What
Wintersession Travel CourseWhere
When
Winter 2020Estimated dates—final dates to be announced.
Course Dates: Jan 2, 2020 — Feb 7, 2020
Who
Open toMinimum 2.5 GPA required. Open to sophomore and above.
The primary focus of this studio is to weave together cultural research, material exploration, and full-scale construction to explore the resonance between traditional craft practices and contemporary techniques of design.
Led by Silvia Acosta (Professor, RISD Architecture)
Estimated dates—final dates to be announced.
Course Dates: Jan 2, 2020 — Feb 7, 2020
Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Open to sophomore and above.
Includes accommodation, field trips, local transportation, museum entrances, health and travel insurance. Airfare not included.
In this course, students will be exposed to materials based on the vernacular of the area-adobe, stone, brick, lime, bamboo, and locally made encaustic tiles-and introduced to ways in which to translate their properties into new applications and processes of assembly. The goal is to engage participants in the design of a collaborative project while understanding the culture and interests of the community it will serve. These hands-on explorations will be facilitated by community-based partners in the spirit of generating local innovation. The secondary component of the course will provide an opportunity for observation and visual transcription of experience through drawing and other forms of 2-D material work informed by local resources. Fieldwork will be supported by visits to cultural sites, and daily discussions will address the use of materials in design as a force to promote reimagining their applications.
Oaxaca City is situated in the mountains midway between Mexico City and the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in recognition of its historic buildings and archaeological sites. The city's colonial history is intertwined with indigenous cultures that reside along the city edges. It is also the source of a rich contemporary art scene rooted in the current political and social climate of the area. Home to an extensive network of art centers, cultural institutions, and artisanal crafts, the place provides a rich inventory of opportunities for material observation, experimentation, and making.
WS20 Mexico: Material Propositions Oaxaca, Photo: Bilal Ismail Ahmed MArch 21
WS 20 Mexico: Material Propositions Oaxaca, Photo: Bilal Ismail Ahmed MArch 21
Credit: Silvia Acosta
WS 20 Mexico: Material Propositions Oaxaca, Credit: Bilal Ismail Ahmed MArch 21
Credit: Silvia Acosta
WS 20 Mexico: Material Propositions Oaxaca, Photo: Bilal Ismail Ahmed MArch 21
WS20 Material Propositions Oaxaca, Credit: Bilal Ismail Ahmed MArch 21
Credit: Silvia Acosta
WS20 Mexico: Material Propositions Oaxaca, Photo: Bilal Ismail Ahmed MArch 21
Credit: Silvia Acosta
Credit: Silvia Acosta
Our local partners, Root Studio, produced this incredible short film documenting this collaborative project between Root Studio and RISD Architecture!
The application deadline for Wintersession 2022 Travel Courses has passed. Please check back in Spring/ Summer 2022 for updates on Wintersession 2023*.
View detailsHave questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.
Schedule an AppointmentNo upcoming events for this program at this time.
No announcements for this program.