Past Program

Denmark | Design Seminar and Workshop

This course, was based in the heart of Copenhagen, a three-week immersion into the world of Scandinavian design, with a focus on Denmark.

 

This course has reached capacity. Please indicate in the application if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

At-A-Glance

What
Programs
Where
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
When
Summer 2024

Course Dates: Jun 15, 2024 — Jul 5, 2024

Who
Open to RISD students, Brown University students, non-RISD students

2.5 GPA required. Non-RISD participants see eligibility requirements below.

Program Partners

DIS

Faculty
Academic Credits
3
Department
  • Furniture Design
Course Numbers
  • FD-2455-01
Cost
$5400

Included tuition, accommodation, studio space, bicycle rental, in-country transportation, field trips, entrance fees, some group meals and international travel health insurance.

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Denmark: Design Workshop and Seminar
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark: Danish Design Workshop
Copenhagen, Denmark 2018
Denmark: Design Seminar and Workshop
Copenhagen, Denmark 2019

About this Travel Course

Course Description

This course is a three-week immersion in the world of Scandinavian design with a focus on Denmark. The course examines historical and social changes in Denmark and the effects these changes produce on Danish Modern as well as contemporary Danish design. Conversely, we look at how the rise of design affected and continues to affect modern Danish society. The course discusses the influence of traditional craftsmanship and its impact on contemporary Danish design. Though the focus was on furniture, 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, Cane-Line, as well as a day trip to IKEA’s headquarters in Sweden.

Additional cultural visits will be included, such as the Danish Design Museum and the Danish Design School.

Course Objectives

The primary objectives of this course are:

  • 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 will develop 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 will gain an understanding of how products were 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 Studies, 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.

Local Partner

DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia

All RISD Global Summer Studies Denmark students will be accommodated for the duration of the travel course in DIS dorms in Copenhagen. DIS is a non-profit study abroad foundation established in Denmark in 1959, with locations in Copenhagen and Stockholm. Learn more about DIS on disabroad.org

Eligibility

RISD Students

If your current cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above, you are eligible for registration. If your current cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, you must first contact the Registrar at registrar@risd.edu to seek exception to this academic policy.

Non-RISD Participants

If you are a college student currently enrolled in another art/design college or institution around the world, or a professional practicing in the field, you are eligible for registration. We will collect a recommendation/support form from your institution/workplace.

In order to register for RISD Global summer studies, you are expected to have a high level of English (speech, writing, and comprehension) as all coursework and critique is delivered in English.

Attendance Policy

Global Summer Studies are three weeks long and take place in June/July, and you are required to attend all program activities scheduled during the travel course. RISD Global Summer Studies comply with RISD class attendance policy. In case of unexcused or multiple absences, you may be removed from the course, given a grade of “W" (withdrawal) or a grade of “F” (fail).

Withdrawal Policy

Requesting to withdraw from a RISD off-campus global learning program, including RISD Global Summer Studies, prior to the start of the course is highly discouraged and requires a formal process outlined in the RISD course withdrawal policy. It is not possible for a student to drop a RISD Global Summer Studies travel course via the standard Add/Drop process after it has commenced. In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances (and only after students have spoken with the faculty lead and RISD Global for approval to withdraw from the program), students should be aware that no refund will be issued.

More Info

In order to reserve a seat, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of application submittal. Students who apply between February 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024, will have until March 1, 2024, to submit full payment. Student who apply between March 2, 2024, and the application deadline, March 15, 2024, will make full payment within 24 hours of the application being submitted. Students that fail to make full payment by their deadline will forfeit their $500 deposit and their seat in the course.

All RISD students enrolled in RISD and other full degree schools/universities are required to remain in good academic standing in order to participate in Global Summer Studies. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for all RISD students. Failure to remain in good academic standing can lead to removal from the course, either before or during the course.

In cases where summer travel courses and studios do not reach full capacity, the course may be canceled after the last day of registration. As such, all students are advised not to purchase flights for participation in Global Summer Studies courses until the course is confirmed.

Apply to Global Summer Studies

The deadline for Global Summer Studies 2024 has now passed.

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1:1 Advising Session

Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.

Schedule an Appointment