The workshops at the Institute of Design in Kielce, held as part of the international project Out of Clay and Wood: Natural materials for future architecture, have come to an end. Over several intense days, we explored the secrets of natural materials in architecture, combining theory with hands-on fieldwork.
We started with a solid dose of knowledge – on the first day, experts from various fields shared their experiences. Among the speakers were Dominika Janicka (ID Kielce), Kacper Kępiński (NIAiU), Ada Stańczak and Salóme Bregt (University of the Arts Iceland), and Michał Poros (Geonatura Kielce – Geoeducation Center / UNESCO Geopark). After the lectures, it was time for action – collecting clay at Kadzielnia, exploring a cave, and visiting the brick factory in Rytwiany, which has been in continuous operation since 1812.
On the second day, Kacper Kępiński talked about architecture in the Anthropocene era, after which participants engaged in clay experiments under the guidance of Marta Dachowska and Bartosz Brylewski—purifying, testing, and analyzing its potential applications. An online meeting with George Massoud (Materials Culture) provided an opportunity to explore innovative approaches to materials. To conclude the day, Guðmundur Oddur shared a Scandinavian perspective on art and design.
The third day was dedicated to exploring the technique of rammed earth. Anna Zań discussed its history, properties, and contemporary applications. After the theory, it was time for practice – participants, guided by experts, prepared materials, created samples, and developed the first concept sketches.
The fourth day transported participants to Iceland – Adrianna Stańczak and Salóme Hollanders introduced the topic of local materials and the role of clay and earth in traditional Icelandic architecture. After the theoretical part, it was time to develop their own ideas and work on prototypes.
On the final day, it was time for a summary – participants presented the results of their work: fired material samples and object prototypes. The workshops were a great opportunity for learning, experimenting, and exchanging experiences among those involved in sustainable design.
Out of Clay and Wood: Natural materials for future architecture is an international project connecting Poland, Iceland, and Norway, based on the analogies between these countries. Drawing from both tradition and modern solutions, the project paves the way for sustainable, eco-friendly architecture.
In the face of the climate crisis and the massive impact of the construction industry on global greenhouse gas emissions, architecture is increasingly turning to models inspired by traditional and regional building techniques, locally available materials, and methods that allow for adaptable and modifiable structures.
The project “Out of Clay and Wood: Natural materials for future architecture” is financed by the Bilateral Cooperation Fund of the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.
