upcoming events and studios.
• How can I pay for the Studio?
Once you choose to register for the studio on the website, you will be led to a secure payment gateway where you may pay using debit, credit or net banking. International participants must make payments in Indian Rupees through their Master or Visa cards. Thepoche.org does not store payment information like credit card numbers. The payment is one time and non-recurring.
• I have paid for the Studio but I am now unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
We shall be able to provide you a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the start of the Studio. However, it may take us some time (up to 2 weeks after the studio is over) to process the refund. Please email us at info@thepoche.org with “cancellation” in the subject line of the email as early as possible to ensure an early response. We shall be unable to provide a refund if participants cancel less than 48 hours before the start of the studio.
• How will be the output from the Studio used? Will the projects get built?
This is an academic design studio. The projects will not be built. However, the projects will be exhibited on the website and on social media widely. The discussion and debate it may generate will be of immense value to society. It is also possible that a publication is produced at the end of the year containing selected works from the various Pochè studios.
