The concept of transferring forces in a reciprocal way has always been related to the use of timber beams, i.e. elongated elements. However, planar components can also be considered – circular tiles, squares, triangles and more articulated or irregular geometries are all valid alternatives. This research-based teaching/learning activity proposes an initial exploration of reciprocal systems based on planar elements in order to guide further morphological studies.

The workshop runs every year as a part of “Les Ateliers Design” week. I co-instructed the 2012 edition with Olivier Baverel, and the 2014 edition with Olivier Baverel, Simon Gelez and Victoire Saby.