REFLECTION

In this project, I have gained valuable insights into the significance of understanding the fabrication process and material performance to ensure the final product’s successful completion. Specifically, my focus has been on exploring the properties of timber, including its tolerance levels and grain patterns, as well as the importance of precision in fabrication techniques.

Additionally, sustainability has been a critical consideration throughout this project. I have had the opportunity to investigate how offcuts of timber can be effectively utilised and repurposed throughout their life cycles, aligning with the principles of sustainable design and resource conservation.

The fabrication process considered the concept of ‘Conditions of Workmanship’ introduced by Andrea Deplazes, where the limitations of materials (varying length of offcuts), skill level and the tools and machinery (circular saw) available at the construction site are taken into account. (Deplazes 2008) However, after going through the fabrication process myself, I noticed the assembly of the herringbone pattern and the alignment of grains might be too labour-intensive, defeating one of my design principles, efficiency.

I have also encountered several challenges that required expert guidance throughout the fabrication process. The technicians in the workshop provided valuable advice and assistance, helping me overcome these obstacles and enhance my understanding of the intricacies involved in fabrication. An example would be how they suggested using a push-handle while cutting the strip into small repeating pieces. It minimises the geometric deviation, i.e. not having a perpendicular/curvy cut, from happening.

However, there are still deviations in width that hinder the assembly. I created a grid with pencil marks before the assembly, hoping all the pieces would align. However, as they were cut slightly larger, probably due to neglecting the thickness of the blade, they added up, and the grid could not help with the assembly. Some of them even have to be sanded to have them fit together nicely.

Overall, this project has allowed me to realise an ethical and sustainable design into an artefact focusing on detailed observations and variables. I can further understand the material and its intricacies by documenting my experimentation in such detail.