Course General Description

Essentially, designers use a few key elements that appear differently depending on the nature of things. Key concepts such as materials, tools and transformation appear again and again in the work of product designers. The complete life cycle of materials is researched in order to engage the consciousness of the product designer with the transformations taking place, from the origin of material to its final stages. In this context the concept of the lifecycle of materials is researched as it is manifested in nature but also how human intervention effects natural circulation. The dynamic interplay of materials and tools is researched to enable the product designers of the future to create products, based on an analysis and understanding of this interplay. The difference between industry and craft is addressed, as well as the conversation between the two, according to the changing criteria of today. A deeper understanding of the effects and meaning of a product being made is cultivated, rather than singling out pragmatic value alone. Today’s criteria question production processes, redefining and reinventing them.

School General Description

The Iceland Academy of the Arts is a self-governing institution providing higher education in fine arts, theatre, dance , music, design, architecture and art education. The role of the Iceland Academy of the Arts is to encourage progressive thinking in the arts and to stimulate innovation and development in different fields. The Academy offers education in the arts at the university level and conveys both knowledge and professionalism in the arts to Icelandic society. It operates in a global environment and measures itself against academies that excel in arts education in neighbouring countries.