Geometrical modelling in architecture between origami, laser cut, 3d print and digital tools

The paper discusses the new elective course Geometrical modelling in architecture, part of the catalogue of the Bachelor degree in architecture (Politecnico di Torino, Italy) from a.y. 20/21. Tt is an interdisciplinary class, held by Authors, based on an integrated approach between two disciplines: drawing (Icar/17) and geometry (Mat/03). Its main goal is to offer a critical analysis of architecture by means of geometry, here intended as a shared and common language between the two scientific approaches. It runs between theoretical and applied approaches to geometrical shapes and architectural representation: all its activities are supported by and lead to designing of physical and digital models. The class offers an introduction to some prototyping techniques: origami and paperwork, LBM laser cut, FDM 3D print. The educational approach is problem-solving/hands-on/learning-by-prototyping based and benefits from ex-cathedra lectures and practical sessions. Due to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, in a.y. 20/21 the class was held online, losing the opportunity to work directly with our students. The learning-by-prototyping practical approach was mediated by the internet. The evolution of pandemic led us to redesign the course that is now ‘on going’ in presence. In this paper we expose the challenge we undertook to redesign a workshop-like course into an online one and then to critically compare the difference between a.y. 20/21 and 21/22. We compare the mediation process of a.y. 20/21 with the direct approach to educational topics of the current a.y.