Minimum game plans: Eco-design and low-tech fabrication in studios

Abstract

Through comparative teaching and design methods, this study critically explores the principles of low-tech and high-design carried out in several international workshops led by the author in Spain, Slovenia, Chile and the UK, since 2004. This study focuses in the teaching and learning systems of Eco-design implemented in several design studios and compact workshops. Since 2008 I have offered intense 3-week design workshops as part of the BSc activity called 'Vertical Studio' that is carried out at the Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) in Cardiff. The selected cases show how engaged students and tutors can rapidly develop key environmental and constructional skills such as spatial versatility, environmental awareness, lifecycle thinking and collaborative research by doing applied in innovative mock-ups and prototypes. Each studio brief consisted of intensive workshops focusing on conceptualisation and fabrication of elementary frameworks by using disused cost-free materials.

Keywords

• Eco-design
• Low-tech fabrication
• DIY
• Research by Doing
• TyreSpace
• PHS (Pallet Housing System)
• The Nomadic Allotment