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my archischool’s education for young architects spans from hand sketch to AI render

tim spears I designboom — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:10:35 +0000

RESHAPING WORKFLOWS FOR A NEW ERA IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

As artificial intelligence tools increasingly reshape design workflows, My Archischool is pioneering how GenAI can empower — rather than overshadow — young creative voices. The Hong Kong–based institution, dedicated to architectural education for students aged 6 to 17, has developed a new workflow that integrates GenAI with physical and digital model-making. Over eight months, more than 100 students have tested this educational process, which prioritizes their own hand-drawn sketches, paper constructions, and 3D models as the foundation for all AI-enhanced outputs. Rather than relying on generic prompts, the school’s approach uses GenAI to visualize complex, imaginative ideas that young designers often struggle to express through language alone.

all images created by Albus Chung | courtesy of My Archischool

MY ARCHISCHOOL EXPANDS EDUCATION WITH GENERATIVE AI

My Archischool’s pedagogy is not about replacing creativity with technology — it’s about helping students translate the ideas in their minds into spatial realities. Founded nine years ago, the school has consistently introduced innovative methods in architecture education for youth. Expanding beyond traditional studio teaching to incorporating game design, filmmaking, and AI-assisted tools, their core philosophy revolves around using students’ own hand sketches, physical models, and 3D digital models (SketchUp or Rhino3D) as the seed for GenAI. This ensures that the inherent vision of each young designer remains central to the generated output, allowing their imaginative concepts to be accurately visualized.

This educational method was rigorously tested through the Youth ArchiDesign Competition, where students were guided through a multi-step process, combining analog and digital thinking. Always focused on maintaining the individuality of each student’s concept, GenAI becomes a collaborative design partner, enabling richer storytelling and new forms of artistic expression, while retaining the authorship of the student at every step. Diving deeper into this unique workflow, one student’s exemplary work illustrates how this educational platform empowers young talents to visualize complex ideas with unprecedented clarity and joy.

trial run with GenAI

FROM HAND SKETCHES TO AI GENERATED REALITIES

The design journey at My Archischool starts with imagination visualized on and through paper. Students begin with hand-drawn sketches and craft paper models that express the first iteration of their ideas. These physical forms are photographed and used as seed images for GenAI tools, which then extrapolate possible design contexts, atmospheres, and material studies. As the models evolve, students continue refining their designs physically and digitally, transitioning into software like SketchUp or Rhino3D for more precise 3D modeling. These are once again paired with GenAI to generate rendered architectural scenes embedded in imagined cityscapes.

paper model crafted at first stage

Rather than replacing technical skills, this iterative process removes barriers to visual storytelling. Students gain insights into architectural detailing, context planning, and spatial composition — skills traditionally beyond their reach at such a young age. But My Archischool maintains a clear stance: quality output must reflect depth of thought. When students rely solely on prompt-based imagery, the originality often diminishes. Only when the GenAI output is rooted in student-generated material like photos, sketches, and models, does it truly reflect their authorship.

spatial environment generated by AI based on the developed paper model

This approach also addresses challenges many young students face, especially in multilingual environments like Hong Kong, where verbal articulation of complex design ideas may be difficult. GenAI becomes a translator between concept and image, helping mentors better understand student intent.

Throughout the workflow, the school encourages traditional architectural principles: clarity in program definition, sensitivity to shared spaces, and resolution of design conflicts. Students are reminded that AI-generated visuals must still align with spatial logic, user needs, and design articulation. As a result, GenAI here is not just a tool for rendering but a catalyst for architectural thinking in the next generation.

reiterated paper model integrates context and spatial composition

digital model generated by AI based on developed paper model

project info:

school: My Archischool | @myarchischool
location: Hong Kong

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‘the world needs it’: michael kaethler on IED’s social ecological design for urgent change

lisa kostyra I designboom — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:20:34 +0000

REDEFINING DESIGN EDUCATION FOR URGENT CHANGE

The IED Istituto Europeo di Design Master program in Social Ecological Design emerges as a vital alternative to design education, aiming to confront the complex challenges of our time. For Michael Kaethler, coordinator of the program, the traditional design curriculum, often shaped by market trends or conventional perspectives, does not contribute enough to the urgent transformation needed to address today’s crises. From accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss to widening social inequalities and the creeping rise of authoritarianism, the challenges are immense and interconnected.

Despite its problem-solving prowess, academic design programs sometimes risk lacking the ability to adapt to new approaches required for socio-ecological change. This critical gap is what the Social Ecological Design program aims to fill as Michael Kaethler revealed in an exclusive interview with designboom. The program is built on the idea that education itself should ‘assist in unlearning the status quo,’ Michael Kaethler tells designboom, pushing for new forms of knowledge through emancipation, experimentation, and breaking down old structures.

‘We don’t need more education but rather, we need different education,’ Kaethler continues. ‘We need alternative modes of building and sharing knowledge in order to produce the forms of meaningful knowledge that can engage with these crises.’

Co-design Workshop at C.E.P. by Marginal Studio (Francesca Gattello, Zeno Franchini), part of the project “Riconnessioni: percorsi di riattivazione della memoria urbana per riportare la periferia al centro”, promoted by Sguardi Urbani, funded by Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea e Rigenerazione Urbana MIBACT, Palermo, 2020. Photo by Francesca Gattello

IED MASTER PROGRAM IN SOCIAL ECOLOGICAL DESIGN

Within a 16-month period, the IED in Torino offers a pioneering Master’s program in Social Ecological Design: Regenerative Practices for Everyday Life. As coordinator of the program, Michael Kaethler — a sociologist of design with a background in social anthropology and human rights research — leverages his expertise to root the curriculum in a profound understanding of societal change and human agency. The course positions itself as a critical response to the complex challenges of our time, offering a deep dive into fostering connections between humans, communities, and ecosystems. It’s designed to equip a new generation of designers with the tools to actively engage in meaningful social and ecological transformation.

