History

Founded in 1961, ELISAVA was the first School of Design to be established in Spain. For this reason, the methodological guidelines it has developed have been adopted as a model by other schools.

The School was founded thanks to the endeavour of a group of cultural professionals and intellectuals, theorists, architects, and designers concerned with teaching design and committed to social and cultural modernisation. These people defined a programme noted for its combination of academic rigour and the exercise of the profession.

Throughout its history, ELISAVA’s role has been decisive in shaping design culture in Catalonia and in Spain, not only because its tutors have trained the majority of the professionals in today’s design business sector, but also because it has been an open forum since it was founded for anyone who had something new, intelligent and thoughtful to say.

Notable figures have passed through the School. ELISAVA’s tutors, lecturers, and collaborators have helped to make it a place of reference where rigour is always combined with an open outlook and innovation.

50th anniversary

ELISAVA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011.

Throughout its history, it has been a pioneer in teaching design and engineering, and it has played a decisive role in shaping design culture in Catalonia and in Spain.

Half a century promoting innovation, creativity, and technique.

Its methodological guidelines have been adopted as a model by other schools.

50 years with multidisciplinary educational and research paths, strongly focused on the professional sector, thus encouraging close collaborations with firms, institutions, and universities worldwide.

This experience makes ELISAVA an open forum for anyone with something new, intelligent, and thoughtful to say; a training and meeting place for future design and engineering professionals.