Wood and Design

About

This 6-day workshop Wood and Design in the lush woodlands of Viljandi, Estonia, focuses on the design aesthetics, ecology and sustainability of wood. Exploring the material properties of wood through its use in design, the workshop invites participants to build a set of functional wooden objects for outdoor living with the simplest of means. Participants will utilise wood, as a naturally-occurring renewable material, in two forms: solid slab and left-over scraps from local lumber mills. The workshop is therefore not only community-inspired, with materials sourced or found locally, but also meets the ever-growing need to reclaim and recycle waste wood.
The workshop is designed to include a series of on-site lectures, discussions and supervised hands-on making.
There will be open access to local woodworking facilities throughout the 6-day workshop. A detailed programme will be sent to all participants.
All tools, materials and safety equipment will be provided.

LEARNING OUTCOMES. The participant:
• is able to design site-specific wood objects;
• has woodworking skills that allow the student to produce multiple wooden objects;
• has experienced working in the design team.

ASSESSMENT
The course ends with an oral evaluation by presenting the group work (pass-fail evaluation).

Course leader

Jüri Kermik is a lecturer and designer with a primary research interest in design history and materials innovation. He teaches, lectures and exhibits internationally, and he currently holds the post of visiting Professor at the Estonian Academy of Arts.

Target group

2nd and 3rd year BA students and MA students in Interior Architecture, Furniture Design or equivalent.
Please note that this course is meant for higher education students only.

Course aim

To invite participants to build a set of functional wooden objects for outdoor living with the simplest of means.