Workshop: Paper Cup Fun – Creating Big Worlds from Tiny Things
At an event held in Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, KKAA conducted a workshop with children titled “Paper Cup Fun ~ Creating Big Worlds from Tiny Things ~.”
Based on one of KKAA’s design approaches, “particles,” the workshop was developed for children to enjoy. In selecting materials, items were chosen from familiar everyday objects and sized so that they would be easy for children to handle.
The workshop began with nothing more than telling the children to “stack paper cups.”
As each child freely stacked them, sculptural forms made of paper cups gradually emerged. What started as individual activities gently connected with others’ creations, eventually forming a large collective structure. Rather than adults defining what was correct or finished, it was interesting that the children each arrived at different notions of completion.
Children with disabilities also participated. They stacked cups in the same way as others and completed their own personal forms. Although a small thing, it was felt as a joy that everyone could take part in the same workshop.
It was felt that the distance between the residents of Higashikawa and KKAA became even closer.
Date: 2026 May 16th, Children’s Design Club
Location: Sorairo
Organizer: blue school
