Alas de papel (Paper Wings) is a project initiated by Marian Brea and Julia Creuheras, conceived as an educational proposal and an experimental laboratory aimed at children. The workshops have been held within the CaixaProinfancia programme, an initiative supporting children and families, as an after-school activity in collaboration with Save the Children in Barcelona, aimed especially at boys and girls aged 6 to 12.
The project arose from research carried out by both of them into the ornithopter and the technical particularities of its flight. An ornithopter is a mechanical bird with articulated wings. The proposal is a playful activity that introduces children to non-verbal expression and experimentation through the theme of birds and their flight.
During the sessions, each child builds their own flying mechanical bird, using a simple mechanism made up of a crank and a rubber band which, when wound up and then released, makes the wings flap and the bird take flight for a few moments. The wings are made from different types of paper, which the children decorate in their own way. Finally, the children fly their little birds.
This experience introduces basic notions of mechanics but also encourages imagination, creativity, experimentation and play. The workshop offers a safe and stimulating environment where each child freely explores their abilities.
Since 2021, La Misión de María has been developing projects to support, shelter and help reintegrate families in situations of particular vulnerability due to various personal or social circumstances.
PAPER WINGS
