ABSTRACT
The scarcity of resources has led craft traditions to develop highly efficient techniques, optimizing energy and material use. For instance, weaving has evolved through trial and error, creating patterns that yield surprising structural performance, like the mat beater—woven from rattan for exceptional stiffness and strength. Unlike crafts, engineering relies on scientific principles and predictive models. In the “Wear Your Weave” workshop at IE University (2024, Segovia, Spain), 22 architecture students explored Mediterranean basketry techniques, adapting them for architectural applications using reed, willow, and chestnut. Led by an artisan, an engineer, and an architect, the week included lectures, hands-on exercises, and design projects, culminating in live performances and an exhibition. This workshop underscores the importance of architecture and design pedagogy in exploring the potential for architecture to adopt sustainable, locally sourced craft techniques, addressing the climate crisis by bridging generational knowledge with contemporary engineering. The paper examines the learnings and experience of the students and teachers of this workshop and present a potential role for craft teaching in architectural curriculum.
