True to the spirit of transmission and cohesionArts et Métiers, the students of the BO222 class at the Bordeaux-Talence campus marked their passage by creating an Ex key that reflected their creativity and collective commitment. Combining technical expertise, aesthetics, and know-how, this project illustrates the students' attachment to the heritage of the Gadz'Arts.
An ambitious collective project, combining design and ingenuity
Building on the momentum initiated by the class of 2021, a group of students from BO222 at the Bordeaux-Talence campus set about creating an iconic Clé d'Ex. From the outset, the idea of a large-scale project emerged: a wooden key measuring 2.03 meters, in reference to the height of the tallest member of the class. After consultation, the choice fell on an Art Deco style design, with the head inspired by a light fixture characteristic of this artistic movement.
The design stands out for its precision and rich materials: the key is made up of 560 pieces of wood, all cut, adjusted, and sanded by hand. The frame is mainly made of beech, while the "EX" logo was laser-cut from stainless steel.
This ambitious project required more than 1,300 hours of work, divided between an initial intensive ten-day phase in September 2024 and twelve production weekends in the spring of 2025.
A symbolic object, serving collective memory
Designed to last and be passed around among the graduating class, the key was conceived as three detachable parts (head, shaft, and paneton) and rests on a base crossed by a central tie rod, ensuring the stability of the whole. An internal lighting system, entirely designed by the students, illuminates the head of the key as well as the glowing logo of the graduating class, located above the windows.
Although the key was initially supposed to be made in the campus workshops, technical constraints meant that adjustments had to be made. Thanks to equipment loaned by a couple of former students, production was able to continue off campus. However, a few pieces produced using water jet cutting were retained. The deadline was symbolic: to complete the key in time for the first wedding of the graduating class, in June 2025. On this occasion, the bride and groom had the honor of becoming its first custodians.
Each element of the key reflects the technical and personal involvement of the students. Starting with an initial 2D design, a complete CAD model was created to model the key in 3D. All of the parts were then produced by hand, using a miter saw or jigsaw, then sanded and adjusted individually. The stainless steel"EX" logo was laser-cut with the help of an outside company. The electrical system, like the cutting of the glass panes, was designed by the students themselves. Finally, the nicknames of the members of the graduating class were hand-engraved on the wood, giving the work a collective and commemorative dimension.
With this achievement, the BO222 class affirms its commitment to the values of knowledge transfer, rigor, and creativity that makeArts et Métiers so rich. The key will now continue its journey through marriages and raffles among the members of the class.
