Architecture students and design learn about metal craftsmanship in La Palma.

On the occasion of the agreement signed between the Island Council of La Palma and the University of Navarra to develop various teaching activities, research and knowledge dissemination, 14 students from different courses of Degrees of design and programs of study of Architecture have been able to participate in the summer course 'The craftsmanship of metal', taught by the craftsman Yoel Diaz Sanchez.

The students, who were able to learn different techniques and familiarize themselves with the material, were accompanied by School of Architecture teachers PilarSalazar and Elena Aparicio. "They made a design of a section of a fence in pairs that they were able to materialize, learning to cut and weld iron as well as stretching, flattening bending and twisting in the forge in the process. With Yoel's guide the students were facing the challenges that their design posed and the possibilities that the material and techniques allowed. It has been an extremely enriching work ", explains Elena Aparicio.

Pilar Salazar assures that for the students "it has been an opportunity to work with students from the other degree program (Architecture or design), to see how they complement each other and share their professional concerns". "It is to thank all the reception and the organization of various activities by the Cabildo to soak up the culture of La Palma," adds the teacher.

The fences made by the students of the course

partnership Architecture student Gilda Peral, who will move up to 2nd year next year, says that what she liked most about the trip was "having the opportunity to work closely with the inhabitants of La Palma" and "having the opportunity to work closely with the people of La Palma". "They have taught us a lot about their island, their customs and the effects of the recent volcanic eruption. This experience has not only broadened our knowledge and has result been very useful for my future projects, but has also promoted an atmosphere of cooperation and companionship that I consider invaluable," adds Gilda.

On the other hand, Mariela Arizpe, a student of design with accredited specialization in Fashion who next year will go on to 4th grade, also values what she has learned and highlights the role of Yoel Díaz, the craftsman who taught the course: "He was an excellent teacher, very patient and eager to teach. I liked that we were able to learn the techniques he uses to work metal, such as blacksmithing, forging and welding, to be able to make the project course. But what I liked the most is that it didn't stop there. Also, when we had little free time, he gave us the freedom and financial aid to use the techniques we learned so we could explore and experiment in the workshop."

In addition to the course activity itself, Mariela values the activities organized by the Cabildo Insular de La Palma: a visit to the Tajogaite volcano and an astronomical guide . "It was something very enriching to learn about the Canarian culture and La Palma, and to know both its natural wonders (such as the stars or its beautiful landscapes) and the tragedies they have suffered on the island because of the volcanoes, and how they have grown as a community, becoming stronger and supporting each other", details Mariela.

Yvette Rosado, a student at design of accredited specialization Fashion who will move on to the 4th year next year, appreciates getting out of her comfort zone. "Seeing another way of working and learning about techniques that can complement what I learned at the School has been very valuable. I really enjoyed being able to create something from scratch, with our own hands. Now we will be able to value more this subject of things made by artisans, now we are more aware of the time it takes to make them, of the process involved. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity," says Yvette.

The course participants, thanks to the Cabildo insular, were also able to go stargazing.