In cooperation with the Vitra Design Museum and the Centre Georges Pompidou in France, CIRECA has been putting on an international summer academy at Domaine de Boisbuchet since 1996. The international summer workshops are offered from July through mid-September. The courses are led by renowned designers, architects and artists who live and work together with the participants for a length of six to ten days.

The goal of the workshops is not to design a “perfect” product but rather to provide insights into the design process and the associated challenges of rational thinking, creativity and manual skills. The program places an emphasis on practice-oriented, creative work, complemented by lectures and discussions. The spectrum of topics extends from product design, graphic arts, photography, architecture, and exhibition design to the creation of jewelry. The courses incorporate experimental approaches as well as mechanical craftsmanship. More detailed information is available under Program.

The workshop program is open to anyone interested in design (18 and older): designers, architects, artists, graphic designers, museum educators, digital media designer, photographers, craftspeople etc. as well as trainees in their respective fields. We also highly recommend the courses to employees of design oriented companies who work in the areas of marketing/communication, product development and human resources. Laypersons are also welcome to attend/participate in the workshops. The language of instruction is English.

The length of the individual workshop varies between six and ten days. The participants arrive in Boisbuchet in the early evening on Sunday. The workshop begins on Monday morning after an introduction to the topic. Subsequently, ideas are developed that will be realised during the following days. The results of the workshop will be presented on the last day. The course ends on Saturday or, alternatively, on Wednesday or Thursday of the following week after a final group breakfast.

Participants are housed in the "Dependance", the previous residence of the estate manager. Lodging is provided in spacious dormitories. A limited number of single and double rooms are available at additional cost.