Works

Hjálmar Baldursson, Droplaug Benediktsdóttir, Fiona Mary Cribben, Arite Fricke, Brynja Þóra Guðnadóttir, Jiao Jiaoni, Magnús Elvar Jónsson, Li Yiwei + Dóra Ísleifsdóttir

Video + digital printing

The Iceland Academy of the Arts MA Design programme offers a systemic and self-transformative approach to learning that acknowledges the major challenges of the 21st century. Ultimately, the programme aims to enhance design’s global potential by using a relational approach to design thinking. It invites students to re-design their own professional role as designers and to re-think the nature of design itself. This second group of graduates from our MA Design is really diverse, and each project demonstrates how designers with proven ability can amplify their voice, sharpen their focus, and design themselves and their work in a direction that deals with and takes into account the world situation as is. The projects confront and acknowledge real world challenges while remaining true to each designer’s personal trajectory and research interests. The projects also all demonstrate scalable design, applicable locally, but potentially relevant globally. All the projects assume and include, the involvement and input of other stakeholders than the designers themselves, most importantly the user(s). Thus, these projects are examples of an inherent element of good design—understanding others’ needs, and understanding of the importance of integrating multiple and manifold concerns and relationships into the design process and outcome.

Photo by Louise Asselstine

Photo by Louise Asselstine

Photo by Louise Asselstine

Credits: Iceland Academy of the Arts. Dora Isleifsdottir, Programme Director. Mentors: Garðar Eyjólfsson, Guðmundur Oddur Magnússon (Goddur), Lóa Auðunsdóttir, Massimo Santanicchia, Thomas Pauzs, Tinna Gunnarsdóttir.