When the Eames said the above, they were describing the relationship between elements of design and detailing in a piece of office furniture. On a bigger scale, this was meant as a metaphor for the process of designing.

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The concept of connections is closely related to common theories of creativity. It is fundamental to the production of design work. Design as a process is very much concerned with the location, formation, exploration and use of connections. But connections between what?

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Connections between disciplines such as design and architecture, music and performance, philosophy, and physics; connections between material and information; connections between departments; connections between institutions; connections between people and machines; connections between markets and consumers; connections between individuals and environments, subjects, and objects.

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The connections between individuals on a course such as MAID is one of the defining characteristics of your learning experience. Coming from such a vast range of backgrounds and cultures, you have much to learn from each other.

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In undertaking this project, you will work to create symbolic links between individuals that will come to represent your group in dynamic terms. The project is designed for you to collaborate, working together as a team to create something that represents your MAID cohort.

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Importantly, connections also function as an introduction to the workshops and some of the thematic concerns that we will explore through the term. You will work with the technical staff who you will engage throughout the course. The project will make you familiar with the workshop working practices, the materials and processes available to you and that you will use an develop over the duration of the course.