Thematic repertoire

Form & Technology

A deeper insight, knowledge and reflection of present and future technological developments.

Identifying, exploring and questioning aesthetics in conjunction with emerging technological advances are preconditions for the deconstruction of conventional wisdom. With their evolving ability to domesticate science, designers – in their original capacity as identifiers and interpreters – will put forward new objectives and concepts without relying on serendipity and mimicry, as is often the case today.

Therefore, we will consolidate and expand their knowledge in the selection and application of new methods, processes and materials – without losing sight of the consequences for society and the environment.

Foci

• Overview of design methods and processes in respect to nature, mathematics and the natural sciences. 
• Understanding the aesthetic and performative potential of these methods and processes. 
• Investigations into emerging technologies and their relevance for designing.
• Analysis of the aesthetic, performative and economic potential of novel processes in connection to digital fabrication. 
• Development of conceptual products and processes for digital fabrication with traditional and advanced materials and their practical implementation. 
• Experimentation with the aesthetic and functional opportunities, also in relation to digital mass one-off fabrication and new modes of entrepreneurship.

 

Teacher: Andreas Hopf, visiting lecturer

 

Living & Behavior

A  deeper insight, knowledge and reflection into  the latest findings from human sciences and of present and future needs of people and of their patterns of living.

Mankind harbours the desire for belonging, shared symbols and a structured environment. But also, we yearn for individuality, perceptional diversity and a rich experience of life. Never before have we seen such extraordinary changes in our relationship to time, space and ourselves – our transitory existence – exposing us to unprecedented levels of freedom and disorientation alike.

Consequently, much closer observation and understanding of the blurred work-life relationship is essential to uncover scenarios leading to meaningful manifestations for our daily lives; whether material or immaterial. This means that the traditional outlook on design has to evolve into “cultural scientific” expertise.

Foci

• Overview of societal developments and shifts in peoples’ motivations and actions. 
• Understanding corporate economic motives and brand related design drivers.
• Investigations into the socio-economic interdependencies in diverse markets.
• Analysis of the cultural aspects of design and development of corresponding scenarios and actions. 
• Development of strategies and concepts for products and services.
• Experimentation with approaches relating to societal developments and novel brand strategies, as well as their implementation.

 

Teacher: Claus-Christian Eckhardt, professor

 

Man & Nature

Consciously working for the sustainable development of  our civilisation and the environment.

Man affects nature and nature affects us. The notion that the human dimension, in tune with the preservation of the global environment, should take precedence over the sheer celebration of progress is beyond question. Today, a small number of informed individuals is sufficient to take action and initiate an interest group with potentially global repercussions.

A sustainable society will demonstrate that availability and acceptability can coexist, that economy and ethics are in fact not mutually exclusive. As a result, the primary focus in design will have to shift from the “what” to the “how” to the “why”, meaning that the level of critical awareness will take precedence in any development process.

Foci

• Overview of the human impact on the Earth’s systems by the use of natural resources. 
• Understanding of the status quo with regards to the interlinked environmental and economic discussion. 
• Investigations into the systemic factors that are shaping the human enterprise.
• Analysis and discussion of the obstacles and possible inroads for change.
• Development of strategies and/or policies for changing the designing of products and services on a systemic level. 
• Experimentation with novel approaches for sustainable development strategies and their practical implementation.

 

Teacher: Olof Kolte, adjunct senior lecturer

 

 

  

• Utskriftsversion