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November 16 – 21, 2024.
High Meadow Educational Complex/
Bear Run Nature Reserve
Mill Run, PA



C A L L   F O R
A P P L I C A T I O N S

 (Open until 31, October 2024.)

Life reveals the underlying principles of matter and energy — the progression of a seed to harvest; sketch to product; draft to essay; hum to composition. Changes of state are by nature examples of transformation and entropy.

As summer's maximum biological productivity draws to a close, autumn will bring cooler temperatures and shortening days. Entropy lowers as systems conserve and rest. Entropy measures disorder, and randomness; in the context of climate and seasonal change, it can be seen in patterns of weather, degradation of ecosystems, and transitions through seasons. As early winter sets in, we will witness a palpable shift in our surroundings—trees shedding their leaves, temperatures dropping, and landscapes transforming. 

Solid/Liquid/Gas will explore and respond to these transformations, encouraging participants to reflect on and interpret the increasing unpredictability of our environment. We invite participants to delve into the liminal space between the natural world and their own creative research, exploring the potential that lies at the intersection of the two. As water transitions between solid, liquid, and gas states in response to its environment, participants will be encouraged to embrace change and adapt to the people and ideas around them. How does entropy manifest in beauty and chaos and how can design respond to and interact with these changing conditions?

We seek to foster a space where creative minds can delve into the natural processes of disorder and transformation. Solid/Liquid/Gas is a 7-night immersive experience that bridges the gap between the modern comforts of the High Meadow Residence in the shadow of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and the relatively untamed wilderness of the Bear Run Wilderness Reserve, just a short hike away. As participants navigate between these contrasting spaces, they will find themselves immersed in a backdrop of growth and decay, amplified by the stark early winter.

"The artist's job is not to succumb to despair
but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence."
– Gertrude Stein

Throughout the inquiry, we will provide meals, lodging, and a creative workspace, including a modest woodshop equipped with materials for artistic exploration. As the inquiry unfolds, participants' output and ideas diverge on a life of their own, mirroring the perpetual flux of our surroundings. As we explore and discuss the interplay between states in our environment,  our shared interactions inspire individual creative practices and outlets.

The $625 tuition covers all aspects of this immersive experience, including accommodation and thoughtfully prepared meals. The week-long program will offer excursions to nearby natural spectacles, architectural must-sees, and cultural institutions that mirror our theme. Catalyzing opportunities for shared observation, reflection, and inspiration in the broader landscape.


for more info email info@designinquiry