Elective Course Fall Semester 2021
The lifespan of objects is decreasing not only in product design but also in architecture due to complex constructions, use of materials tha are difficult to dismantle, and industrial manufacturing processes. Repairability is becoming less of a concern – replacement seems to be the norm. We need to rethink the way we build, starting already during the planning phase.
The elective course will discuss and examine the reparability of products and constructions. Based on a broken object of their choice, each student will first identify its defects and the reasons. Subsequently, they will develop a repair concept and carry it out under expert guidance or with the aid of digital fabrication processes. The objective is not only to restore the object to a working condition, but also to improve it through repair – if and where possible.
Traditional topics of preservation are combined with implementations of contemporary repair and FAB initiatives to raise awareness for a sustainable thinking and action. Students will learn both traditional and digital methods as well as the basic constructive and material criteria for repair. The objective is not only the hands-on repair of an object but especially the theoretical transfer to architecture.