Activated Ceramics CDRN workshop

This Canadian Design Research Network workshop will be held at the new NSCAD Port Campus from October 1-3, 2007. The cost of the workshop is $60.00 or $20.00 for students. Cost includes a workshop lunch and refreshments. To participate contact Jordan Winters at:

As we anticipate developments in ecologically progressive ceramics for architectural environments and product design, the workshop will encourage architects, artists and ceramic engineers to explore the potential new uses of this material.

Façades and interior wall systems are amongst the most critical aspects in human environments. As sculptured membranes, ceramic substrates can become part of the breathing and processing apparatus of architecture. The tantalizing possibility for the next generation of ceramics will be bio-façades that shelter, grow and filter light, water and air, and become artistically significant aspects of eco-structures.

Activated Ceramics is designed to encourage hybrid applications for a craft media while emphasizing materiality, innovative form, and integration of varied utilities. Our interdisciplinary and team approach will focus on innovative wall and screen forms and assembly systems.

Workshop teams will build a set of modular walls using NSCAD's new RAM press, a unique industrial fabrication tool for the rapid stamping of clay forms. There will be demonstrations and specialists at the workshop for RAM mold systems, operation of the Ram Press (for a limited number of Workshop participants), and for silicon rubber mold mastering and slip cast molds. Participants will become familiar with Dalhousie Architecture's Rapid Prototyping Lab and examine the role of computer-aided technologies for mold fabrication.

After the workshop, it is planned that ceramic units will be produced and assembled for exhibition.

Workshop leaders are:

• Lawrence Bush, Professor of Ceramics, RISD; artist-potter, RAM and casting specialist
• Neil Forrest, Professor of Ceramics, NSCAD; ceramic artist, writer
• Monty Stauffer, Director of Kohler Artist Residency (Kohler ceramics factory, Wisconsin), ceramic designer, mold technologist
• Doug Bamford, ceramist, NSCAD Ceramics Department technicians, RAM specialist
• Patrick Harrop, Professor of Architecture, University of Manitoba, CNC specialist, writer

To participate:

The workshop will accommodate up to 22 participants. Contact Jordan Winters, Project Manager for ACADIA 2007 at:

For organizational purposes, please supply a brief statement of interest and qualifications or experience.