BUILDING ARCHITECTONIC TOYS

AIMS

This workshop invites participants to reconnect with the formative play of their childhood—building with wooden blocks, LEGO bricks, or crafting dollhouses—through the lens of architectural thinking.

There is a rich tradition among architects of designing toys not merely for amusement, but as miniature expressions of their architectural ideas. From the iconic examples of Gerrit Rietveld, Anne Tyng, and Charles and Ray Eames, to contemporary figures such as Kengo Kuma and Zaha Hadid, these creations offer profound insights into design philosophies and spatial concepts.

METHOD

Participants will design and construct a toy that embodies the core principles of their personal architectural understanding. The workshop will unfold in three phases:

  • Conceptualization: Develop and record a short video presentation explaining the conceptual framework behind the toy.
  • Contextualization: Create a photomontage situating the toy within a cultural or social event, highlighting its potential as a critical tool for engagement.

Interaction: Test and play with the toy, exploring its functionality, adaptability, and capacity to stimulate spatial thinking.

TECHNIQUE

The workshop includes a field trip to the Casa da Arquitectura in Porto to visit the exhibition of Virgínio Moutinho. This will be complemented by a seminar and discussion session with the architect, fostering dialogue around play, design, and the construction of meaning. (Dates: 26–28 September)
STRENGTHS
Through this process, students will be encouraged to identify emerging patterns in social behaviour and spatial organization. By linking production (design) with consumption (play), the workshop aims to translate small-scale material experimentation into broader architectural reflections.