‘We study transitions and how design can provide important levers for change. We explore the importance of creativity in opening up new forms of relations, new forms of understanding and communicating and ultimately how it can offer generative action towards meaningful social ecological transformation. It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about recovering a sense of agency,’ explains the program’s coordinator.

CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DESIGNERS

The program’s core philosophy centers on a radical re-evaluation of design’s role, seeking to restore fundamental capabilities for ideological and societal engagement. This approach challenges the comfortable notion of design as purely aesthetic or commercially driven, repositioning it as a critical tool for societal survival. ‘It feels absurd to be designing new chairs or lamps when our house is on fire,’ he states, emphasizing that the overlapping social, ecological, and economic crises are ‘real design problems!’ This sentiment is rooted in a historical critique. Kaethler notes that after the Cold War, design largely ‘favoured irony over ideological engagement, swapping grand social visions for playful contradictions.’ This shift, he argues, turned design into a mere service provider for the highest bidders.

The IED program directly counters this by bringing back generative critique – a design practice that doesn’t just analyze problems from the sidelines, but actively makes, intervenes, and creates tangible alternatives. ‘It is not simply a question of adding “criticality” to design but rather building up a culture of design that is essentially reflective in its engagement with the world and these reflections include questioning fundamental tenets such as values and orientations.’

Final public event presenting the results of the Co-design Workshop at C.E.P. by Marginal Studio (Francesca Gattello, Zeno Franchini), part of the project “Riconnessioni: percorsi di riattivazione della memoria urbana per riportare la periferia al centro”, promoted by Sguardi Urbani, funded by Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea e Rigenerazione Urbana MIBACT, Palermo, 2020. Photo by Francesca Gattello

To achieve this, the curriculum employs its unique ‘OUT THERE’ methodology, pulling students out of traditional classrooms and into immersive fieldwork across diverse Italian regions, including the off-grid Alps, Tuscany, and Sicily. This direct engagement with communities and ecosystems fosters a versatile skill set, spanning crucial areas like biomimicry, multispecies thinking, cross-cultural communication, cultural ethnography, creative activism, systems analysis, and inclusive design. Students work closely with local stakeholders, craftspeople, experts, and peers, applying principles of social and ecological design through analysis, interpretation, and practical application. The program’s structure guides them through three distinct phases: exploring ‘OUT-of-the-box’ ideas in the first trimester, immersing themselves ‘OUT in the field’ and ‘OUT of their comfort zone’ in the second, and finally challenging them to be ‘OUT on their own’ in the third trimester.

‘A big part of our vision is that learning is driven and directed by the student’s own ambitions and interests, which we nourish through one-on-one mentoring as well as regular moments of co-reflection and dialogue. We pair this with an intensive program of lectures, workshops and immersive fieldwork that pushes students to tackle difficult subjects and contexts beyond superficiality. Nothing inspires one to learn quicker than working in real life contexts,’ Kaethler emphasizes. ‘When design education becomes rooted in the real world, design becomes a fundamental human act of shaping one’s world to express one’s needs—tangible or intangible. This is where design can have a positive impact.’

students engage directly with communities and ecosystems

Graduates are prepared for a professional landscape in constant flux, equipped with dynamism, transversal skills, and a confidence that matches competence. Beyond the intensive coursework, IED supports students with practical experiences like internships and leverages its extensive network of partnerships and alumni to ensure they are truly career-ready for diverse and impactful roles.

‘It sounds cliché but ambition and openness are more important than any specific experiences. Overall, we believe in balancing intellectual knowledge with practical knowledge and this means being willing to challenge oneself with theory in the morning and in the afternoon learning new maker-skills… and in the evening cooking dinner with members of the local community.’

collaborative workshops cultivate a versatile skill set

Looking ahead, Michael Kaethler envisions the program fostering a strong alumni community that continues to support collective engagement with critical social and ecological issues. His ambition extends beyond the IED, aiming to inspire a broader paradigm shift in design education globally.

‘More broadly, I hope we inspire other design institutions to embrace an emancipatory, embedded, and autonomous approach to design education,’ Michael Kaethler concludes. ‘The world needs it.’

project info:

course: Social Ecological Design

organization: Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) | @ied_offical

program coordinator: Michael Kaethler

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VCUarts qatar’s matter diplopia evolves memories at london design biennale 2025

eirini ilia I designboom — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:10:11 +0000

‘Matter Diplopia’ arrives in london design biennale 2025

Making its landmark debut at London Design Biennale 2025, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) presents Matter Diplopia. This research-led exhibition draws from collective memory, contemporary challenges, and cultural hybridity, and is set within Somerset House. Matter Diplopia is open to the public from June 5th to 29th with the pavilion showcasing nine immersive projects created by the school‘s faculty, students, and alumni. Each work prompts audiences to ‘look again’ at the material world, uncovering the deep connections between heritage, innovation, and environment. As part of the Biennale’s Surface Reflections theme, the exhibition invites reflection on how local traditions and global influences intersect to shape the landscapes, both natural and cultural, of a rapidly evolving Qatar.

