In this course, students will learn engineering and mechanical design principles through the construction of tensile pavilions. These membrane structures will be stretched or woven together to provide comfortable shade for students on the school’s lawn.

Throughout the semester, student build teams will work on small-scale pavilion models. These iterations will include physical prototypes as well as digital simulations and 3D algorithmic models. Although there will be digital modelling, the studio will not involve electronics until the spring semester. All physical elements will be made analog. The work will culminate in 1:1 scale physical models that can be enjoyed by students and teachers on the school campus.