Time: September 15-19, 2025
Location: Faculty of Telšiai, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Muziejaus g. 29A, 87356 Telšiai, Lithuania
Language: English
WHO ARE WELCOME?
All 3rd–4th year BA Product Design students who would like to gain new knowledge about tableware and utensil design, and develop hands-on skills working with wood, metal, and stone.
ABOUT THE TRAINING
This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the intersection of functionality, aesthetics, and materiality in the design of tableware and utensils. Led by Pierre Foulonneau with deep expertise in crafting refined everyday objects, the workshop will focus on the physical and sensorial qualities of materials and their transformation into elegant, functional forms.
Participants will investigate the haptic qualities of objects—how they feel in the hand, how comfort and sensuality are conveyed through weight, surface, and form. Through a careful study of proportion, balance, and detail, such as handles, spouts, lids, and the transitions between body and base, the workshop emphasizes the importance of harmony between utility and visual language.
A key focus will be on affirming one's aesthetic language, while learning to identify and express refinement and elegance through craft. Participants will gain a basic understanding of materials and techniques, and develop the ability to engage in a meaningful dialogue with craftsmen or technicians, essential for realizing their own designs.
This workshop is ideal for those interested in deepening their sensitivity to material, improving their design detailing, and crafting objects that are both purposeful and poetically expressive.
WHO IS PIERRE?
Pierre Foulonneau is an industrial designer working and living in France. His studio is based in Nantes, on the French Atlantic coast, where he carries out design and consulting activities for various international brands and industrial partners. The studio’s scope encompasses a wide range of projects with an affinity for household goods and tableware. Pierre’s intention is to design honest, beautiful, functional and emotional products that will find a long-lasting place in people’s lives.
His clients include brands such as Emko, Hilke Collection, Paşabahçe, RigTig by Stelton and Riva Brazilian Luxury. He is also a regular design advisor and project leader at l’Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique.
He received a Best Newcomer Eve’s Watch Award in 2017 for Sekford Type 1A and a Bronze A’ Design Award in 2022 for the Riva Leaf vase.
WHY IS IT WORTH TO PARTICIPATE?
- Learn about current tableware design trends
- Deepen your knowledge of materials such as wood, metal, and stone
- Learn how to prepare a project presentation for your portfolio
- Improve your communication skills
- (Probably) make new friends and future colleagues
WHAT TO BRING?
- Laptop
- Notebook and sketching tools
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
PRICE
Free for Vilnius Academy of Arts students.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Personalised content (the workshop is dedicated to a group not bigger that 13 people)
- 4 nights accommodation at Telšiai dormitory (shared bedroom & shower) *free for Vilnius Academy of Arts students, 16 EUR per night/person for others)
- Bed linen and towels
- Cleaning
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Travel to and from Telšiai
- Meals
All the applications must be submitted by September 3rd, 2025.
We will come back with the answer till 5th of September, 2025.
Application form can be found here.
