The Craftsman - Reopening the Narrative to the Art of Production

The Craftsman, an identity based upon the intimate bond between the body, the mind, and the material. This thesis is a celebration of the craftsman in an effort to bring back the importance of engaging in the narrative of the object. Through the exploration of ceramics, glass work, and textiles, this thesis is a proposal that's purpose is to mend the importance of the tactile process of making. Designing for a centralized, embodied energy to create a tactile playground that highlights the art of production through the redevelopment of the vacant McCormick’s Factory located in the heart of the Old East Village in London, Ontario. This thesis creates a space where one can learn, explore, and be stimulated by the spirit of the craftsman’s process; inspiring methods of making, while at the same time bringing new life to a building that was once a source of pride for the community.