2022 Call for Submissions
Telesis is the student-led journal at the University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture. Following its last volume, “Habitation” (Vol. IV), the Telesis team is considering the theme of “Adaptive Practice” in its forthcoming volume (Vol. V). We invite you to contribute your work–design proposals, essays, stories, poetry, art or other media–to this exciting publication until Monday, November 28, 2022. Contributors may be students, faculty, professionals, or community members from inside and outside the University of Oklahoma.
About ”Adaptive Practice”
Architects, designers, engineers, artists, and others are constantly participating in processes which shape our world. The word “adaptive” invokes ideas of fluidity and change, an ever-present evolution of ideals and methodologies. Adaptive practice has been part of humanity since the beginning of time. Whether innovating agriculture, designing new urban environments, or communicating across great distances, we’re always seeking new ways to survive and thrive in light of changing conditions.
Adaptive practice rejects the status quo and builds in opportunities to redefine “business as usual.” A few examples of firms whose practice could be considered as adaptive include Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), BIG Architects, Elemental , and MASS Design Group . Whether merging architecture, technology and public needs like KVA or making public housing designs available open access like Elemental, these firms demonstrate the potential of rethinking how we will practice in the coming years.
Today, as society develops strategies for responding to social injustices and preventing environmental decay, contemporary professionals must also explore the role of their practices–how and where they work–in imagining a more just and sustainable future. This call for submissions invites works that aid in the restructuring of current practices, address the ever-changing socio-economic and political climates, and dive deep into the ideals of adaptive practice in the built environment and beyond.
Scale and Scope
Telesis “Adaptive Practice” (Vol. V) seeks creators of all backgrounds and disciplines to aid in the deconstruction and restructuring of existing practices that shape the built environment. We ask you to consider: What does adaptive practice mean to you and your discipline? How might it change the future of our cities and communities?
Practices may be considered at different scales–for example, an individual’s practice; the practice within a workplace or firm; within a community or region; or even at the national or global scale. Additionally, contributions might consider novel city planning strategies, new methods for construction management, or new types of community engagement in design processes.
As in past volumes of Telesis, we aim to create a collection of works that evoke a sense of inspiration and urgency around the topic of “Adaptive Practice.”
Submission Types
- The file size can be no larger than 10MB and the file type should be either a JPG, PNG, PDF and/or the file type specified by the specific submission.
- All unoriginal works MUST be cited.
- Every contributor must attach a quote narrating their interpretation of “Adaptive Practice.” The quote must be 20-50 words. Every submission must have a title.
- File name convention: Last Name_First Name_Type of Submission (eg. Scott_Michael_Drawing).
Drawing
You are invited to submit a drawing that embodies the theme of “Adaptive Practice.”
- Drawings should be submitted as jpeg, png, or pdf file.
- Drawings can be in any media format (digital/ handmade /hybrid).
- Please provide high quality scans of drawings (300 dpi minimum).
- If possible, please post-process and color-correct scans.
- Provide a 100-word statement describing the project and/or the process (for selection purposes).
Photo collage
You are invited to graphically compose a series of original photos in collage format.
- The collage must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
- Collages can be in any media format (digital/ handmade /hybrid).
- If possible, please post-process and color-correct scans.
- Provide a 100-word statement describing the project and/or the process (for selection purposes).
Design project
You are invited to feature a design project of your own that promotes or identifies with this notion of “Adaptive Practice.” The project should be oriented toward the “Adaptive Practice” theme. Users are encouraged to rethink or rework an existing project (or an aspect of it, such as a diagram, drawing, rendering, or other) to align with this theme.
- Submit up to 4 high-resolution images, with a proposed graphic layout that fits on a 8.25″ x 16.50″ double-page spread or a single 8.25″x8.25″ page.
- Please include a 100 word narrative expressing the relationship between the design concept and the “Adaptive Practice” theme.
Manifesto
You are invited to create a manifesto of your own utopian/dystopian vision of “Adaptive Practice.”
- The manifesto must include between 5 and 15 points describing your vision
- The manifesto must be between 500-800 words
Additionally, you may submit an image or drawing of your own making to visually represent the manifesto. These must be high-resolution. The dimensions and positioning of this representation are open to negotiation.
Article
You are invited to submit an article that encompasses the idea of “Adaptive Practice.” Articles may be theoretical, analytical, critical or historical. Participants are encouraged to explore a range of topics, as Telesis believes that architecture is everything.
- All submissions should be between 500-3000 words.
- If possible, submit images that relate to the text. These must be high-resolution, and the size/positioning is open to suggestions.
Creative Writing
You are invited to contribute a creative composition on the topic of “Adaptive Practice.” This can be a poem, short story, song or other creative composition that is not an article. The narrative could explore an architectonic dystopia/utopia.
- All creative writing submissions should have a maximum of 1000 words.
Re-imagining the existing environment
You are invited to submit a proposal for the adaptation/transformation/reimagination of a building, city or space that you are familiar with. The format for this reimagination is open to the contributor, but the media format used should portray a strong and provocative solution to the space’s current state. This reimagination can be submitted in any form (a drawing, collage, poem, story or other format). Please refer to the submission details specific to your chosen format.
Other ideas?
If you have another idea not listed above, send it in to telesisou@gmail.com . We would to hear more about it.
HOW TO SUBMIT
To submit, please send an email to telesisou@gmail.com by November 28, 2022, at 12:00PM, with the following required information:
- A signed author agreement (click here to download ), allowing the University the right to publish your work in person and online (don’t worry–you retain authorship!)
- A file or files representing your submission.
Deadlines:
- Monday, November 28, 2022, by 12:00PM – Deadline for Call for Submissions
- Friday, December 16, 2022 – Potential contributors will be notified of selection decisions
- Monday, January 9, 2023 – Deadline for revised contributions if your submission is accepted
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the submissions or the format, please email: telesisou@gmail.com or Felipe Flores (ff@ou.edu)
Follow us
Telesis is edited by students enrolled in the Fall 2022 course: “Telesis: The Student Journal” (ARCH 4970/ARCH 5970). Telesis is advised by Dr. Angela Person (a@ou.edu), and Ph.D. student Felipe Flores (ff@ou.edu).