Hands-on architecture

In March 2025, ten interior design students from KASK & Conservatorium took part in a special international workshop in Mooste, Estonia. Partner institution EKA (Estonian Academy of Arts) organised the workshops. Together with peers from Estonia, Finland and Poland, they immersed themselves in the world of ecological building materials, with a focus on clay and other natural materials.

At the Eestimaaehitus – Competence Centre for Ecological Building, our students learned how to work with the materials. ‘What made this experience so valuable was the hands-on approach,’ says one participant. ‘We experimented with different techniques – from delicate Japanese dorodango to sturdy rammed earth constructions – and discovered the possibilities of natural materials.’

The practical assignments ranged from building clay towers that could bear a surprising amount of weight to designing unique vases. Under the guidance of local experts, experimentation was encouraged and mistakes were seen as valuable learning moments.

During the five-day intensive session, specialists – Kaarel Kuusk, Malvo Tominga, Mikk Luht, and Sven Aluste – conducted both theoretical meetings on sustainable building materials and practical sessions focusing on specific spatial tasks.

Each participant created a series of prototypes based on multifaceted work with clay and complementary materials. Ultimately, dozens of original objects were created, resulting from both individual and team efforts.

Working in international teams ensured a rich exchange of ideas. Language barriers were overcome by a shared passion for design and creativity. The many informal moments – cooking together, relaxing in the sauna, even a surprise party for a student's birthday – strengthened bonds and created memories that go beyond what is possible in a classroom.

At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, this workshop offered valuable insights that perfectly match the challenges of the future. A holistic and ecological approach was presented, emphasizing the use of renewable materials with simple production processes, offering an alternative to conventional construction practices.

‘I'm taking a new way of thinking with me,’ reflects one student. ‘It has opened my eyes to possibilities with space, natural materials that I didn't see before.’

KASK & Conservatorium remains committed to international experiences that prepare our students for a sustainable future. Because as our students in Estonia discovered: sometimes you have to get your hands dirty to really grow as a designer.

The event was organized as part of the Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) – short, intensive formats aimed at students and academic staff. The BIP program follows a workshop format preceded by a virtual component, consisting of a series of online meetings.