Joining Elements and Materials

An understanding of ways of working with different  materials is essential to all built form practices, and  the exercise introduces wood and metal at the initial  stage. For the students, this is the first opportunity  to engage with the workshop and learn processes  like cutting, drilling, bending, riveting, threading,  screwing and sanding, using hand and power tools.  The first part of the exploration involves research  into materials and joining elements and developing conceptual models, which are tested out in  practice and modified for feasibility. The students are also introduced to concerns regarding the  responsible use of materials, avoiding waste.  The constraint of using a kit of materials challenges  the students to come up with a design for the  assemblage which allows them to use joints which  are interesting and appropriate.