This architecture design practicum will address the contemporary practice of architectural terracotta design and manufacturing. It will provide students an opportunity to understand how architectural practices innovate and work through a design process towards a working prototype. Students will work in teams and be paired with architectural practices from around the country that are participating in the Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop 2020 (ACAW2020). You will observe their process and as necessary assist them in developing their project. Likewise you will be developing your own design project- moving through research, design and prototyping.
The design practicum will also expose you to the manufacturing process and how that influences design innovation. Manufacturing, like practice, is also looking to innovate, anticipating needs from the profession and remaining competitive in a globalized world. You will visit their factory and observe ways that they are looking to innovate with new technologies and engaged research with the profession. As part of your research you will model ways that terracotta is manufactured and incorporate that into your own design development.
