This project researches the learning potential of advancing material intelligence (Adamson, Fewer, Better, Things, 2018) in primary education.

Material Intelligence is the human ability of understanding one’s physical surroundings, how things are made and objects are manufactured – in order to maintain a healthy relationship with the environment and with society. This ability is inherent to craftsmen and craftswomen, and is established through working directly with materials.

This project demonstrates the importance of developing material intelligence in alpha generation children (born after 2010), who are digital natives, born into a digital world. The project explores how craftsmen and craftswomen can develop material intelligence inside the school system by co-creating with students.

The research was carried out through “Amitei Bezalel”( a residency program by the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation) and is a case study where a textile design studio is located inside an elementary school in the south of Tel-Aviv. At the core of the project laid an ongoing action based research in the designer’s studio, it consisted of three weekly studio sessions made in small groups of children, with a total of 60 participating students (1st-5th grade). The sessions were accompanied by interviews and observations made with and on craft educators and professionals as well as the school staff.

The project examines possible intersections between the craftswoman, the students, the teachers and school staff in the studio space. The project aims to develop an approach and a system to practice important 21st Century skills like creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, through the development of material intelligence.