Small Scale Design/Build: Creative Carpentry

Instructors: Andy Schlatter, Eyrich Stauffer, Ben Cheney

Course Description

This course immerses each student in the design/build process through the design and realization of a small scale project of his/her own conception. Our goal will be to develop a vocabulary of basic techniques that will enable us to approach complex design problems with creativity and confidence. By generating an active dialogue between the processes of design and construction, we will learn to explore, experiment, and improvise-- and thereby deepen our understanding of the built environment, and ourselves in relation to it.

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to the most essential elements of both design and construction simultaneously, with a view to developing complementary logic and techniques.

In moving back and forth between 2-dimensional drawings and 3-dimensional constructions, we will develop working methods that can be applied to design/build problems at any scale.

Emphasis is on the creative exploration of a design idea as opposed to the precise execution of a predetermined plan. Students will be asked to take risks, make mistakes, and challenge preconceived ideas. The goal of this course is not necessarily to go home with a pretty object.

Along the way, will be taught some specific skills and techniques. Here's a sampling:

On the design end:

Program/Idea Development

Drafting (measured drawing)

Modeling

On the building end:

Measuring/Marking

Basic joinery

Tools and Techniques:

Emphasis is on the most common, accessible and affordable tools used in carpentry-the goal is to send you off into the world to continue your explorations, not to make you feel like you need to outfit yourself with a full shop in order to make a window planter. We will explore the safe, effective, and creative use of the following basic tools (and possibly a few more):

Circular Saw

Table Saw

Drill/Driver

Router

Jig Saw

Power Miter Saw (chop saw)

Basic Hand Tools: hammer, chisel, nail puller, handsaw, etc.

We will also explore the range of materials, fasteners, and finishes suitable for a wide variety of applications. You should expect to leave this course with plenty of knowledge to get yourself in trouble at the hardware store or lumber yard.

Through evening lectures and discussions, we will study a wide range of design ideas and techniques, in order to expand our design vocabulary and open our minds to new possibilities. Topics may vary depending on student interests and backgrounds.

Suggested/Recommended Reading

Tao te Ching

IKEA catalog

Blaser, Werner. Joint and Connection: Ideas in Furniture Design and their background. Birkhauser, 1992

Jean Prouve: any catalog of his work

Tools/Materials to Bring

--Ideas, drawings, photographs and measurements relevant to your design project. We'll talk about this over the phone well in advance of the class.

--A notebook/sketchbook. For notes and sketches.

--Money for materials purchases: each individual will purchase the materials for his/her own design. You may spend as much or as little as you wish. $100 should be more than enough for most projects, and students are encouraged to set a goal that is much less. What better way to understand the role of budget as a design constraint?

--Yestermorrow will provide drafting supplies and tools for construction. However, if you have tools that you like, or think you might like better if you knew how to use them properly, feel free to bring them along.

--Comfortable clothes that don't hang all over the place and can get dirty. Nothing you might wear to a wedding.

--#2 pencil to bubble in answers on the final exam.

Course Schedule/Outline

(subject to modification and/or improvisational impulses)

Saturday

AM: Intro to drafting and design drawing

Design development and consultations

PM: Presentation of design proposals & group discussion

Drafting of individual projects, take-offs for materials

Evening lecture/slideshow: Design Ideas and Inspirations

Sunday

AM: Intro to cutting tools: safety and practice

Trip to lumber yard/hardware store for materials examinations/purchases

PM: Design development and reconceptualisation

Beginning of construction

Debriefing/Discussion of project development

Evening lecture/demo: Joinery and Structure basics

Monday

More tool demonstrations & applications

Continuing construction and Design Development

Evening Lecture/discussion: Materials and Finishes

Tuesday-Thursday

Continuing construction and design development

Friday

Continuing construction and design development

Project presentations and discussions

Graduation dinner