“Thinking Through Making” Workshop with Fran Silvestre

The “Thinking Through Making” Workshop led and conducted by Fran Silvestre, director of the MArch programs, has begun. These sessions delve into the theory presented by Juhani Pallasmaa in his book The Thinking Hand, shaping ideas with one’s own hands. Students explore various techniques for creating models during the conceptual phase, working with sculpture, plastic arts, and the fundamentals of casting. Additionally, they have the opportunity to experiment with different materials to bring their ideas to life.

Model-making is an essential tool in architecture, as it transforms abstract concepts into physical representations that enhance the understanding of spatial and structural relationships within a design. This process, known as “thinking with hands,” not only stimulates creativity but also fosters problem-solving skills and the ability to explore different solutions tangibly.

By materializing ideas, architects can identify details that might otherwise go unnoticed in drawings, thereby improving the quality and accuracy of their designs. Furthermore, models allow for the visualization of spaces and the interaction of their elements in a concrete way, facilitating communication with clients and team members, who can directly experience the project’s features.

Through this workshop, students in the MArch program not only learn the importance of models as a fundamental tool in the architectural design process but also begin their training in transitioning from idea to materialization. This practical exercise helps them develop a deeper understanding of how to approach the different phases of an architectural project, from the conceptual phase to the definition of details. By working directly with physical models, students experience the creative process in an immersive way, enabling them to apply this knowledge to future projects with a more comprehensive and reflective approach.