May students build their own furniture and feel more at 'home'?

UNIMAKERS

Practical handbook to DIY furniture:
useful tips for college students on their first move.

Ensuring living spaces that favour the psychophysical and emotional well-being of the occupants is of fundamental importance, even in temporary contexts. Starting from a personal discomfort, I searched the literature for the causes of the difficulty in developing attachment to a place and possible solutions to foster it. Involving other university students and through direct observation, it emerged how they often do not find answers to their needs in the spaces and furnishings of their rooms. This project, therefore, aims to develop a practical handbook for university students moving into a new room for the first time. The handbook intends to respond to the need for customisation and optimisation of spaces, providing ideas and instructions for building customised, economical and functional furniture on one’s own. Starting from an analysis of the typical challenges that new students encounter – limited space availability, low budget and the need to create a comfortable and personal environment – the manual offers ideas and suggestions for flexible and adaptable furniture. Through explanations on materials, the use of basic tools and detailed instructions, students will be guided in the creation of essential furniture. Each project is designed to be interpreted with accessible materials and reclaimed elements. The handbook aims to support students in creating a living space that reflects their needs and preferences by encouraging a practical and creative approach to the organization of personal space.