Exploring Interlocking Systems Through the Design of Joint-Based Pop-Up Structures

Digital design techniques and fabrication technologies have become essential in architectural design, influencing the design process significantly. The pursuit of form in both digital and physical environments is a priority in architectural education, promoting the development of students’ multidimensional thinking skills. This article discusses a graduate course that aims to introduce digital design concepts and their integration with the fabrication techniques. The course focuses on students’ interaction with digital tools during the design and fabrication stages, particularly emphasizing the design of interlocking modular structures. Through experiential engagement with design and fabrication tools, students enhance their problem-solving skills and gain new knowledge. The course concludes with testing the digital and physical production stages, demonstrating the positive impact of digital design techniques on students’ learning and creative abilities.