About this Travel Course
Course Description
This course was a three-week immersion in the world of Scandinavian design with a focus on Denmark. The course examined historical and social changes in Denmark and the effects these changes produced on Danish Modern as well as contemporary Danish design. Conversely, we looked at how the rise of design affected and continues to affect modern Danish society. The course discussed the influence of traditional craftsmanship and its impact on contemporary Danish design. Though the focus was on furniture, there were seminars, lectures and field trips that explored the relationship to architecture, graphic arts, lighting, and textiles.
Multiple field trips were planned to manufacturers such as PP Mobler, Fritz Hansen, Muuto, Cane-Line, as well as a day trip to IKEA’s headquarters in Sweden.
Additional cultural visits were included such as the Danish Design Museum and the Danish Design School.
Course Objectives
The primary objectives of this course were:
- to demonstrate the strong relationship between culture and design as clearly illustrated in Danish society
- to review the historical and cultural influences of design within Danish society and internationally
Learning Outcomes
By experiencing the role of design in Danish society, each student developed a better understanding of the potential of their own design practice. Through field trips to manufacturing companies specializing in world-renowned design products, each student gained an understanding of how products were produced.
Assignments included:
- 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 Studies, all students were required to stay in RISD- provided housing for the duration of the course. Students were hosted in the DIS facilities in Copenhagen. Dorms were double occupancy with shared bathrooms, kitchens and laundry. Copenhagen is bicycle-friendly and each student was provided with one for the entire duration of the course.