‘We’re excited to present the work of our VCUarts Qatar creative research teams at the London Design Biennale. Through the efforts of nine research teams, we’ve investigated how materiality can express the complex, layered narratives that shape Qatar…a place where ancient culture and rapid modernization exist side by side,’ begins Amir Berbić, Dean, VCUarts Qatar, in an exclusive video interview with designboom.

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) presents Matter Diplopia exhibition at the 2025 London Design Biennale (El Zaffah) | all images courtesy of VCUarts Qatar

how VCUarts qatar shapes creative practice

VCUarts Qatar is the overseas campus of the prestigious Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia, established in 1998 through a pioneering partnership with Qatar Foundation. Situated in Doha’s Education City, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs across design, fine arts, and art history, and is home to the only academic Materials Library in the region. With state-of-the-art media and fabrication labs and a thriving culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration, the university supports globally oriented research through its Institute for Creative Research, launched in 2022 as a platform for innovative inquiry that now underpins the Matter Diplopia exhibition.

‘VCUarts Qatar is truly a gem within the Virginia Commonwealth University ecosystem. Through their bold creative approach and spirit of innovation, they’ve built an environment where art, design and creative research thrive,’ adds Dr. Rao, President, Virginia Commonwealth University.

El Zaffah offers an immersive audiovisual exploration of Arab wedding traditions, highlighting regional variations and shared cultural practices

exhibition’s interplay of sustainability and memory

At its core, Matter Diplopia positions design as a means of examining cultural identity through material form. The exhibition unfolds through three thematic pathways — Material Innovation, Cultural Narrative + Tech, and Observing Environments — each exploring how materials tell stories and adapt across time and context. From speculative environmental architecture to reinterpreted craft traditions, the projects consider how cultural narratives, sustainability, and technological engagement converge to shape our world. In line with the exhibition’s conceptual anchor—diplopia, or double vision—the works call on viewers to embrace multiple perspectives and deeper interpretations of place.

‘We’ve investigated how materiality can express the complex, layered narratives that shape Qatar… Matter Diplopia is about seeing from more than one perspective it’s an invitation to look again, to see differently and to discover how design can reveal connections we might otherwise miss. The exhibition powerfully reflects our vision, showing how art and design can break down barriers, spark new perspectives, and inspire meaningful global conversations,’ explains Amir Berbić.

Chrysalis is a kinetic air-cleaning sculpture that transforms fabric and structure into a dynamic, ‘breathing’ system

Each of the nine projects emerged through collaborative research by faculty, alumni, and students at VCUarts Qatar, reflecting the institution’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and cultural engagement. Chrysalis is a kinetic air-cleaning sculpture that transforms fabric and structure into a dynamic, ‘breathing’ system, drawing in and purifying air through its rhythmic movements. While Tatreez Unbroken employs immersive media to honor the embroidery traditions of displaced Palestinian women, preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage, DUBDOUBT stands as a multisensory, dub-inspired installation that interrogates cultural appropriation through sonic and tactile experiences.

Tatreez Unbroken employs immersive media to honor the embroidery traditions of displaced Palestinian women

Project Greener Greenhouse Goes GMT is a bamboo architectural installation inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, constructed in Kenya using locally sourced materials and sustainable joinery techniques. El Zaffah on the other hand offers an immersive audiovisual exploration of Arab wedding traditions, highlighting regional variations and shared cultural practices. Drawing inspiration from role-playing games, Dunes and Dugongs examines the impact of human choices on climate change, urging reflection on environmental responsibility.

Dunes and Dugongs examines the impact of human choices on climate change, urging reflection on environmental responsibility

Meanwhile, Discursive Instrumentation of Urban Rhythms captures Doha’s cultural and migratory landscape through interactive instruments that blend elements into a unique urban soundscape. Similarly, Nature’s Alchemy delves into the cyclical essence of nature by exploring the significance of the date palm in the region’s cultural and religious contexts. Last but not least, Stone Plus is presented as a distinctive furniture collection that reimagines fragile Qatari stone through adaptive design, merging traditional materials with contemporary aesthetics

‘Research is a big part of who we are. Since 2022, our Institute for Creative Research has been our way of bringing that to life— it’s how we come together to explore ideas across disciplines. The works in Matter Diplopia explore a wide range of themes, from sustainable materials to digitally reimagined traditions. Some respond directly to the challenges of climate change and the resilience of nature,’ continues Berbić.

Discursive Instrumentation of Urban Rhythms captures Doha’s cultural and migratory landscape through interactive instruments that blend elements into a unique urban soundscape

For VCUarts Qatar, international platforms like the London Design Biennale represent both a showcase and a conversation—an opportunity to engage diverse audiences in dialogue with design voices from the Global South. Previous appearances at events such as Ars Electronica and the Venice Biennale have laid the groundwork for this growing global presence.

‘VCUarts Qatar’s presence in London marks another meaningful step in our ongoing international engagement’ highlights Berbić. ‘Having participated in renowned platforms like Ars Electronica in Linz, for example, and the Venice Biennale, we’re proud to continue contributing to global creative conversations.’

Nature’s Alchemy delves into the cyclical essence of nature by exploring the significance of the date palm in the region’s cultural and religious contexts

The university’s impact is reflected in its alumni network, many of whom lead cultural institutions, creative startups, and design firms across Qatar and the Gulf. More than 90 percent are currently working in creative fields or pursuing advanced studies, helping to shape the region’s design economy.

