Who still remembers and refers to the 2018 Salone del Mobile exhibition, U-JOINTS – Equations of Universal Life? It was one of the most talked about and excitable events of the renowned design fair that presented a physical showcase of a pivotal design element commonly overlooked: the unassuming role of joints in design. Featuring a mammoth involvement of global designers and architects, the U-JOINTS exhibition crossed explorations of form and function, diversities and complexities, to historical and cultural foundations that both democratised and highlighted the formidable design element.

Now after 3 years, the research project’s co-curators — architect Andrea Caputo and design professor Anniina Koivu — have announced a Kickstarter campaign for their monumental print edition expanding their ongoing research into the universal taxonomy of connections and joints. Through delving into the human history and diversity of joints, they aim to create a renewed view of our built environment. Curators Caputo and Koivu explain, “A joint – the union of two or more parts – is a fundamental element in almost any designed object, be it a famous bridge, the coffee maker in your kitchen, or a revolving office chair. Because a joint is often invisible, hidden elegantly within an object, it can be overlooked. U-JOINTS sheds light on these hidden details in an in-depth survey of joints.”

With an anticipated scope of over 900 pages, the tome is set to offer the most in-depth and concise capture to date published on the topic of joints. Featuring a taxonomy of more than 1300 joints, the book will distill the focus into six main chapters (Basic fasteners, Mechanical joints, Knits and Knots, Wood joints, Adhesives, and Fused joints) with technical information about joinery as well as stories and commentaries from leading designers and architects. Excitedly also, Graphic Thought Facility take on the book design. Certainly a book worthy of any shelf, and one that will allow you to even see the role of design in the everyday through a fresh lens.