Liepāja launches introductory phase of "Craft + Design" project on sustainable design

As part of the "Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027" programme, the Liepāja Music, Art and Design Secondary School launched the introductory phase of the "Craft + Design" project in June, aiming to deepen students' understanding of sustainable design and creative material research.

Two guest lectures

During the introductory phase, students attended two guest lectures. Professor and material design researcher Zane Bērziņa of the Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin introduced students to experimental material research, nature-inspired design strategies, and international examples showing how design, science and technology can shape new approaches to material use within the circular economy.

Designer and material researcher Sarmīte Poļakova led a practical session in which each student chose a material characteristic of Liepāja or personally meaningful to them and prepared a Pecha Kucha-format presentation analysing its origin, properties and potential creative applications. Participants received individual professional feedback to help develop their ideas further.

Practical phase begins in September

From September, the project will move into its practical phase, during which students will further explore the properties and transformation potential of materials while developing design prototypes. The creative process will be mentored by design thinker and Art Academy of Latvia professor Barbara Ābele and school teacher Guna Poga, with continued input from guest lecturers Bērziņa and Poļakova. Craft masters and researchers from RTU Liepāja Academy are also expected to join the practical phase.

Works created during the project will be shown in a public exhibition in Liepāja and in a travelling exhibition abroad. The project is funded through the "Liepāja 2027" programme with support from the Ministry of Culture, the city of Liepāja, and the Dienvidkurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities.