2025 STEAM EXPO

PROJECT SUMMARY

What can we learn from the structural and urban design of the Jesuit reductions? How where built and what elements made them functional and dubious? Can we reinterpret them today with digital tools and real materials?

WHY?

This proyect was born from our study tour to the Jesuit reductions, where we observed how they were organized and constructed. In the asignature Work and Technology we proposed ourselfs recreate them from this structural work. We used Minecraft for the digital design colective and we also constructed a fisic modelof a jesuitic church, applying design principles, materials and joining techniques.

HOW?

We investigated about the arquitecture and the materials from the jesuitics reductions.

We regristated images and observations during the study tour.

In minecraft, we designed in group a fisic reduction, organizing the space(square, church, houses) and representing materials with different blocks.

In parallel, a group design and build a model in fisic of a jesuit church, applying knowlege about stability, proportions and srtuctural union.

We value what materials would me more appropiate and what part of the structure we have should have reforced.

We regristed the process with videos, photos and reflexions.

WHAT?

We discovered that the historic structures are full of tecnic decisions; from the materials until the shape and the distribution of space. We understood that the design architectural reflects cultural values and concrect needs. Also we we reforced our habilities of collaborative work, structural design and combinated use of digital and fisic tools.

angie-lucia-luciana-mica-yeru.mp4

SO WHAT?

Our results are important because they show that Jesuit churches were not only physical structures, but also spaces for cultural and spiritual gathering. We learned how the design of the reductions reflected community life and adaptation to the environment. Thanks to our project, we can better understand the importance of architecture as a means of integration between different cultures.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Add LED ilumination and sensors to the model using Arduino.

Recreate other part of the reduction with more details.

Design a virtual tour narrating in MInecraft or with augmented reality.

Compare the structural priciples of the reductions with modern constructions.

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Photographs and observations made while the study tour.

Historic references, videos and educative materials about the reductions.

Tools: Minecraft, model making materials, printers and classroom resources.

Thanks to: our teachers of History, Work and Technology, and the ones who organized the study tour.

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