01. execute in fabrication

What does it mean to execute in fabrication?

Executing in fabrication involves translating a theoretical design or idea into a tangible, physical object through the use of various manufacturing techniques and processes. It requires specialized knowledge, tools, and equipment, as well as skilled labor. In MIT Architecture, I often find theoretical notions to stay ethereal. Although creative ideas and principles are valuable, the actual process of turning theoretical ideas into a physical reality is challenging. I believe that execution in fabrication is a critical step to test and validate the design as they turn into tangible objects.

Like fashion making, furniture designs are often realized at a one to one scale. Because these designs are so immediate to the human body, one could easily test out the feasibility and details of ideas, otherwise floating in the air. This is different from architectural practices, where even the smallest pavilion requires coordination and step-by-step progress with multiple team members and consultants to make it happen. Object-making is more or less personal work that could be achieved in the short term—the agenda is more flexible where one designer could self-organize their time and go through all steps by themselves.

These designs reinforce the idea of grounded execution which urges the designer to think “realistically” beyond theoretical ideas and with constraints. It asks one to consider beyond thoughts and philosophies, but to consider details, tools, materiality, time-cost, labor, and logistics. I believe that the tangibility of these design-making can govern concrete ideas that are convincing and provoking. They attract audiences beyond scholars to engage, question and interact with them, and essentially to take ownership of said works.