The entanglement of nature and technology has led to environmental and societal challenges. Design practice can bridge interdisciplinary knowledge to instigate change and transform obsolete systems. The core motivation for this new MA program is to contribute to redefine the design disciplines, and to educate future designers in progressive approaches and methods to work within and with these new environments.

The Design & New Environments at the Iceland University of the Arts invites students to an exciting hybrid programme composed of design, media, and environmental studies. During a two-year course, students are supported to develop research skills and creative projects carried out individually and in teams.

 

The focus for 2023/25 is on Climate and Food Systems. This theme will be explored in collaboration with scientists from the University of Iceland, practitioners, and partners from the industry in parallel with workshops in the design and media studios at the IUA.

Autumn: Field research, design & science seminars, site specific case studies.

Spring: Creative residency with one of our partners in Iceland: we have established a unique network of stakeholders driving innovation in the environmental sphere. In 2023-24 we partner with Gagarin (Interactive design studio), Eldey Aqua (Seaweed farm), Matis (food research centre) and Brim Innovation, amongst others.

Students choose one of two tracks for the MA project: