A Practice of Negotiation: Bespoke, CRAFT and Digital Fabrication

Abstract

This thesis examines the notion of craft in relation to architectural design practices and final architectural outcomes. The aim is to reconsider the notion of craft in relation to my future architectural design practice, which will negotiate bespoke design, digital technologies and analogue methodologies. The notion of craft is predominantly identified as one that is centred around the "human hand”. This idea of craft is problematic in relation to architecture for many reasons, amongst which are the way architecture is practised and the changes imposed on architecture by the digital revolution. This thesis explores the notion of craft through avenues that deviate from the predominant definition of craft. Given the problematic nature of the prevailing idea of craft, this thesis explores the notion of craft in architecture in relation to history, theorists, earlier studies, design methodologies and, further, in relation to the notions of emergence, reflection-in-action and knowing-through- making. These theoretical positions and ideals in relation to craft are investigated through the 1:1 scale Communal Table of Negotiation. The multi-crafted table is a result of a negotiation between both analogue and digital design and fabrication methodologies and the particular characteristics of the materials used. Through a discussion and refection on the design and fabrication processes of the table this thesis identifies craft in architecture as a process that is not reduced to an act of final execution but is carried out through the design and fabrication processes – both analogue and digital. Furthermore, through a reflection on the final built outcome – The Communal Table of Negotiation – craft is further articulated as an emergent outcome. Ultimately, this thesis has respositioned craft in relation to my future architectural practice and final outcomes while providing a platform for future investigations.