Abstract

Modern society in Western developed countries is focused on the rush and go, often leaving people feeling discombobulated from constant running around, task-oriented days and switching of roles one must play in different areas of their life, such as at home, work, socializing, parenting, etc. How can ritual bring a sense of calmness and order to lives of those on the go? Ritual studies are often only categorized under psychology, sociology, or religious studies. However, as industrial design encompasses human interaction with objects, often with an emotional quality, ritual can be studied more wholesomely with the added lens of industrial design. This thesis examines how designing a space for ritual affects the performance of that ritual. Does having a permanent ritualistic space set up and encourage its use for ritualistic purpose? Focusing on spatial context created by visual enclosure and the ways designating space for ritual practice effects our performance of such rituals, this thesis addresses the making and use of a hanging shoji-inspired screen as a room divider and to define a ritual space combined with the making of a tea set for performing ritual. The hanging screen is modular and can be installed anywhere – without any nails or drilling – making it perfect for changing spaces and those who move frequently. It echoes the design of a ritualistic tea set to create and define a comprehensive space, designed as an inclusive ritualistic experience.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Space--Religious aspects; Interior decoration--Religious aspects; Screens--Design and construction; Tea making paraphernalia--Design and construction; Ritual

Publication Date

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Melissa Dawson

Advisor/Committee Member

Stan Rickel

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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