CERAMICS MANUFACTURING IN THAILAND | FA24 Faculty-Led
INFO SESSION: Thursday, May 23 at 1pm (Week 2), Room 203L at Hillside or zoom.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 29 (Week 3) at 1pm PST
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Join us for a transformative educational adventure that begins with a 14-day immersive research expedition in the heart of Thailand and is followed by an inspiring on-campus studio experience in Fall 2024.
Explore & Innovate: Dive into the fusion of architecture, interior, graphic, and product design. Master traditional and modern ceramics techniques, discover "Jugaad" - the art of frugal innovation, and immerse yourself in the sustainable ethos of Thai culture.
Culinary Design Challenge: Uncover how the design of tableware can influence culinary delight. From the texture and color of ceramics to the dining space layout, learn to craft experiences that tantalize the senses and celebrate the heritage of Thai cuisine.
Create & Impact: Design with purpose - create multifunctional ceramic pieces that narrate a story at every meal. Bring your insights to life, designing tableware and interiors that transform dining into a multi-sensory voyage.
From Concept to Reality: Envision everyday objects anew and articulate your designs to makers and marketers. Innovate within traditional ceramics to serve up extraordinary gastronomic encounters that marry the old with the new.
Design for Tomorrow: Fine-tune your creations for the practicalities of production without losing the spark of innovation.
Leave your mark on the world of sustainable design, where heritage meets contemporary art.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We understand there are always additional fees associated with travel and we want all students to know study abroad is accessible to them. Eligible students should apply for the Diversity and Access Travel Stipend Award (DATSA). See our Pay for Study Away page for more details on study away affordability.
FALL 2024 COURSE DESCRIPTION
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Ceramics Manufacturing in Thailand
3 units INTD Studio CreditEXPLORE: The course explores the dynamic interplay between architecture, interior design, graphic design, and product design. Students will engage with various ceramics design strategies, ranging from traditional hand-based methods to cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. A vital aspect of the course is researching "Jugaad," which involves frugal and sustainable fabrication methods. This includes studying various modes of development and stylistic integrations in a modern society with a traditional cultural background. Additionally, the course delves into the rich history of Thai culture, emphasizing its contributions to sustainable design. A particular focus is given to Thai cuisine, both traditional and contemporary, to design tableware.
OPPORTUNITY: The course presents an opportunity to explore the relationship between the design of containment vessels and food flavor combined with environment. It questions how the shape, surface, position, or color of a vessel might influence the taste of its contents. Students will also examine how ceramic screens, room dividers, wall tiles, and lighting can collectively enhance a dining experience, whether in a restaurant or home setting. A challenge posed is how contemporary vessel design can revive historical dishes.
DESIGN OUTCOMES: The expected outcomes are diverse, including wall tiles, vessels, and objects that serve dual purposes and act as both intermittently. This course enhances the sensory experiences of eating and dining, turning each meal into a multisensory journey. Students are encouraged to apply their observations and learnings from Thailand to create ceramic tableware and interior fixtures suitable for a restaurant setting. The course emphasizes approaching everyday objects in unconventional ways and learning to effectively communicate design ideas to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers through use-case scenarios. It encourages innovation in conventional ceramics fabrication to design unique gastronomic experiences that blend tradition with novelty. Additionally, students will refine their designs to align efficiently and economically with existing fabrication methods.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students in the Thailand Ceramics class will fulfill the following Learning Outcomes:
1. Design Process:
The course encourages students to explore diverse strategies in ceramics design, ranging from traditional to cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, which aligns with the program's goal of conceptualizing and generating original and relevant solutions to design problems.2. Written and Visual Communication:
Students will learn to communicate their design ideas effectively through written, visual, and digital presentations, especially when conveying their concepts for tableware and interior fixtures, meeting the program's outcome for communication skills.3. Verbal Presentation:
The course includes opportunities for students to present their work and research findings, fostering the ability to convey comprehensive, detailed, and meaningful information about their design work.4. Research & Development:
The 14-day research trip in Thailand, combined with the exploration of "Jugaad" sustainable fabrication methods, directly contributes to the program's outcome of conducting systematic research to develop appropriate design strategies.5. Professionalism:
Through real-world applications and the development of use-case scenarios for their designs, students will gain experience performing as professional designers, which aligns with the program's focus on professionalism.6. Technical Aptitude:
The course's emphasis on various ceramics fabrication methods and applying technical skills in creating practical design solutions aligns with the program's goal of using specialized skills and craftsmanship.7. Sustainability:
The focus on sustainable design, especially in the context of Thai culture and the study of sustainable fabrication methods, reflects the program's objective of advocating for sustainable solutions and processes.The course will fulfill several key program learning outcomes and offer a comprehensive approach to learning, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application and cultural immersion. The CLOs make it a valuable addition to the overall educational experience of the students.
ABOUT THAILAND
There’s a reason Thailand is home to the most-visited city in the world, Bangkok: it is a paradise of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering visitors a true adventure. Thailand’s capital city is a chaotic and thrilling blend of old and new. Thailand’s food scene is as bustling in street markets as it is in Michelin-rated fine dining restaurants and its Buddhist temples and giant Gold Buddha’s offer a look into Thailand’s unique and peaceful culture.
Thailand’s northern cultural hub, Chiang Mai is known for delicious cuisine, a laid back atmosphere, outdoor excursions and myriad Buddhist temples and a popular getaway from Bangkok. Spend time getting to know the country’s majestic Asian elephants , visiting some of the region’s most significant, gold covered temples, dining on northern Thai dishes, and wandering the sprawling Saturday Walking Street market. Warm and welcoming, activity-filled and affordable, you’re going to love Chiang Mai.
ABOUT THE FACULTY
Mia Ferrera Wiesenthal is an associate-professor who teaches Product Design 1 & 7, Sustainable Manufacturing, Internship Portfolio, Capstone, and Prototyping Courses. Her diverse expertise spans many materials with expertise in ceramics manufacturing as well as metals, wood, plastics, and more, and She’s collaborated with major brands like Starbucks, Anthropologie, Heath Ceramic, Lashify, Kohler, Target, Crate and Barrel, among others. Sustainability is at the heart of Mia’s work in consultancy and the classroom.
Ari Brice is an associate-professor in the Integrated Studies department. Recent courses he’s taught include Ceramic Futures Lighting, Basics of Ceramics Wheel, and Design Fundamentals. His work as an artist makes objects and installations that explore the territory between sight and touch. His work has been exhibited regionally and internationally.