IUA – design and architecture

The Iceland University of the Arts is a university institution offering higher education relating to the various fields of art that satisfies demands made of instruction and research at a university level.

At the design and architecture department, reality is explored with a curious and critical mindset encouraging positive transformation in society.

The Department of Design and Architecture places an emphasis on students knowing about the ideological premise of design and design history and that they can, on the basis of their knowledge, take an informed stance on the environment and society. Design, in a way, revolves around seeing the possibilities in what is yet to take place. Students are continuously encouraged to seek new solutions and ways and to cultivate originality, imagination and a critical mindset.

Collaboration

Design always requires consultation and collaboration. A large part of studying at the Department of Design and Architecture entails developing and promoting discourse and collaboration with a diverse group of professionals and non-professionals.

All programmes in the Department of Design and Architecture work closely with the professional sector creating a network of professionals and specialists who are participants in a community of design and education. The Department now benefits from the contribution of almost 200 individuals, academic faculty and part-time lecturers, Icelandic and international, who create a critical and theoretical framework for students so that they may pursue their interests and passions. The Department’s main emphasis is to encourage students’ development and to enhance their independence so that they are equipped to engage with diverse employment and collaborations in the field.

Iceland University of Arts was established in 1999 and Fríða Björk Ingvarsdóttir is the principal.