In this course we will focus on research and experimental design into cork, and its potentials both for use in the constructed environment as well as clues it may offer for new relationships of harvesting and using natural materials. For centuries, the cork forests of southeastern Portugal have underpinned the socio-economic health of the region, while cork industry and agriculture have allowed wild forests and ecosystems to grow and flourish. A single hectare of cork forest absorbs more than six tons of CO2 each year. Complex root systems and subterranean mycelial networks form effective barriers against soil desertification encroaching from the south. The thick, insulating layer of outer bark acts as a powerful insulating barrier against forest fire. In this studio, students will leverage these facts and work directly with cork as a material that can be used in developing new design forms and applications in architecture, industrial design, interiors and more. Emphasis will be on exploring new innovation in recycled cork, finding scalable applications to improve the sustainability of global production and manufacturing. This course will be run as an external partnership with global leaders in the cork and design industries, and may involve international travel, including to a cork manufacturing facility in Portugal during spring break and Milan, Italy in April 2025. Student travel expenses will be underwritten by the supporting partners. To be considered for this course, please fill out THIS SURVEY expressing your interest, experience, and acknowledgment of expectations.