Process _ Material Samples

Visit to the Peabody Museum!

The De-SE studio traveled to the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (PMAE) at Harvard University to understand the traditional uses of agricultural bi-products in the craft culture of Central and Latin America. We studied a collection of baskets, mats and artifacts made from similar natural materials and fibers to those we are working with in the studio such as banana leaves, straw, jute, and bark. The artifacts exhibited construction techniques of weaving, knotting, coiling, and bending which resulted in a high level of craft in these often utilitarian objects.

Material Abstraction

The last of the agricultural bi-products arrived at RISD this week!! Throughout the semester we will be working with sugar cane wastes, bagasse, rice straw and rice hull. The De-SE students are now working to develop panel samples by reconstituting and compositing these materials. Our hope is that through these samples we will discover processes and methods to transform these agricultural bi-products from “wastes” to “industrial materials”.

Revised Studio Schedule

As we discussed in class last week we will have a slight revision to the syllabus to accommodate the Senior Show on Thursday, March 10. See you in studio Tuesday morning.

Tuesday, March 8
AM: Meet in Studio, Material Transformation
PM: 3pm – 5pm : Visit the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

We will take the 1:30pm Commuter Rail to Boston leaving the Studio at 1:10pm to walk to the station together. You will need to pay cash ($7.75 for your ticket).
http://www.peabody.harvard.edu/

Thursday, March 10
AM: Systems Research Presentations
PM: Meet in Studio, Review Material Transformations

Systems Research: Due 03/08, Presentations 3/10

Each student will research and present a particular system of Costa Rica and compare it to the whole of Latin America. The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of Costa Rica and the scale of issues from political structure to  cell phone access.  Each system will be studied independently but it is important that we understand how they all effect each other. 

You will present this information on 2) 11 x17 sheets of paper.  This material will be compiled into a booklet that will be shared amongst the studio.

Day 4: Introduction to EARTH University

Thanks to Charlie Cannon for a thoughtful presentation on the history of the RISD/EARTH relationship.  We are excited to be a part of an exciting and innovative effort and look forward to continuing this collaboration!

“EARTH University is an international institution created out of a deep conviction that the environmental and social challenges confronting the planet can be resolved through education that promotes science, technology and entrepreneurship while focusing on essential human values, leadership and a commitment to social and environmental service.”   

Learn more about EARTH University. 

Day 3: In-Class Sketch Exercise

Inspired by their research of an existing social entrepreneurial precedent, students were asked to quickly sketch a product or service idea that came to mind.  This could be a way to improve the product, a variation or a new product or service all together.