Did you know that it is possible to make an almost perfectly smooth and glossy ball from nothing but clay — without paint, coatings, or firing? Japanese dorodango is a simple yet surprisingly refined craft technique in which earth is gradually shaped and polished into a stone-like, hand-finished clay sphere. In this course, we create dorodango using contemporary methods inspired by a master from Kyoto.
This afternoon session combines hands-on making with an introductory lecture on the world of clay construction. While we produce dorodango spheres from Finnish clay, we explore the properties of clay, different earthen building techniques, and the potential of clay in future Finnish construction.
The event takes place at the Fiskars Circular House – an experimental environment for building techniques and materials currently under development, where Aalto University’s Wood Construction Experimental House (relocated from Otaniemi) and a straw bale garage are also located. As other clay courses are already ongoing or completed, participants will also have the opportunity to see various real-life examples of clay construction on site.
During the session:
– You will learn the basics of making dorodango from Finnish clay
– You will get an introduction to the properties of clay as a material
– You will gain an overview of earthen building techniques such as clay plastering, cob, rammed earth, and light clay
– You will hear about the opportunities and challenges of clay construction in Finland
– You will visit and explore clay structures and experimental works at the Fiskars Circular House
Working with dorodango is slow, focused, and unexpectedly meditative. At the same time, the small clay sphere becomes a tangible way to understand how diverse and surprising clay as a material can be.
The session is led by Johanna Hyrkäs: architect, professional clay builder, and researcher in clay construction at Aalto University.
Address: Isokiskontie 16, 10470 Fiskars