the charrette 2025

Play

This year’s workshop will explore the idea of play.

Think carefully about what play means to you. How could you translate these ideas into physical reality? What materials or forms would convey these concepts? How could you construct a wearable sculpture that speaks to the subject of play? Be creative and expressive in what you make. You are encouraged to work with absolutely any materials and methods you wish for the duration of the project. There are limited supplies of some basic materials available to you (see below), but you will need to be creative and resourceful in finding other materials to use in your projects. Materials that are found or repurposed are strongly encouraged — you do not have to spend any money on this project.

All students — regardless of year or major — in all Drawing I and II, 2D Design I and II, and 3D Design I and II classes are participating in the workshop for the entire week from August 27 to September 4. During the workshop, you must go to each of your foundations classes for attendance at the start of class, after which, you will be allowed to work anywhere you like (unless your instructor will be giving a talk or demo).

You have access to a shared Google Slideshow where you will post images of your final piece as well as a short written reflection about your experience:

Folder of Google Slides

IMPORTANT: you must be logged into your RIT Google account to access and add text and images to these files. If you see a message telling you to request access, then you need to sign out of your regular Google account and sign in with your RIT Google account.


The Rules

  • The project in its final form must be wearable and have physical contact with the body.
  • Students must create a design with materials that effectively and creatively convey their ideas and concepts.
  • Try to work in the studios on campus, not at home or in your dorm room.
  • Students are allowed (and encouraged!) to use materials that are found or repurposed as opposed to ones purchased. However, please note that cloth and fabric are not allowed as a primary component of your project. Also, cosplay is not allowed in the design your project.
  • You must show up at the start of all your Drawing, 2D, and 3D classes for attendance. You must also attend all of your non-foundations classes as they are not part of the workshop.
  • Explosives, fire, guns, ammunition, or other weaponry is strictly forbidden.
  • Students should wear and present their final piece during the final event on Thursday, September 4 from 5:30-7:30PM in the SHED Atrium. (If you cannot be at the event, let your faculty know beforehand.)
  • If wearing your work makes you uncomfortable, or you cannot be at the final event, you can have a friend wear your piece for you.

    • Grading

    You will be graded for attendance and participation (each of your instructors will let you know how much this is weighted in your grade for the class), but the final projects themselves are not given a letter grade in an effort to allow you to be creative and experimental. Each of your instructors will tell you how to submit your final piece for credit on a class-by-class basis (most of them will ask you to upload a photo(s) to myCourses.) Additionally, some of the pieces will be chosen to appear on the runway at Fashion Week Rochester in October, as well as appear as part of a gallery show in the SHED.