Cardboard Structures
Interior Architecture Senior Lecturer Kirsty Máté makes learning structures a hands-on and fun experience for first year students
In 2005, first year students explored frame construction in Technology 2 through building six cardboard caravan ‘halves’ at a 1:1 scale. Students worked in teams of about 15 and were allocated ‘positions’ such as project manager, site manager, designer, joiner and so on. Whilst the frame design was provided to the students, they had to work out how to construct and document the process.
In 2006, students learnt about arch and dome construction using block structures. They explored how to ‘lock’ the blocks together without using any glue. By understanding the principles of compression, they created an arched or domed structure of their own design.
Some structures failed, others lasted a little while, but it was the process of ‘learning by doing’ which was important and most students commented on how much they had learned through these experiences. One group’s interlocking design was so strong that it made the structure almost indestructible! This particular design is being considered for further development as a possible emergency shelter.
What will Kirsty have first year do in 2007?
+61 2 9385 4799