‘VCUarts Qatar is a leading voice in the country’s vibrant art and design scene. Its alumni are making their mark across fields from new media arts to fine arts, interior design, graphic design, and art history. More than 90 percent are working in the field, pursuing advanced studies, or running their own businesses. You’ll find them leading museums, launching startups, and driving the creative economy across Qatar and the Gulf,’ concludes Dr. Higginbotham, Dean, VCUarts and Special Assistant to the Provost for the School of the Arts in Qatar, to designboom.

DUBDOUBT stands as a multisensory, dub-inspired installation that interrogates cultural appropriation through sonic and tactile experiences

Greener Greenhouse Goes GMT is a bamboo architectural installation inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, constructed in Kenya using locally sourced materials and sustainable joinery techniques

Stone Plus is a distinctive furniture collection that reimagines fragile Qatari stone through adaptive design

project info:

institute: VCUarts Qatar | @vcuqatar

exhibition title: Matter Diplopia

theme: Surface Reflections

location: Somerset House, London

dates: June 5 – 29, 2025

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looking back at highlights from SVA product design master’s program in new york

lisa kostyra I designboom — Fri, 30 May 2025 08:30:31 +0000

SVA CELEBRATES 12 YEARS OF ITS MFA PRODUCTs OF DESIGN PROGRAM

Marking twelve years since the launch of the MFA in Products of Design, the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City continues to offer one of the most comprehensive master’s programs in design education. Rooted in a philosophy that design not only shapes objects but also consequences, the program spans five key domains: physical products, digital platforms, social innovation, service & experience design, and commercial ventures.

Graduates have launched impactful careers, with their projects winning international awards and and, in some cases, being produced and sold through esteemed institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Looking back at a range of standout projects and initiatives that have emerged throughout the years, together they exemplify the departments’ creative reach and social ambition.

celebrating twelve years of MFA in Products of Design at SVA: Lipi Devanagari Keyboard by Charvi Shrimali | all images courtesy of SVA

NEW YORK’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PROGRAM IN DESIGN

The MFA in Products of Design curriculum at SVA combines hands-on prototyping with critical studies in leadership, public policy, business, climate change, and behavioral psychology, encouraging students to design with purpose and long-term impact. This broad framework is taught by faculty members who are actively practicing designers, bringing current insights and professional expertise directly into the classroom.

The design school’s program fosters deep creative inquiry through a no-grade policy that prioritizes experimentation over evaluation. Among its distinctive features is DESIGN:MATCH, a reverse job fair where students choose the companies they want to meet — past participants include Apple, Google, IDEO, and Spotify. Additionally, an annual collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art offers students the rare opportunity to propose original product ideas for potential manufacture and retail through MoMA’s Design Store.

every year, MFA students in Products of Design pitch products for possible manufacture by MoMA

LOOKING BACK AT THE MASTER’S STANDOUT PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

Over the years, graduate projects from SVA’s master program have tackled a wide range of critical issues, including technology, health, justice, and cultural preservation. Examples of recent innovation include Natya.AI by Yukti Arora (Class of 2024), a dance training tool powered by computer vision and natural language processing designed to support Bharatanatyam practitioners. This platform offers real-time feedback and performance analysis, using emerging technology to preserve and evolve a classical art form.

bridging tradition and technology: Natya.AI by Yukti Arora for Bharatanatyam dancers

Another notable project is ‘When No One Believes You’ by Antya Waegemann (Class of 2018), which reimagines how rape kits and sexual assault response materials are designed and deployed. Her thesis proposed six interventions, including two redesigns of the standard rape kit, an emergency resource app, a DNA detection tool for medical exams, and a tracking system for kit processing. Aimed at improving reporting rates, reducing stigma, and increasing accountability, her work addresses the systemic challenges faced by survivors, medical professionals, and law enforcement alike.

Waegemann, the founder of Margo Health and part of the Trust and Safety team at Tinder, previously worked with InVision, Johnson & Johnson, and frog Design. She has received numerous accolades, including Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award (2020), the ICFF x Interior Design Magazine Award (2019), and was a speaker at the 2020 Design Indaba Conference. She also teaches design research and integration in the MFA Products of Design program.

When No One Believes You by Antya Waegemann: Redesigning the Rape Kit and Responses to Sexual Assault

The master program’s impact extends beyond individual projects through public exhibitions like ‘The Datalogue,’ ‘Engender,’ and ‘Re:Actors.’ These shows explore pressing themes such as digital ethics, gender identity, and post-pandemic social behavior. Presented at major international design fairs, they have earned recognition with the ‘Best of Schools’ award from ICFF + WantedDesign.

Re:Actors exhibition at NYCxDESIGN Festival 2022

Students at SVA’s Products of Design master program often describe their experience as transformative, highlighting how it challenges and expands their creative perspectives. Gustav Ole Dyrhauge, interactive designer at Apple and proud graduate, shares how the program reshaped his confidence and approach: ‘I did not feel like a designer before joining PoD (despite having an undergraduate degree in design). The program gave me the confidence and experience to take on big challenges, clients, and projects as a designer. Imagine the most talented makers, experts, and designers in the world teaching you about their favorite topic every day for two years. If that does not promote credibility, confidence, and motivation, then I don’t know what does.’

With rolling admissions open year-round, there’s still time to join this dynamic community shaping the future of design. Learn more about the MFA in Products of Design at SVA NYC and when you’re ready, submit your application through their apply page.

