The Elements collection: an operational archive for architecture learning

Abstract

Collections, according to Michel Foucault, are places where we juxtapose ourselves, and all these juxtapositions, classifications, and catalogs provide a way of connecting things both visually and in discourse. The collection and preservation of documents produced in architectural practice have sparked an interest in the notion of the archive within Architecture Schools. From this perspective, the Elements collection, as a teaching and communication experience, has entailed the construction of a documentary archive through the work of cataloging, organization, and formatting of the work carried out in the classroom. It serves as a visual and relational tool connecting various concepts addressed in the teaching unit with the documents developed during the learning and comprehension process. The editorial experience is essential for enhancing the «fragment» and its re-signification through critical thinking and a focused approach making this instance a learning opportunity for future publications.