Making to learn, exhibiting to teach: an experimental educational activity for bachelor of architecture students

In recent era in which digital technologies and virtual modelling are becoming increasingly dominant, the model, created through manual practice, still plays a strategic role in Architecture Schools. The paper presents the outcomes of an experimental educational activity involving the construction of three- dimensional models of architectural details, proposed to first-year students in the Bachelor of Architecture programme. This activity had a dual objective as a learning and teaching experience for the architecture students. Firstly, the aim was to actively engage the students in a hands-on activity to enhance their understanding of complex architectural solutions, fostering a deeper exploration and understanding of materials and technologies (learning). Secondly, students were expected to present their work effectively, demonstrating and communicating their learning with their peers (teaching). The students' models were collected, catalogued and displayed in an exhibition with the aim of extending their use beyond the confines of the course and involving the academic community.