Kent University Wrokshops

As a part of the Basic Design Studios of Kent University’s Interior Architecture Department, we conducted hands-on earth plaster workshops for two consecutive years. In this series, students explored sgraffito and relief techniques, working with earth plasters prepared using local earth and enriched with natural pigments to create customized color palettes.

During the applied sessions, we guided students through transferring these mixtures onto panels in relation to fundamental design principles—allowing them to engage with the material’s behavior while experimenting with surface, texture, layering, and depth through tactile, hand-made processes.

As an enjoyable and meditative contribution to the workshop experience, we also introduced a hikaru dorodango (polished earth sphere) practice, spreading this slow, reflective making process across the workshop days.

Alongside the practical component, we introduced key themes from Poçolana Works’ practice, including:
earthen architecture, textures-patterns and colors with earth as basic design elements collective making, youth and community projects, and various natural building techniques.

This workshop series emphasized the importance of material-based learning within design education and provided students with an opportunity to experience nature-driven, experimental, and participatory modes of creation.