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In cooperation with Vitra Design Museum and the Centre Georges Pompidou, CIRECA has been putting on an international summer academy at Domaine de Boisbuchet since 1996. The international summer workshops are offered from July through mid-September. The courses are led by renowned designers, architects and artists who live and work together with the participants for a length of six to ten days.
Concept
The goal of the workshops is not to design a “perfect” product but rather to provide insights into the design process and the associated challenges of rational thinking, creativity and manual skills. The programme places an emphasis on practice-oriented, creative work, complemented by lectures and discussions. The spectrum of topics extends from product design, graphic arts, photography, architecture, and exhibition design to the creation of jewellery. The courses incorporate experimental approaches as well as mechanical craftsmanship.
More detailed information about each workshop is available under Programme 2008.
Target group/ Conditions
The workshop programme is open to anyone interested in design (18 and older): designers, architects, artists, graphic designers, museum educators, digital media designer, photographers, craftspeople etc. as well as trainees in their respective fields. We also highly recommend the courses to employees of design oriented companies who work in the areas of marketing/communication, product development and human resources. Laypersons are also welcome to attend/participate in the workshops.
The language of instruction is English.
Outline of the week
The length of the individual workshop varies between six and ten days. The day of arrival is Sunday; participants arrive in Boisbuchet in the early evening. The workshop begins on Monday morning after an introduction to the topic. Subsequently, ideas are developed that will be realised during the following days. The results of the workshop will be presented on the last day. The course ends on Saturday, or alternatively on Wednesday or Thursday of the following week, after a final group breakfast.
Accommodation
Participants are housed in the "Dépendance", the previous residence of the estate manager. Lodging is provided in spacious dormitories. A limited number of single and double rooms are available at additional cost.
Participation fees
The fees for a six-day workshop is
885, - €
685, - € for students under 32 (with a valid student ID)
The fees for the glass and porcelain workshops are – due to the course length and materials – between 1150, - € and 1650, - €
The participation fee includes accommodation in a shared room, meals (full board) and all materials. The following are available at additional cost: Transfer from Poitiers-Boisbuchet (return trip), all beverages outside of meals and the use of internet. Single and double rooms can be booked at additional cost.
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Practical information 2008 (PDF)
Conditions of participation (PDF)