Ceramics Cultural Centre, Jingdezhen, China

Location: Ceramics Cultural Centre, Jingdezhen, China
This project established a Ceramics Cultural Centre in Jingdeihen, China. Jingdezhen, the birthplace of porcelain has been the world centre of the industry for one thousand years. The city has a population of I .2 million, over half still working in the industry. Established by Yasuda, the 'Pottery Workshop Experimental Factory' has become a centre of 'studio ceramics' a relatively new concept in China, and a research base for Chinese Contemporary Design.

The project includes:

Experimental Factory for small to medium scale production (opened Oct 2007) - looks at existing established techniques and explores the potential for their translation into contemporary design. It aims to bring together designers from China and the west to collaborate on projects using the facility to test bed ideas on a small economic scale for future large-scale production for both the home and international market.

Residential Studio Scheme (opened May 2005) and set up as an international research base to observe and contribute to the development of Chinese material culture. Residents exchange experiences, challenge and question past practice and through their differing demands push the boundaries in contemporary thinking in art and design.

Art Gallery for the dissemination of research taking place within and external to the centre (opened in 2005). This seeks to explore historical, traditional and contemporary approaches, highlighting connections, tensions and the different outlooks and expectations of the artists. Centered around the gallery activities is a vital educational programme comprising lectures, conferences, publications and a sponsored exchange of Chinese and international students.

The centre has reenergised the surrounding area with artists taking up the empty studios creating a lively community. The impact of the Experimental Factory on surrounding industry is considerable with a keen interest in the concept and management of the facility.