ART 1970 - KILN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

credits: 3.0
Will explore the theoretical, practical, and historical concepts of ceramic kiln design and construction. Students will learn in two classrooms, a more formal traditional setting for lecture and theory, and the kiln yard where theory and lecture will be put into practice while constructing a ceramic kiln(s) out of bricks. Special attention will be given to different types of kiln arches and walls. Theory on heat exchange, circulation, and retention will be discussed. In the course students will also design and construct a brick oven for cooking pizza, bread, and other foods. The course will require physical labor. Repetitive lifting, use of power tools, and hand tools, hammers and saws and the like will be used. The instructor will demonstrate how to use tools safely and students will eventually be expected to use them independently. Objectives: A) Repair and construct various types of kilns; B) Develop a vocabulary of terminology associated with tools and construction of ceramic kilns; C) Analyze the design principals of kiln proportion, burner types, gas plumbing, construction of kiln frames and safety equipment for kilns; D) Identify and interpret kiln atmospheres associated with different types of firing; E) Describe the history of ceramic kilns and associated ceramic wares from indigenous cultures around the world. Method of Instruction: Lecture, discussion, and hands on construction. Method of Evaluation: Class participation, evaluation of notebook-sketchbook, quizzes and exams.