Fundamentals

The Fundamentals programme starts with an extensive introduction in the first year and continues into the second year and first semester of the third year. After this semester students enter the final phase of the BA programme. The Fundamentals programme takes place next to the Studios and consists of three areas:

Design studies is about developing your creativity through exploring the formal aspects of design and gaining insight into the design process.

Design Studies introduces you to different methods and tools that help you with finding the appropriate form, colour, texture, scale and narrative to let your work speak. This consist of (architectural) form and colour research, drawing and painting, moving image, sound and performance, working with design research, building concepts, project management and communication skills. 

Production Studies is about understanding materials, their associated properties and tools, and learning how to translate your intentions into tangible outcomes. Within this study you gain insight into a diverse range of materials, (digital) production processes, mechanics, cost calculation and digital, emerging and innovative technologies.

Production Studies helps you to develop your intuition for material semantics, material expression and material experience. In addition to your present knowledge and skills, you will be challenged and inspired to explore new ones and add them to your personal skill set. 

Contextual Studies is about feeding your work with insights from the world you live in and translating your research into concepts or narrative outcomes. This includes different research methodologies, writing, design history and theory and positioning yourself as a designer in the design world.

Contextual Studies examines the theoretical, social, and historical contexts from which projects derive meaning. It introduces new ideas from various disciplines and contextualizes and questions the roles, responsibilities and methodologies of design in a changing society. This Studies also contribute to the development of visions and strategies for a more sustainable future.