This course offers an introduction to stereotomy, a traditional hand drafting technique that uses lines, projection, and proportion to compute complex geometry in 3D without the use of numeric computation. It has been used to create some of the world's finest historic architecture, including Gothic cathedrals in France and Buddhist temples in Japan. The material learned in this class is directly applicable to hip and valley roof framing, splay-legged furniture, and other challenging geometric forms in a variety of media. 

Each student will create their own full-scale stereotomy drawing using triangles, straightedge, and compass. Then, each student will use their drawing to produce a small, complex piece of furniture to take home (exact design TBD - likely a stool or end table). All layout will be transferred physically from the page onto the wooden parts without the use of numeric measurement. We will use mostly hand tools for cutting. Each student will get to take home their own drawing and piece of furniture at the end of the week.
 

Syllabus coming soon!