Riga, Ligatne, Latvia

Woodcraft and Art

when 14 August 2017 - 25 August 2017
language English
duration 2 weeks
credits 2.5 EC
fee EUR 700

Since ancient times Latvians produced all necessary everyday items, from wooden spoons and wooden shoes, to furniture and log houses. Traditions are cultivated and maintained today, and the timber industry is one of the main cornerstones of the national economy of Latvia.
This summer school will provide you with knowledge in wood design, materials, technology, compounds and skills of wooden product manufacturing. You will also get a closer look at Latvia through introduction of traditional woodcraft objects closely linked to Latvian lifestyle and traditions.
Programme
The summer school offers a programme consisting of lectures, workshops and discussions, company site visits, countryside visits, guided excursions and exciting parties. The programme will be conducted by a local team – designers, artists, technologists, designing engineers and invited experts. There will be lectures on different aspects of wood manufacturing and design. In addition to the lecture programme, practical work in groups will be carried out providing the possibility to work with woodworking machines processing sewn timber and manual woodworking tools while processing round timber. The programme will among other events include a social programme in Riga, sightseeing tour in Kuldiga and visits to several enterprises related to wood manufacturing.

Course leader

Institute of Design Technologies of Riga Technical University

Target group

Previous knowledge in woodworking is not required; you have to have finished at least one year of studies by the time the summer school starts, speak fluent English, have an interest in wooden design, as well as appreciation for the expertise of qualified professionals. With the help of our professional staff members, anyone can experience the first steps in wood working.

Course aim

The unique thing about this summer school is that acquiring new theoretical knowledge is only one part of this experience. We believe that theoretical knowledge should always be supplemented with practical tasks giving an extensive overview of the field, so you will also add a new set of practical skills and broaden your creative horizons by creating wooden objects yourself. Make a room in your luggage as you will surely bring home a beautiful wooden creation as a reminder of your time in Latvia!
Participants’ accomplishments in the previous year was a proof that there are no limits to our creativity and that the joy of creating handmade things cannot be measured. This time for you will not only learn about the wooden design, you will also get to know people from all over the world and enjoy the beautiful nature of Latvia.

Credits info

2.5 EC
Certificates of Further Education of Riga Technical University and 2.5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit points will be awarded upon completion of the programme.

Fee info

EUR 700: The participation fee, covering registration, tuition, accommodation in a student hostel of RTU, meals (breakfast and lunch) and the social programme is EUR 700. The participants will have to cover their travel expenses and health insurance.

Scholarships

Participants can apply for partial scholarship from organizers depending on their academic result.