Design Camp for ages 11 to 14: Create a Shoe Prototype

This hands-on workshop, led by footwear designer and artist educator Hernan Guardamagna, will introduce young people to the creative world of shoemaking. After a brief visit to our new exhibition 'NIGO: From Japan with Love', participants will design their own sculptural shoe prototype using sustainable materials. Inspired by NIGO's creations, blending street culture, music, vintage Americana, and fashion history, young people will sample materials and visual references to reinterpret a shoe form in their own way. 

The workshop will offer a playful introduction to design thinking and making, showcasing various approaches to initiating a creative project. Participants will be guided to create a three-dimensional artwork in the shape of a shoe using materials such as cardboard, plastics, food packaging, fabrics and found objects. 

 Guardamagna will introduce his practice and explain basic shoemaking principles, moodboard creation and material manipulation. Participants will then research, sketch, collage and select materials before constructing their final sculptural shoe prototype. 

Learning outcomes:

• Understand how designers draw inspiration from culture and everyday objects

• Learn basic footwear design principles

• Develop creative confidence through hands-on model making and prototyping

• Experiment with material reuse as a design strategy 

• Learn how to combine diverse materials into a sculptural outcome using simple tools

Please note:

• The workshop may involve the use of scissors, craft knives, staplers and glue guns. This will always be under adult supervision, and a full safety briefing will be provided beforehand

• All materials and equipment will be provided, but if participants wish to work with a specific material, they are welcome to bring it to the session

• This workshop will include a short visit to the 'NIGO: From Japan with Love' exhibition

• Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

• This workshop is suitable for young people aged 11–14. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below

• Participants must bring a packed lunch

• All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in

• We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session

• The workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging

• If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is entirely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way

• This session has capacity for up to 20 participants, led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10

• If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no extra cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves

• If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, please get in touch with the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org

Background image: Design Camp workshop at the museum, photographed by Matthew Kaltenborn.