Engender exhibition from MFA Products of Design at NYCxDesign

The Datalogue at Wanted Design NYCxDESIGN 2018

MoMA De Stijl Tumbling Tower by Monica Albernoz

MoMA Perpetual Sliding Calendar by Giancarlo Cipri

Mousk App by Cathy Tung

project info:

course: MFA in Products of Design | @svapod

school: School of Visual Arts (SVA | NYC)

location: New York, NY, United States

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IAAC master programmes take part in barcelona’s role as world capital of architecture 2026

lisa kostyra I designboom — Mon, 26 May 2025 09:30:38 +0000

BARCELONA BECOMES WORLD CAPITAL OF ARCHITECTURE 2026

With Barcelona named World Capital of Architecture for 2026, the city soon transforms into a living laboratory of design, hosting a ten-month programme of public installations, exhibitions, debates, and collaborative projects that explores how architecture shapes and responds to contemporary urban life. Anchored within this dynamic is the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), whose academic programmes have long prepared students to operate precisely in these experimental, city-scale contexts.

For over two decades, the school has been embedded in the city’s fabric as a site for testing architecture’s future, intersecting with technology, ecology, and culture. Its campus extends beyond the classroom, into urban spaces, fabrication labs, and forest sites, offering students a chance to explore design as something both applied and speculative, built and debated.

IAAC invites future architects to join its master’s programmes in Barcelona | all images courtesy of IAAC

IAAC BRIDGES EDUCATION & RESEARCH THROUGH REAL-WORLD Projects

IAAC is structured into five key research labs that operate at the edge of architecture and allied disciplines. These labs bring together designers, engineers, scientists, technologists, and makers in collaborative projects that respond to today’s most urgent challenges, ranging from climate adaptation to advanced construction. In partnership with institutions like MIT, CITA, Sci-Arc, and the Barcelona City Council, the institute explores how architecture can evolve through shared knowledge and cross-sector innovation. Learning happens by doing — students engage with real-world conditions and hands-on experimentation, from dense urban sites to remote forest environments.

master students work across disciplines to rethink the future of the built environment

MASTER PROGRAMMES OPEN PATHWAYS TO BARCELONA’S DESIGN FUTURE

As Barcelona prepares to host a city-wide conversation around the future of architecture, IAAC students will be working from within that dialogue, contributing to civic collaborations, independent experiments, and site-specific prototypes. The school’s master programmes span a wide range of disciplines, from advanced urbanism, ecological construction, and computational design, to emergent futures, robotics, and artificial intelligence. These diverse pathways share a commitment to reshaping the built environment through technological literacy and hands-on research that address the challenges of our time and the complexity of real environments.

design education unfolds through a long process of making and testing

To support access to these programmes, IAAC offers a limited number of competitive scholarships in the form of partial tuition waivers. Awarded based on merit and financial need, these range from 30–50% and are available to applicants who apply within the admissions deadlines. The next intake begins in October 2025. Final applications, including scholarship requests, are due by August 9th.

Become part of IAAC’s master programmes and engage directly with Barcelona’s World Capital of Architecture 2026 initiatives.

as World Capital of Architecture, Barcelona becomes a dynamic backdrop for architectural research and prototyping

the city’s public spaces become active learning sites

students prototype speculative futures within Barcelona’s evolving urban fabric

IAAC’s labs foster cross-sector innovation at the intersection of design and technology

proposals developed at IAAC contribute to Barcelona’s 2026 architecture agenda

project info:

institution: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) | @iaacbcn
master programmes: Master in Advanced Architecture, Master in Design for Emergent Futures, Master in Advanced Urban Planning & Data Analytics, Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities, Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction, Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment, Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design

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entries open for norman foster institute’s 2026 master’s programme on sustainable cities

eirini ilia I designboom — Tue, 06 May 2025 08:00:06 +0000

the Norman Foster Institute Master’s Programme returns

Open to graduate students and professionals from fields as varied as Anthropology, Architecture, Data Analytics, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Sociology, and beyond, the Norman Foster Institute (NFI) 2026 Master’s Programme on Sustainable Cities returns from January to December 2026, in Madrid. The initiative encompasses a holistic, multidisciplinary education, offering scholarships for applicants demonstrating exceptional talent, academic excellence, and financial need. With a focus on shaping resilient, inclusive cities, Norman Foster Foundation‘s Master’s Programme promises a transformative educational experience led by global experts, inviting future civic leaders, architects, and multidisciplinary creatives to participate in a year-long journey that fuses fieldwork with academic excellence.

Applications are now open at www.normanfosterinstitute.org/apply, with the final deadline set for 1 July 2025 at 23:59 CEST.

the Norman Foster Institute (NFI) is accepting applications for its Master’s Programme on Sustainable Cities from January to December 2026 | all images © Pablo Gómez-Ogando, courtesy of the Norman Foster Institute

The Norman Foster Foundation shapes future urbanism

Founded in London in 1999, and headquartered in Madrid since 2017, the Norman Foster Foundation promotes interdisciplinary thinking and research to help new generations anticipate the future. Central to its work is Norman Foster’s enduring philosophy that architecture, infrastructure and urbanism directly impact the quality of everyday life as new cities are created and existing ones evolve. Since its launch, the Foundation’s educational programmes—comprising workshops, forums and fellowships—have encouraged new thinking and research to help future civic leaders prepare for the challenges they will face, based on data rather than fashion. Those programmes and principles led to the creation of the Norman Foster Institute which launched its first Master’s Programme on Sustainable Cities in January 2024.

