The scaffold as an architectural element

Abstract

The scaffolding, as an architectural tool has a long history linked to architectural production. In this article, its instrumental role is subverted to explore its possibilities as a support element for construction, but also as an architectural element integrated into the work. For this, a case study of two works developed by the Chilean collective named República Portátil is carried out, in which the scaffolding neglects its purely operational function and is constituted as an architecture itself. An action research method is applied, and the conclusions offer a set of theoretical reflections on the scaffolding as a theoretical spatial model where the cross-linking of solutions allows a wide productive versatility.