In an inspiring display of international collaboration, students from Appalachian State University's Industrial Design 3711 Product Studio 2 class and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VSVU) in Bratislava's PhD in Ceramics Studio have united through a shared learning experience. This partnership culminated in a remarkable exhibition showcased at the ICFF Wanted Schools, one of North America's premier international design events.
A Vision Realized
The exhibition was born from the synergy of Appalachian State's Prague Summer Program, which regularly visits Daniel Pirsc's renowned ceramics studio in Mikulov, Czechia. Pirsc, who heads the Ceramics program at VSVU, along with faculty from Appalachian State, envisioned a project that would challenge their students to collaborate across continents and cultures. From these discussions emerged a directive centered around a universal symbol of home and design – IKEA.
The Project Directive
Students were tasked with selecting an IKEA product to reimagine and enhance, incorporating ceramics as a major component. They were encouraged to explore the experience, function, meaning, and value of the items they chose, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and storytelling. Despite linguistic and cultural barriers, the students worked diligently in remote groups, sharing concerns, solutions, and insights.
Overcoming Challenges, Creating Masterpieces
The diverse teams met both in and outside of class, forging bonds despite the physical and cultural distance. Through their perseverance, they produced unique and innovative products that blended the pragmatic design sensibilities of IKEA with the artistic flair of Slovak ceramics. This cross-cultural exchange not only resulted in beautiful artifacts but also fostered deeper mutual understanding and respect.
A Platform for Global Exposure
Presented at the ICFF Wanted Schools exhibition, the fruits of this collaboration stood alongside industry giants like MOOOI, Heller, and Bernhardt. This platform provided the students with invaluable exposure and networking opportunities within the global design community. Their works were met with acclaim, validating the hard work and creativity that went into each piece.
Looking Forward
Following its success in North America, the exhibition will travel to Prague to be part of the DesignBlok festival in October. This event will further spotlight the incredible achievements of these students and underscore the potential of international academic partnerships.
"It is an invaluable learning experience on so many levels for the students. They got to truly experience the positives and negatives of collaborate activities and how to overcome the obstacles of understanding and distance. They also got the professional experience of setting up a trade show booth and presenting their work to a myriad of professionals, designers, and other students getting feedback and stimulating conversations and connections. This is the complete cycle of learning that will help them as they go forward in their lives and their professions."
-Professor Donald Corey
This collaboration between Appalachian State University and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Bratislava, is a testament to the power of shared learning experiences and the universal language of design.
