While current-day design has rediscovered a decidedly artistic approach to furniture, contemporary art has seen a trend toward installations that examine and question the role of furniture. Differences and similarities in the way artists and designers work are to be investigated in this workshop. On the basis of given materials and furniture, various situations will be created within historic spaces, focusing on what it means to deal with limitations on one hand and an open process on the other. For instance, participants will look at what goals are defined, what creative strategies are developed, how existing material can be interpreted, how a project can be pursued cooperatively and individually and what relationship exists between the author and the work.

The workshop is part of a more extensive research project and will be co-led by experts in art and design sciences. Participants must have an education or profession in the fields of art or design.

Sigga Heimis

Born in Reykjavik, Iceland 1970. Graduated as an industrial designer from Istituto Europeo di Design, in Milan, Italy in 1994 and received Compasso D'Oro for her graduation project. Started her design company H&H in Iceland in 1995. Projects done for various different companies worldwide; from furniture to interior design to medical appliances. Returned to Milan, Italy in 2000 to do her master's degree at Domus Academy and continued working for H&H. In 2001, she began working for IKEA Sweden. Design of products in all areas, from children's furniture to breadbaskets. Has worked on projects with all the major international design schools: Eindhoven Design Academy, Royal College of Art in London, Domus in Milan, University of Art and Design in Helsinki, Parsons in New York, University of Shanghai, Marhi in Moscow and many others. Her works have been displayed in various design museums and shows like the VIA gallery in Paris and featured in the 2004 Design Yearbook.

Sigga Heimis has recently been appointed design manager at Fritz Hansen, Denmark.

Florian Slotawa

In a conscious attempt to avoid adding objects to an already overflowing world, the Berlin-based conceptual artist Florian Slotawa (b. 1972) utilizes everyday items and existing objects and spaces to create temporary sculptural assemblages and installations that invite discussions about the contexts and implications of institutional display, the boundaries between private and public space and notions of artistic preciousness. Dismissing their traditional functions, he liberates objects from a closed system of interpretation, thereby revealing their latent artistic potential, a strategy he has also extended to the exhibition space. His work has been shown in numerous solo exhibits, such as at the P.S.1, MOMA in NYC, Sies & Höke Galerie in Düsseldorf and Modern Art in London.

The Summer Workshops at the Domaine de Boisbuchet

In cooperation with Vitra Design Museum and the Centre Georges Pompidou, CIRECA has been putting on an international summer academy at Domaine de Boisbuchet since 1996. The international summer workshops are offered from July through mid-September. The courses are led by renowned designers, architects and artists who live and work together with the participants for a length of six to ten days.

Concept

The goal of the workshops is not to design a “perfect” product but rather to provide insights into the design process and the associated challenges of rational thinking, creativity and manual skills. The programme places an emphasis on practice-oriented, creative work, complemented by lectures and discussions. The spectrum of topics extends from product design, graphic arts, photography, architecture, and exhibition design to the creation of jewellery. The courses incorporate experimental approaches as well as mechanical craftsmanship.

Target group/ Conditions

The workshop programme is open to anyone interested in design (18 and older): designers, architects, artists, graphic designers, museum educators, digital media designer, photographers, craftspeople etc. as well as trainees in their respective fields. We also highly recommend the courses to employees of design oriented companies who work in the areas of marketing/communication, product development and human resources. Laypersons are also welcome to attend/participate in the workshops. The language of instruction is English.

Outline of the week

The length of the individual workshop varies between six and ten days. The day of arrival is Sunday; participants arrive in Boisbuchet in the early evening. The workshop begins on Monday morning after an introduction to the topic. Subsequently, ideas are developed that will be realised during the following days. The results of the workshop will be presented on the last day. The course ends on Saturday, or alternatively on Wednesday or Thursday of the following week, after a final group breakfast.

Accommodation

Participants are housed in the "Dépendance", the previous residence of the estate manager. Lodging is provided in spacious dormitories. A limited number of single and double rooms are available at additional cost.

Participation fees

The fees for a six-day workshop is 885,- €/ 685,- € for students under 32 (with a valid student ID)

The participation fee includes accommodation in a shared room, meals (full board) and all materials. The following are available at additional cost: Transfer from Poitiers-Boisbuchet (return trip), all beverages outside of meals and the use of internet. Single and double rooms can be booked at additional cost.