Ben Stagl

The Whatnot Studio is a progressive educational platform in the Designed Objects department at SAIC that is focused on creative inquiry and iteration. This year-long course enables students to hone their voice as individual designers while working as a team to execute a thematic collection of highly refined and relevant work for public exhibition. The Whatnot Studio has exhibited work at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy and at Wanted Design in New York City. Select mid- and upper level undergraduate and graduate students are admitted to this course via portfolio review. Readings, recordings, screenings, and field trips vary annually depending on the course theme. Students should expect to produce one exhibition quality object and should also expect to work as part of a team to develop exhibition design and promotional materials. Please apply through slideroom: https://saicscholarships.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/77943

This studio challenges students to reconsider standard models of design practice and process, and explore new modes of object making. The studio is conceived from the standpoint that the methods of the past are not necessarily appropriate for the future and that designers have a role to play in redefining their tools, as well as the outcomes of their work. It considers designers as autonomous agents able to lead by example and position themselves within the realms of cultural production, entrepreneurship and corporate business. Throughout the semester, students will be exposed to the ideas, methods, and work from a variety of the most relevant designers and design thinkers practicing today. Particular focus will be towards practices of agency, autonomy and authorship. Students are introduced to a range of design approaches which are dissected, critiqued and retaught. A series of exercises and projects encourage them to embark upon a rapid process of action and reflection across multiple contexts, promoting risk-taking and discovery.