Inform students that the aim is to discover an issue that they can address in a work containing the elements outlined in the Background section above. Discuss symbol-making and interpreting symbols. Examine how an artificial environment can express natural symbols. Have students sketch ideas that try to symbolically illustrate the environmental message which they would like to communicate in a contained space. Discuss the plastic nature of sculpture, and outline how students are to approach their own design.
Students are to research and design their own portable landscape.
Make sure that they keep a complete log outlining the research, ideas, influences, and intellectual processes that go into their work. This expression must be documented by the student so that the success of the translation from concept to completed work can be properly understood by the student and critiqued in class. As part of this log, each student is to present a proposal for the miniature portable installation which they plan to construct. Students are expected to complete their work in class so that the instructor can make sure that no non-reused materials are used. Remember that the prohibition against new materials include glues, hardware, and paint.