U-JOINTS is an international research project and exhibition series on the theme of connections in design and architecture curated by Andrea Caputo and Anniina Koivu.⁠

⁠‘U-joints’ is short for ‘universal joints’. Defined as the place where two or more parts of an object are joined together, a ‘joint’ also connotes a connection in the sense of a relationship – in which a person or thing is linked or associated with someone or something else.⁠

⁠Each chapter traces the macrocosm of joinery. Together, they create a vast overview of the most common joints as well as insight into joinery’s unique solutions, historical and contemporary. Little known surprises and forgotten connecting methods abound.⁠

⁠Furthermore, the book features 80 essays and interviews, as well as 120 anecdotes. These share the often-unknown stories of joints, from how they were invented to their many inventive applications. The book also includes more than 1000 images, 240 illustrations and numerous patents. 15 new photographic works by young and upcoming photographers reframe the overlooked details for readers to discover.

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