Techne Lab: Spaces for Making in Teaching and Learning

This panel is for all attendees as part of Day 1 of the January Congress. 

Whilst you are welcome to book a space on Inkpath if you would like to formally record your attendance, this is not mandatory as this is a core activity of the overall event.

Session Details:

Technē, from ancient Greek, refers to craftsmanship and the human ability to realise intentions through making, doing, and performing.

With each speaker reflecting on their own research and practice, this panel will:
•    Examine how the craft, skill development, and the ethos of making are integrated within educational contexts. 
•    Consider the pedagogical implications of technē in teaching and learning settings. 
•    Discuss the importance of physical and conceptual ‘making spaces’ in nurturing creativity and innovation. 
•    Reflect on how crafting and skill-building contribute to an ethical understanding of learning practices.

Speakers / Facilitators: 

Professor Roni Brown (Chair) is Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, University of the Arts London. 
  
As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic (DVCA), Roni’s role is to support the President & Vice Chancellor (P&VC) in leading the University, working closely with members of the Executive Board. She is directly responsible to the P&VC for providing strategic leadership in all academic areas including teaching, research, knowledge exchange and quality and standards. The DVCA is responsible for successful delivery of Teaching Excellence and Research Excellence Frameworks, and attendant goals for performance in these exercises. 
  
Roni joined UAL in 2019 as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of London College of Fashion. Previously she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).
 
Roni has been a Trustee of the Open College of the Arts and Deputy Chair of Artswork, the South East Bridge Organisation of Arts Council England. From 2017 to 2023 she was South East Area Chair for Arts Council England and a member of its National Council. Roni is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts.
  
Roni is Professor of Visual and Educational Cultures and holds a PhD in the History of Architecture and Design and has work published in the fields of design history, pedagogy and quality assurance in creative arts higher education.

Angela Ford is a multidisciplinary designer and educator, leading Studio Raw Origins. Her research-driven practice explores the practical lineages and ancestry of regenerative materials and plant-based fibres. By investigating these unique material origins, Ford's work blurs the lines between contemporary design, craft, and fine art. As a lecturer in Architecture and senior technician, she fosters a deeper understanding of sustainable practices, encouraging a visual dialogue that intertwines theory and craft. Ford’s approach not only highlights the beauty of natural materials but also advocates for their essential role in regenerative design.

Claudine Henry is a Garment Technology Technical Coordinator at London College of Fashion, UAL. Henry completed an MA in Academic Practice in Art, Design, and Communication at UAL, where she focused on the intersection of digital technology and staff development within higher education. Henry's research explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technical roles, particularly within Art and Design institutions. Through dissertation, she developed an Activity Brief designed to enhance digital literacy skills for technical staff, which is now being refined as a potential staff development tool. 
 
This experience has deepened Henry’s understanding of how essential technicians, and their skills are in both the education sector and the wider economy, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Henry is passionate about encouraging a culture of learning and adaptation within higher education to meet the demands of future innovation.

Jasbinder Jhumat is a Lecturer in Contour Product Design, Development and Realisation.  Primarily focusing on Year 2/Level 5 advancing their technical creative skills and pastoral care.  Working for the largest UK supplier of Lingerie as a specialised contour product developer for nearly 30 years, Jas has a wealth of knowledge and experience to support all years to develop their understanding of the contour product.

Jas has completed the MA Academic Practice in Art, Design, and Communication program, where the research revolved around inclusive education models, particularly exploring the impact of intersectional identities on university student experiences. Her goal is to create learning environments that accommodate the needs of all students, regardless of their background or abilities.  

Luke Turk is an exhibition designer and producer and holds the position of Technical Production Manager at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. He has worked with contemporary artists, galleries and institutions on exhibitions both internationally and in the UK, which include, Algorithmic Swarm Study I by Random International at MoCA Busan, South Korea, Drawn from Life at the Sir John Soane Musuem, London and most recently Collective Care at LCF East Bank. In his role at LCF, he manages design, production and delivery of exhibitions across five gallery spaces, these are open to the public and host projects from artists, designers, students and local community.

Rory Salter is a musician, artist and technician living in London. He has published albums under various monikers with Index Clean, TEETH, Zoomin' Night, Alter, TakuRoku, Infant Tree, Bison and amongst others. His work is formed through experimentations with acoustic & electronic instruments, faulty & functional technologies, cassette tape, feedback and walking; motivated by exploring relationships to environment, work/labour & materials. It is rooted in practice and the forms of documentation and theory that come from that practice. He has performed and worked with Derek Baron, Ecka Mordecai, Russell Walker, Mark Peter Wright, Regan Bowering, Li Song and others.