Place-making through pottery: Department decoration day and the art of community building

On September 19, the Urban Planning group embarked on the first of a series of creative journeies that went beyond the usual academic or professional engagements—it was a day dedicated to pottery-making, aptly dubbed the “Department Decoration Day.” This wasn’t just about crafting ceramics; it was about building connections, fostering creativity, and enriching our collective well-being through the arts.

After a short introduction of Suus, the inspiring owner of Keramiek Atelier Amsterdam, we all started with our creations. Funnily enough, within half an hour, our creations became a reflection of the creator. Jonne and Anna worked on beautiful useful objects, minimalist in style and perfect in their details. Vivian and Johanna started to experiment with all the tools that Suus had in her studio, decorating their creations in beautiful ways. Tuna immediately started to work and managed to finish the largest creation in the least amount of time, finalizing it with a creative glazing of dripping bright red ! And when you say glazing you say Debra, who outdid us all on the experimentation with colours front. Using multiple colours with different layers and pressing techniques she created a stunning work. Last but not least, were Emma and Mirte felt inspired by the animal world and created a funky snail flowerpot and snake coffee mug.

This event was more than just an afternoon of fun and creativity; it was an exercise in place-making—transforming our work environment into a more vibrant, personalized space that reflects the diverse personalities and creative talents of our team. Research has shown that engaging in artistic activities can significantly enhance individual and collective well-being, contributing to a sense of belonging and community. The pottery we created together not only beautified our workspace but also served as tangible reminders of our shared experiences and the bonds we strengthened through art.

“…more than just an afternoon of fun and creativity; it was an exercise in place-making!”

As we look around at the pieces now adorning our department, we’re reminded of that day—a day of laughter, creativity, and, most importantly, community. It’s clear that the role of art in our lives, particularly in community-building efforts like this, is indispensable. The sense of accomplishment and connection we felt has left us eager for more such creative endeavors. An afternoon of fun, community, crafts… to be continued!

Below are some images from the second day of pot-making.