Interdisciplinary studio series will investigate the intersection of digital and analog learning
Rhode Island School of Design
Two College Street
Providence, RI 02903
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) kicks off the new year with an exciting collaboration with LEGO Education, the education division of The LEGO Group based in Billund, Denmark. The interdisciplinary project, co-led by Assistant Professor of Industrial Design Cas Holman and Associate Professor of Literary Arts + Studies Nicole Merola, begins with a five-week winter session research seminar, followed by a spring semester studio. Both investigate the interplay between digital and analog modalities—looking at how these forms of engagement can most productively inform each other.
In the winter session research seminar led by Merola, students use humanities and studio methodologies to investigate, map and analyze cultural practices and objects in which the digital and the analog commingle. While making is an important component of this seminar, its main focus is on the theoretical. In other words, the overarching goal is to examine how specific digital and analog objects and practices position users in the material world.
During winter session students will work individually and in groups to produce a set of research findings and exploratory inspiration sketches that will inform the spring studio, to be led by Holman. Representatives from LEGO Education will travel from Denmark to attend key critiques during these courses.
“LEGO Education is excited to bring together students, faculty members and leading experts in the field of creativity, play and learning to explore ways to improve the student learning outcomes in a world where digital and physical creation is melding together,” said Jesper Just Jensen, Senior Director, Solutions Experience, LEGO Education. “RISD provides a vibrant environment to challenge our current thinking with its cross-disciplinary approach around key design disciplines.”
“LEGO Education and RISD share a deep commitment to learning through making; and to storytelling, problem-solving, and connecting,” said RISD Interim President Rosanne Somerson. “We are natural partners, and I’m excited to see what we can make and build together!”
“RISD students are capacious thinkers and makers. When you ask them to do research you never know exactly where they will end up,” said Nicole Merola, Associate Professor of Literary Arts + Studies at RISD. “This adventurousness and willingness to experiment with ideas, together with their frames of reference regarding the digital and analogue and the texts we will read and discuss, should converge into a provocative set of research findings and inspiration for the spring studio.”
“This collaboration is interesting for many reasons, and I am particularly excited about bringing RISD students into dialogue with the inspiring community of thinkers and doers who have been working to design, redesign, and ‘hack’ education for decades,” said Cas Holman, Assistant Professor of Industrial Design. “Our students will no doubt bring their own experiences as digital natives as well as their unique RISD curiosity to the table, and make contributions to the field and to LEGO Education that can have lasting impacts.”
Contact
Jaime Marland: T +1 401 427 6954 / [email protected]
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