Remodulare Stall / SAPiano Portfolio

Jean Paul SapianoRemodulare Stall

Connection. A perforated node makes change possible without redesign. — Connection
A perforated node makes change possible without redesign.

Kit of parts. Repeatable elements form a complete working room. — Kit of parts
Repeatable elements form a complete working room.

Joinery. Plug. Rotate. Realign. — Joinery
Plug. Rotate. Realign.

In use. Display, desk and shelter are held within one portable frame. — In use
Display, desk and shelter are held within one portable frame.

Remodulare. A craft-based system designed to travel, adapt and be repaired. — Remodulare
A craft-based system designed to travel, adapt and be repaired.

Year: 2023
Location: Malta
Programme: Modular market structure
Project stage: Prototype design
Client / brief: Independent artisan / academic brief
Scale / area: One-person artisan stall
Material register: Marine plywood, teak, iroko, removable dowels
Estimated cost: €4 to 7k / portfolio estimate
Estimated delivery: 4 to 6 weeks / portfolio estimate
Comparable size: 12 m²
Design time: 7 weeks / portfolio estimate
Difficulty: 3 / 5
Role / authorship: Student designer / sole author

What is a connection?

A joint is a small decision that controls every future version of a structure.

A connection tells materials how they may meet, but it also determines what can happen later. Glue assumes permanence. A removable dowel allows repair. A repeated hole makes several arrangements possible without asking for a new part each time.

Modularity is therefore not repetition for its own sake. It is a way of leaving a structure open to change. The intelligence of the whole system is concentrated in the rule of the joint.

Applied hereThe stall is designed outward from a universal timber node. Because arms can plug in, rotate and move, one craftsperson can rebuild the same kit around different markets, displays and working positions.

Research source ↗

Read the full project note

Designed for an elderly wood model maker, the stall is both workplace and display. Layered heights support sitting, making, conversation and the presentation of small crafted objects.

Perforated timber nodes form a universal connection field. Arms and dowels plug, rotate and realign, allowing the lightweight kit to respond to temporary markets, relocation and changing stock. The system remains legible as joinery: portable, repairable and made for repeated use.

Connection

Kit of parts

Joinery

In use

Remodulare