Conservation Elective Group 3

With a rather unusual start to an elective, we began with the class being asked to sit in a circle. This prompted the wailing screeches of tables being moved out of the way for the UN style circle seating. Once seated (after quite some fuss over ellipses) we were introduced to the first task / game.

To check how alert and awake we truly were (we weren’t) – we had to place our index finger on the palm of the person next to us while they attempt to trap it – at a certain verbal cue. With round one yielding rather embarrassing results for us, (barely anyone got it) we focused ourselves over this game that we had just been introduced, mere minutes ago. This time people got the hang of it and began to pick up on the cue early – with the subsequent rounds having several trapped fingers held up in the air, marking the success.

The next task was a bit more challenging. We were split into 6 teams via random selection and were tasked with creating a model using regularized newspaper sheets, employing a 2 of our members to be part of the model itself. With the time limit of around 25 minutes, we were provided the first term to build our model around – Aesthetics. With 2 people engaged in building the model, and 2 people being the model – the remaining 2 were left to sketch, document and present it.

For this round, our Group decided to go for an approach of using small repeatable units made to look like pointy scales. The concept surrounding being the evolution of spiky natural forms. From hard scales on the back to dinosaurs to the pointed features in Nordic armory (inspired by mythical creatures like dragons) to now finally making its way into architecture via kinetic facades in parametric architecture. It nearly worked – but atleast we had good fun with team building exercise as a whole.

The next term was ‘Elements’ for which we used the idea of how structural systems are very elemental. With the most complex geometries and marvels of engineering – all being brought down to simple modular elements that are repeated over and over – supporting each other. Naturally we opted to depict this via human bridge of sorts, with the 2 models being pylon and newspaper bridge supported on them.

Following a short break – we were to quick sketch (individually) onto A4 sheet of paper, the things that pop into our heads when we hear the following words

1. Mass
2. Identity
3. Ease
4. Oneself

The following led people to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and allowed them to see patterns in their instincts. Created a new perspective among many on how to view oneself.