The Foundation is also home to the Norman Foster Archive and part of his Library, which provide a window into the larger narrative and history of our built environment through the work of Norman Foster and other prominent architects. The Archive is an open online resource and contributes to exhibitions worldwide. The education programmes and research teams are supported by the Foundation’s in-house architectural team.

the Master’s Programme on Sustainable Cities blends hands-on experience with academic insights from the Norman Foster Foundation’s global network of experts

the master’s programme expands across three continents

Following a successful inaugural year, the 2026 edition of the Master’s Programme on Sustainable Cities extends its geographical reach to pilot cities across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Participants will collaborate closely with city planners, engaging in real-world urban challenges across diverse contexts. Divided into three core stages—Foundations, Diagnosis, and Interventions—the programme offers a rigorous academic structure blending studio-based and field research activities.

At the heart of the Master’s Programme is the ambition to train a new generation of urban leaders equipped with cutting-edge skills. The thirty-six-week course starts by equipping students with essential tools, ranging from leadership and advocacy to data analysis and mapping, ensuring they are prepared to tackle a wide range of urban issues. Throughout the year, participants develop interventions tailored to the needs of three distinct pilot cities, culminating in direct presentations to each city’s administration.

the 2026 edition of the programme expands its geographical horizons to span three continents: Asia, Europe and Latin America

New for 2026, the programme introduces three specializations: City Science, Urban Design, and Architecture. In City Science, students work alongside Dr. Gareth Simons to harness data-driven methods such as GIS, Python programming, and urban modelling to foster walkable, inclusive cities. Urban Design, under the guidance of Prof. Vishaan Chakrabarti, focuses on public spaces and urban forms that strengthen community identity and resilience. Meanwhile, the Architecture track led by Prof. Frédéric Migayrou encourages the creation of future-oriented, sustainable designs rooted in innovative typologies.

The Norman Foster Institute’s Centre for City Science further enhances the programme by integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive interfaces into student projects. This forward-thinking approach empowers participants to base their urban strategies on hard evidence and rigorous testing, pushing the boundaries of traditional urban planning and design. Successful graduates will receive a Master’s Degree Diploma from the Norman Foster Institute, certified by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and signed by leaders such as Norman Foster, Kent Larson, Edgar Pieterse, and the university’s Provost.

the programme welcomes graduate and postgraduate students along with professionals in various fields such as Anthropology, Architecture, Arts, Computer Science, Construction, Data Analytics, Design, Economics, Engineering, Environment, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Public Policy, Sociology, Transportation, Urbanism and other related disciplines

the thirty-six-week academic year is structured across three stages—Foundations, Diagnosis, and Interventions— with time divided between studio and field work

the course starts with tools and skills that can be used to address wide-ranging issues in cities

the NFI Centre for City Science supports students as they work on developing sustainability strategies for pilot cities using artificial intelligence, augmented reality and interactive interface

towards the end of the year, the students will present their findings to each city’s administration

this Master’s Programme is intended for those who seek a holistic approach to the design and management of cities

project info:

name: Norman Foster Institute | @normanfosterinstitute

organization: Norman Foster Foundation

duration: January – December, 2026

location: Madrid, Spain

application: www.normanfosterinstitute.org/apply

deadline: 1 July 2025, 23:59 CEST.

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istituto marangoni milano design school trains students for an era shaped by technology

lisa kostyra I designboom — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:30:19 +0000

DESIGN SHAPED BY TECHNOLOGY: THREE PROGRAMS FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

The professional field of design is rapidly evolving as ChatGPT, Midjourney and other emerging technologies have entered creative workflows. Crossing boundaries between disciplines, platforms, and industries, designers are increasingly required to work across hybrid environments – from physical products to immersive virtual experiences. In response, Istituto Marangoni Milano Design School introduces a trio of academic programs that embrace this shift, exploring the creative potential of artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual environments.

‘Design disciplines are undergoing a profound transformation, where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds are increasingly blurred,’ tells Sergio Nava, Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design School, to designboom. ‘Companies are seeking professionals who can design experiences and products while navigating these two worlds with ease.’ With a future-focused approach, the school launches a new three-year bachelor’s course and two master’s programs that prepare students for the changing demands of the creative industries – fostering versatility, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Istituto Marangoni Milano Design School introduces a trio of academic programs | all images courtesy of Istituto Marangoni

FUTURE-FOCUSED LEARNING AT ISTITUTO MARANGONI MILANO

Situated in the heart of one of the world’s leading design capitals, Istituto Marangoni’s Milano Design School embraces the city’s unique identity – rooted in tradition yet oriented toward experimentation. The school cultivates an environment where emerging technologies, digital tools, and cross-sector dialogue are essential parts of the curriculum. Tightly connected to Milan’s design districts and creative networks, the academic programs blend theory with hands-on practice, encouraging students to engage in real-world projects across a spectrum of disciplines.

‘At Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, we believe that the true essence of education lies in what comes after,‘ explains Barbara Toscano, School Director, Istituto Marangoni Milano Design. ‘Our main goal is to shape the professionals of tomorrow, supporting them in building a solid, creative, and successful career path. This transition is not left to chance – it is an integral part of our daily teaching approach.’

the Milano Design School’s educational offerings include a three-year Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s programs

INTRODUCING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ON AI, ROBOTICS & VIRTUAL REALITY

‘Through a dynamic academic offering, constantly updated and developed in collaboration with the most prestigious brands in the global design system, our students engage with the professional world from the very beginning of their journey. Our approach is proactive: we anticipate trends, study them in depth, and integrate them into our academic programs so that every talent can develop relevant and up-to-date skills,’ continues Toscano.

