“EMARF CONNECT,” an Online Platform Supporting the Digitalization of Design Through Learning and Practice, Launches; Applications Open for a First Cohort Limited to 100

EMARF CONNECT is a subscription-based online platform where, for 980 yen a month (500 yen a month for students), members can learn and put into practice design thinking and methods that use digital technology.

The platform aims to help every designer repeatedly learn and practice, broaden the scope of their work, and update their professional skills. It shares know-how in computational design and digital fabrication that has rarely been made public until now.

For designers eager to design and make things using digital design, it offers opportunities, through a variety of content, to connect directly with knowledgeable, experienced VUILD members and experts, and to casually ask for advice and obtain information.

In addition to four main types of content, all members receive special benefits at any time: (1) 10% off EMARF system fees and (2) 20% off EMARF workshop fees.

Applications for the first cohort, limited to 100 members, open today, Friday, June 10, at 12:00*. A talk event and special exhibition celebrating the launch will also be held from 19:00 on Friday, June 17.

● Four kinds of design you gain through EMARF CONNECT: learning and practice for next-generation designers

(1) <Digital design>
We offer opportunities to learn parametric design using 3D modeling software, starting with Rhinoceros. You will gain the design skills to create complex forms that were difficult to express with two-dimensional drafting.

(2) <Prototyping design>
We offer opportunities to learn production design that turns ideals into reality, through rapid output using digital fabrication. You will develop an improvisational approach to design, thinking while working with your hands.

(3) <Social design>
We offer opportunities to learn placemaking through participatory workshops with citizens and the use of public spaces. Through design that involves people, you will develop the co-creative ability to build connections between towns and people and foster attachment to a region.

(4) <Sustainable design>
We offer opportunities to learn about sustainable design through fieldwork such as forestry experiences and sawmill tours. By understanding the real social issues behind materials, you will gain the ability to make persuasive proposals grounded in first-hand experience.

● Services and content
(1) <Members-only magazine: Read (online)>
Articles are published regularly on all kinds of EMARF-related topics, from how to use EMARF and behind-the-scenes stories from users to advanced techniques in computational design and digital fabrication.

(2) <Chat consultations / expert consultations: Ask (online)>
Through open chat and individual consultations, you can ask specialist staff about the points where you are stuck. Consultation sessions with experts such as structural engineers, carpenters and engineers are also held regularly.

(3) <Workshop use: Try (offline)>
At the open lab of the EMARF workshop, you can watch fabrication in action and do prototyping (reservation required). If you do not have the tools or space needed for finishing, we recommend using the workshop.

(4) <Events: Connect (offline)>
We will hold exclusive talk events with a wide range of guests, fabrication tours to experience wood × digital, exhibitions, competitions and more (held irregularly). We also look forward to collaborations beyond conventional boundaries, such as user-initiated projects.

● Applying for EMARF CONNECT
Applications for the first cohort open today, Friday, June 10, at 12:00.

<Application period>
Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 26, 2022

<How to apply>
Please fill in the required information via the link below to apply.
https://connect.emarf.co/

<Capacity>
Limited to 100 members
*If applications exceed capacity, members will be selected based on the form submitted at the time of application.
*Applications for the second cohort are scheduled for around summer 2022.

● EMARF CONNECT launch event details

To celebrate the launch of the new service, a talk event with special guests (also streamed online) and a special exhibition showing the past and future of EMARF will be held at VUILD Kawasaki Lab from 19:00 on Friday, June 17.

Please check the details on the Peatix event page, register to attend (free) and complete the survey.
→ Apply here.
https://emarf-release0610.peatix.com/

[VUILD Inc.]
Representative: Koki Akiyoshi (CEO)
Founded: November 21, 2017
Head office: unico 1F-A, 3-4 Nisshincho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Business: Architectural design; development and manufacture of wood products; sales of CNC routers; digital talent development; business development support; IT service development
URL: https://vuild.co.jp/
note: https://note.com/vuild
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuild_official/
VUILD Twitter: https://twitter.com/VUILDinc
EMARF Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMARFco