G A K K O
GAKKO is an educational collective of makers and thinkers. They question learning through design, technology and philosophy while defusing the categorised conventional learning disciplines. Through interacting, experimenting and playing with ideas, GAKKO initiates sparks of curiosities and provides environments that encourage their growth. Below, are some of the works I completed and took part in during my time as their design intern.
Camp logo designed by myself
Photo Credit: Rakutaro Ogiwara
Photo Credit: Ash Ngu
How do you produce material that is useful and appreciated by users while simultaneously being able to present it online? Furthermore, could I somehow tie in some common significance between Romania, Japan, and Indonesia, the locations of the schools? We screen-printed the logos onto textile, then, using the medium of indigo (a traditional dye method that is deeply rooted to all three locations), we immersed each piece with a varied pattern. The outcome was a vibrant set of t-shirts that were unique to each individual. These t-shirts broke away from the conventional idea of a uniform. Furthermore, they became memorable trinkets and photographed beautifully. I found that linking research with empathy produces an exceptional outcome and translates into truly functional and impactful pieces when received by users.
These are some of the materials and tools that were used at the camp. Leaves, bark, paints and pens from Bali presented for a workshop to overcome fears and conquer goals. The natural materials, not only brought students a sense of belonging to the Bali base but, also could be burned during the final graduation fire.
These are some of the materials and tools that were used at the camp. Leaves, bark, paints and pens from Bali presented for a workshop to overcome fears and conquer goals. The natural materials, not only brought students a sense of belonging to the Bali base but, also could be burned during the final graduation fire.
Aside from the creative team documenting the camps, we distributed disposable cameras to each participant of the camp. “Kohai” students and “Sempai” teachers could capture moments of GAKKO through their own eyes which was a perspective that would have been difficult to express otherwise. The two week experience can’t just be put into words and the company has struggled with summarising their mission. These captured moments each told their own stories and became precious memories for participants.
Aside from the creative team documenting the camps, we distributed disposable cameras to each participant of the camp. “Kohai” students and “Sempai” teachers could capture moments of GAKKO through their own eyes which was a perspective that would have been difficult to express otherwise. The two week experience can’t just be put into words and the company has struggled with summarising their mission. These captured moments each told their own stories and became precious memories for participants.
Patterns used for envelops to send letters to participating “kohai”students. Originally painted with indigo but I also simulated the use of charcoal ink to tie in the memories of the camp fire which symbolised the end of the camp but also a new beginning.