The proactiveness of the Milano Design School has meant for 2025, educational offerings include a three-year Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s programs. Each course is tailored to the shifting needs of the design industry and the expanding role of technology in creative practice. See the school’s new programs below:

The Bachelor in Design Innovation for Emerging Technologies is a three-year course that merges interior, product, and communication design with artificial intelligence, VR/AR, generative tools, robotics, and 3D printing. Students cultivate a strategic mindset through research, data analysis, and interdisciplinary projects. From foundational design principles in the first year to advanced AI and neuroscience applications in the final term, the course equips students to lead future design transformations.

the bachelor’s and two master’s courses explore the evolving role of design in a tech-driven world

The Product Design for Human-Robot Interaction Master’s course responds to the growing presence of intelligent machines in daily life and the design challenges they pose. Participants work on real-world projects with robotics companies, developing concepts that meet both functional requirements and emotional connection. They explore the principles of robotics and human-machine interaction, focusing on how design can build trust, enhance usability, and define the aesthetics of future robotic companions – from autonomous devices to AI-powered furnishings.

Finally, the Master in Design for Gaming & Virtual Reality invites participants to create immersive brand experiences within the metaverse. From storytelling and avatar design to soundscapes and 3D environments, the course covers the full arc of virtual content development using the latest AR, MR, VR, and blockchain-based technologies. Students learn to gamify communication strategies, crafting digital narratives aligned with brand identity and user behavior, preparing them for careers at the intersection of gaming, design, and digital culture.

‘The effectiveness of our vision is confirmed by the recent survey conducted by Doxa for the GGE Group, to which Istituto Marangoni belongs: 91% of our graduates find employment within one year of completing their studies. This result makes us proud and proves that with the right support, turning passion into a real career is not only possible – it’s reality.‘ concludes Barbara Toscano, School Director, Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, to designboom.

students at Istituto Marangoni engage with the professional world from the very beginning of their journey

the school’s main goal is support their students in building a successful career path

program info:

institute: Istituto Marangoni | @istitutomarangoni_milanodesign

school: Milan Design School

location: Via Cerva, 24, 20122 Milan, Italy

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the norman foster institute opens applications for 2025 sustainable cities program

eirini ilia I designboom — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:30:20 +0000

norman foster institute: the program on sustainable cities

The Norman Foster Institute (NFI), an initiative of the Norman Foster Foundation (NFF), has officially launched the application process for its highly anticipated 2025 Program on Sustainable Cities. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Madrid, this immersive 36-week initiative is designed to foster interdisciplinary thinking and research for scholars around the world, under the visionary leadership of Co-Directors Norman Foster and Kent Larson.

The application deadline is 15 June, 2024 at 24h00 CEST – apply here!

the Norman Foster Institute is now accepting applications for its Programme on Sustainable Cities, taking place in Madrid from January to December 2025.

all images courtesy of the Norman Foster Foundation

Scheduled to run from January to December 2025, the Program on Sustainable Cities promises a unique blend of hands-on experience and academic insights. This opportunity will see participants diving into the heart of three pilot African cities, engaging directly with local planners and managers. Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities this diverse terrain presents, and run by the Norman Foster Foundation (NFF), the Norman Foster Institute (read here) aims to address the complexities of urban development in a continent on the brink of transformative change.

the Programme is led by Co-Directors Norman Foster and Kent Larson

Sustainable Cities is structured across three stages— Foundations, Transformations, and Interventions— allocating time between studio and fieldwork. Furthermore, the NFI City Lab will serve as a crucible for scholars, empowering them to develop sustainability strategies for pilot cities using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive interfaces. From leadership and advocacy to communication and data analytics, participants will also acquire a comprehensive toolkit to tackle urban issues worldwide, ranging from bustling metropolises to informal settlements. The culmination of the program will witness scholars presenting their findings to each city’s administration, ensuring a tangible impact on real-world urban scenarios.

each year, participants immerse themselves in three pilot cities, engaging directly with local planners and managers

the program welcomes scholars and professionals

The program is intended for those who seek a holistic approach to the design and management of cities. It welcomes graduate and postgraduate scholars, along with professionals in various fields such as Anthropology, Architecture, Arts, Computer Science, Construction, Data Analytics, Design, Economics, Engineering, Environment, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Public Policy, Sociology, Transportation, Urbanism and other related disciplines.

the 2025 academic year will focus on African cities

The Norman Foster Institute provides a Master’s Degree Diploma

Additionally, The Norman Foster Institute provides a Master’s Degree Diploma, for the Program on Sustainable Cities, in partnership with the NFI’s Academic Partner, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. The program is signed by Co-Directors Norman Foster, President of the Norman Foster Foundation and Advocate of the United Nations Forum of Mayors and Kent Larson, Director of the City Science Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. The diploma is signed by the NFI Provost, Prof. Edgar Pieterse, Founding Director of the African Centre for Cities (ACC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, and the Rector of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Prof. Amaya Mendikoetxea.

the 36-week programme is structured across three stages: Foundations, Transformations and Interventions

the Program welcomes graduate and postgraduate scholars, along with professionals in various fields

the course starts with tools and skills that can be used to address wide-ranging issues in cities

towards the end of the year, the scholars will present their findings to each city’s administration

scholarships are awarded to talented applicants in need of financial support, based on merit, distinctive competencies, background and/or academic excellence

the NFI City Lab supports scholars as they work on developing sustainability strategies using artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive interfaces

project info:

names: Norman Foster Institute | @normanfosterfdn

organization: Norman Foster Foundation

duration: January – December, 2025

location: Madrid, Spain

application: www.normanfosterinstitute.org/apply

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norman foster institute addresses urbanization with experience-based research

stephen landy I designboom — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:30:59 +0000

NFF launches the Norman Foster Institute

The Norman Foster Foundation (NFF) embarks upon an initiative in response to the growing importance and challenges presented by urbanization. Named the Norman Foster Institute (NFI), the educational establishment combines practical on-site experience with academic input from international experts. The NFI’s first program is On Sustainable Cities, adopting the objective to improve the living quality in cities around the globe. Scholars visit three pilot cities and engage directly with their planners, conducting urban analyses in search of enhancing how areas function. On top of that, the Norman Foster Institute Labs give access to state-of-the-art digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive interfaces.

