Architectural Sculpture

Architecture and sculpture are the guiding disciplines for this course. The aim of this course is to develop a language and way of translating ideas about space, material, scale and form into what your tutor calls ‘architectural sculpture’.

Plaster sculpture comes in many forms, seemingly miraculously. In its liquid state, plaster can be poured into a mould. In its plastic state, it can also be worked with in situ. In its solid state, it can be manipulated reductively with the use of tools. During this workshop, you will learn these varying properties of plaster by making small test fragments. In doing this, you will develop a greater understanding of the potential and limitations of this versatile material.

We will begin the course by introducing you to the various tools used in plaster sculpture, how to arrange your workspace and how to ensure you have a safe working environment. We will explore methods to mix the material, with reference to ratios of plaster to water. We will then go step-by-step through a series of short sketch exercises to help you develop sculptural prototypes. These will help you form a language of architecture and sculpture and therefore a way to construct space and form. We will work individually but also as a group to learn different methods.

Finally, you will work on your own small architectural sculpture, one which summarises the knowledge gained in this short course. You will leave this course with a set of skills to confidently create a unique sculpture in the future on your own.