About this Travel Course
Course Description
The course will examine the influence of traditional craftsmanship and its impact on contemporary Danish design, which is known for being at the forefront of design and sustainability. We will review historical and social changes in Denmark and how these changes influenced an emerging design culture. Though the focus will be on furniture design, there will be seminars, lectures and field trips that explore the relationship to architecture, graphic arts, lighting, and textiles.
Multiple field trips are planned to manufacturers such as PP Mobler, Fritz Hansen, Muuto and Louis Poulsen, as well as a day trip to IKEA’s headquarters in Sweden. There will be visits by Danish designers as well as visits to local design studios.
Additional cultural visits are included such as the Danish Design Museum, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and the Danish Design School.
Course Objectives
The primary objectives of this course are:
- to explore Danish design and to demonstrate the role of design in modern Danish society
- to introduce the historical and cultural influences of Scandinavian design within the Danish society and the international community
Learning Outcomes
By experiencing the role of design in Danish society, you will develop a better understanding of the potential of your own design practice. Through field trips to manufacturing companies specializing in the world renowned design products, with visits with Scandinavian designers and craft people you will gain an understanding of how products are realized and produced.
Assignments include:
- a written travel log and sketch book clearly illustrating examples of design in Scandinavia
- written responses to experiences
- a small portfolio of design projects expressing your understanding and interpretation of Scandinavian design.
Housing
To participate in RISD Global Summer Studios, all students are required to stay in RISD- provided housing for the duration of the course. Students will be hosted in the DIS facilities in Copenhagen. Dorms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms, kitchens and laundry. Copenhagen is bicycle-friendly and each student is provided with one for the entire duration of the course.