The exercise was to design a vertical structure consisting of different kinds of connections with wood material. Our goal was to use the necessary number of vertical joints that accentuate the curvy figure of our structure… and of course, aim higher!

Our first prototype was to assemble one module (composed of 4 identical pieces). Using the interlocking technique we connected the modules with horizontal joints. With the use of the bending technique, we connected vertically the other set of modules. The structure was simple, very stable and had the possibility of reaching 3 meters.

We decided to push the connections further, and experiment with the material.

Instead of 4 units, we now used 5, and instead of horizontal connections, vertical ones were replaced, giving the structure a more minimalistic approach.

The organization of the joints along a 360 degrees angle substituted the use of any further structural elements for stability.

After experimenting with the profile of each strip, the joints enabled the exaggeration of the curves and hence magnifying the bloom effect with the possibility of going higher.

The evolution from horizontal to vertical joints

The procedure: heating and wetting of wood, bending, and intertwining

Group members: Hristo Kovachev, Maria Laura Cerda, Rasha Sukkarieh