Today was Lucy’s peer-to-peer observation during one of her workshops with the BA spatial design 3rd year who are in the process to think of the design for their degree show.

The session started with a presentation of the task and the material they would use for this workshop, which in this case was a hacking system kit, allowing students to experiment with assemblage, and wood joints but also start thinking about the space and how to work around in the context of an exhibition.

Lucy also mentioned the provenance of the material, its geopolitical aspect and how scarce and pricy wood became due to European conflicts.
She then reminded students of the importance of reusable and repurposable when it comes to materials.

The examples chosen to illustrate the potential use of this kit were well done as related to degree shows from other universities, using a similar modular system but also thinking about the space and its optimization.

This presentation was well-balanced between techniques insights and learning material while staying open to students’ interpretations.

I thought perhaps it would have just been interesting to break down the terminologies such as hacking systems or legacy for the international students.
It would have been also good to have a little more engagement through an open question about sustainability or other material to keep the audience engaged and get their input on this type of kit and what are the pros and cons.

The rest of the morning was very hand on, with students intuitively testing the kit without guidance, for them to explore its potential.
Lucy and the two other tutors, supported well the task, helping without directing and boosting the confidence of the students through trial and error.

I left at the beginning of the debrief where students looked all happy with their results and gave feedback to each other. Lucy lead well the soft crit, giving advice or opening discussion on what could have been improved with more time, what their test could bring about the space or how it could be used as part of the Degree show.

Overall very good morning with loads of exciting ideas and engaged students.