Andrew Plumb Teaching at Harvard GSD
Aamodt / Plumb Co-Founder Andrew Plumb is teaching a new course this semester at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This will be his second year teaching there, having previously taught the Core Architecture Studios. This year, he is teaching Tectonics Lab, which introduces undergraduate students to the roles that materials play in the production of meaningful architectural experience.
As a Design Critic, Andrew will be calling upon the principles of Slow Space, a movement he co-founded with partner Mette Aamodt that advocates Good, Clean and Fair buildings. Since ninety percent of our time is spent inside a building, the spaces where we live, work and visit have a huge impact on our wellness. Too often our buildings are made of poor quality materials filled with chemicals. These buildings are built fast, without thoughtful design, and are depressing to be in. This class will take the long view regarding design and construction, advocating that buildings should last hundreds of years and benefit the common good.
Andrew will guide students in researching and experimenting with wood, masonry and concrete in a series of design-build projects. In each project, they will learn about how this affects architectural experience. The projects will be supported with weekly lectures on topics such as material properties and fabrication, scalar transformations, modular construction and joinery and assembly. In addition, the students will document their project developments through drawing, photography and video. At the end of the term, the students will have created a comprehensive portfolio.
Harvard GSD is where Andrew and Mette’s lives first crossed paths and where Andrew received his Master of Architecture.