Abstract: We introduce the area functional, namely the map which evaluates the area of the graph of a given C^1 vector valued function u defined on a open domain on R^n. We discuss the problem of relaxation of the area functional and recall some important properties. Then we consider the problem of triple junction points, in the presence of which the area functional shows nonlocal behaviour. The problem of evaluating the area functional on such maps is related to a problem of minimal surfaces whose solution passes by application of geometric analysis tools.