This course led by Kathryn Walter introduced students to the material and culture of felt. Walter provided an opportunity for her students to create a permanent installation of a felt wall in the University's library through a class competition. Students worked in teams to prepare prototypes and presentation panels that were reviewed by peers, the client (members of the Library staff) and the architect of the recent Library renovation (Valerie Gow of Gow Hastings Architects).
"Cosine" the proposal by Valeria Gulia and Adriana Lychacz was the project selected. It was fabricated in panels at the FELT studio by the designers and their peers Alexis Domagas, Sorrah Han, Georgina Maghari, Amy Shim, Candace Thompson and Katrina Zeng led by Kathryn Walter, and was installed in with lighting provided by the Library.
“Cosine” takes the specificity of the Library site into consideration using the form of waves to represent the idea that knowledge is in a constant state of flux. The material is used effectively to shape soft forms that appear to bulge from the surface. A contrasting red felt, formed in smaller waves, is seen only upon closer look beneath each undulation. Almost body-like, this warm interior wall offers a striking balance to the building’s surrounding concrete structure.
This project was sponsored by FELT studio, Interior Felt Inc.
Testimonials
“In our classes, we often make proposals for sites around campus or in the city, but this project allowed us to truly test the prototype and build something permanent.”
(Student)
“I find mentoring to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching, and choose to create situations in which students can learn by doing. Providing material and knowledge from my own studio practice is enhanced by partners within and outside the institution.”
(Kathryn Walter, Course instructor)
Working with the students is always inspiring. We are thrilled to partner with faculty colleagues to create these experiential learning opportunities for studens. Being able to highlight student work, of all types, is a wonderful way to celebrate and share the breadth of learning on our campus
(Carol Shepstone, Chief Librarian)