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(a)rchitecture at the hardware store

Smith, Catherine D. (2007) (a)rchitecture at the hardware store. In Orr, Kirstin and Kaji-O'Grady, Sandra, Eds. Proceedings Fourth International Conference of the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia, pages pp. 240-246, Sydney, Australia.

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Abstract

In this paper, I explore do-it-yourself approaches in installation art and building projects. Although DIY products and systems were developed to help non-professionals, they can also enable professionals to experiment with different methods of creating buildings and spaces. DIY approaches allow people to change spaces while they occupy them, because do not require specialized construction tools, knowledge and insurance. This has practical implications for design and its practice. I show how DIY approaches create evolving, germinant spaces by looking at examples of site-specific installations and experimental residential projects. The blurring of designing, making and occupation in these projects reveals how everyday materials can act upon and transform design practice.

Item Type:Conference Paper
Status:Published
Keywords:DIY, site-specific installation art, experimental making, germinant practice
Subjects:310000 Architecture, Urban Environment and Building > 310100 Architecture and Urban Environment > 310101 Architecture
ID Code:12272
Deposited By:Smith, Cathy
Deposited On:30 January 2008
Alternative Locations:http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/dspace/handle/2100/501
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2007 Catherine D. Smith
Additional Information:The contents of this conference can be freely accessed online via the publisher’s web page (see hypertext link).