The Norman Foster Institute is accepting applications for its first academic program On Sustainable Cities, starting in Madrid in January 2024, register here!

NFF embarks upon an initiative to respond to the growing importance and challenges of urbanization

helping new generations anticipate the future

Since its inception in 2017, the NFF’s mission has been to promote interdisciplinary thinking and research to help new generations anticipate the future. The Norman Foster Institute steps in line with these core values, putting young innovative designers and thinkers working alongside recognized urban planners. Lord Norman Foster and co-director Kent Larson, Head of the City Science group at MIT’s Media Lab, lead a body of distinguished global experts. Among the team overseeing the course is Professor Edgar Pieterse, Alejandro Aravena, Francis Kéré, and Deborah Berke.

the Norman Foster Institute combines practical on-site experience with academic input from international experts

on sustainable cities, a three-stage program

The first program On Sustainable Cities is a 36-week long and consists of three stages; Foundations, Transformations and Interventions. Foundations composes an in-depth study of the concepts and processes based in history, governance, ethics and metrics, necessary to define a sustainable city. Special emphasis is put on the ‘importance of a place’, building upon ideas of the ‘townscape/cityscape’, as well as different strategies of urban-space making.

Transformations provides an examination of challenges and opportunities for changes in each city. This aspect studies six of the fields in which a city could be defined; climate & natural environments, networks & mobility, planning & building, resources & energy, economy & social activity, and culture & the arts.

Interventions enable ideas to reduce embodied and operational emissions while improving public health, creating a new vision for the community. This stage tests a myriad of strategies for sustainable improvement in each field for the various pilot neighborhoods.

overseeing the course is Professor Edgar Pieterse, Alejandro Aravena, Francis Kéré, and Deborah Berke

The Norman Foster Institute is ‘like an hourglass’

‘The course is like an hourglass; starting wide in its scope, then narrowing down to focus on tangible issues that can be quantified and addressed, and finally, opening up to a wider debate,’ describes Lord Norman Foster, president of the Norman Foster Foundation.

The course addresses the constructs which shape our cities, such as; leadership, advocacy, communication, presentation, diagramming, mapping, and interpreting data. The scholars present their findings to the city administration and the lessons from real-life experiences presented in a public event.

the first program is 36-weeks long and consists of three stages; Foundations, Transformations and Interventions

NFI Labs give access to technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and interactive interfaces

special emphasis is put on the ‘importance of a place’

NFF’s mission promotes interdisciplinary thinking and research to help new generations to anticipate the future

scholars present their findings to the city administration with lessons from real-life experiences in a public event

NFI addresses leadership, advocacy, communication, presentation, diagramming, mapping, and interpreting data

Applications are open to the first program in the Norman Foster Institute, starting in Madrid in January 2024. Send in your application; here!

project info:

name: Norman Foster Institute

organizer: Norman Foster Foundation

start date: January 2024

location: Madrid, Spain

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naoto fukasawa brings integrated design program to tama art university

andrea chin I designboom — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 22:05:58 +0000

naoto fukasawa brings integrated design program to tama art university
(above) ‘hanger’ by naoto fukasawa for galerie kreo
image courtesy of galerie kreo

naoto fukasawa‘s approach to design considers our common behaviors and integrates these familiar actions into the way we use the things around us, such that our interactions with them become second nature. in a world where objects are more often than not conceived to fill a particular hole or niche — ending up never really fully fitting into the missing puzzle piece they are supposed to occupy and serve — the japanese creative instead delivers products that harmonize the relationship between humans and their environment; re-establishing affordances that are not contrived, and which see us using our intuition to carry out design functions.

packaging that looks like the fruit of the juice which it contains by naoto fukasawa

‘our bodies are more honest than our minds,’ says fukasawa, and subconsciously when we see particular mechanisms and elements, we know how to use and interact with them. this is derived from our active memory whereby we remember things without thinking and needing to make an effort to record them in our minds. fukasawa employs this psychology in order to create schemes that are sympathetic and seamless, where ‘design is dissolved from behavior‘. it is with this mentality that he is able to bring forth devices and products that while being ‘new’ to the market, feel as though you have already been acquainted with them before.

wall-mounted CD player by naoto fukasawa for MUJI which works just like turning a fan on-and-off

having taught at the tama art university in japan since 1997, naoto fukasawa introduced his ‘integrated design’ approach in spring of 2014 at the institution, heading the newly established department. the program seeks to deliver a curriculum that teaches designers to hone their abilities to generate systems that act as an extension of the body, without interrupting space; and where aesthetics are not only applicable to configuration or shape, but also to the physical connection between the user and the object — creating a beautiful composition where form is not existing in itself, but in our reactions and conduct as well.

naoto fukasawa on design as second nature
video courtesy of design indaba

fukasawa seeks to conceive designs in which the body communicates with the environment without thinking, whereby your being is coordinated and in balance with its surroundings, understanding what is good or bad for you. he has a particular sensibility and awareness for homogenizing his work into our material world on a physical and psychological level.

‘my products are already in your mind, you just have not seen them yet.’ – naoto fukasawa

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