Joining Elements

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.