Master in Critical Design

The programme is organized into 2 terms and 6 modules/subjects in Barcelona, which runs for 40 weeks over 10 months between September and June. Each term combines theory lectures and seminars with workshops on specific themes. The curriculum is structured through 12 questions that interrogate criticism, the environment, cities, politics, care and the figure of the designer as a public voice and disseminator of ideas.

The questions are: What Criticism? What Care? What Politics? What Extraction? What Nature? What City? What Spatial Justice? What Future? What Conceptualization? What Dissemination? What Question? What Project?

The programme ends with a Master Thesis that could take the shape of a design project, an architectural proposal, an art piece, a performance, a political action, a curatorial initiative, a publication project, a pedagogical initiative, a theatre play, a film… as well as research written work and a plan for its development outside of the university.

1.1 Agonism: Critical thought in Art, Architecture and Design

This research seminar explores the potential of agonism to open unexpected paths for the identification of current polemics and their confrontation through architecture, art and design.

The students will be introduced to methods of advanced critical thinking and research, to be applied in their work and in the analysis of the works of others.

Ultimately, the aim of the course is to give instrumental tools to the students so that they get involved with the fabric of our times in terms of current international conversations and practice, bridging alliances and complicities in an increasingly polarized world.

1.2 Contemporary Debates I: What Politics? What Care?

This class explores how art, architecture and design navigate political, environmental, social, and cultural challenges of our times.

The students will embark in two class modules taught by relevant figures working with politics, gender, feminist issues and questions of care. Employing a case-study approach, the course showcases examples from both within and beyond the realms of these fields, aiming to investigate how they contribute to collective concerns within culture and politics.

Ultimately, the students will study the history of the subjects, the current conversations on the matter and will produce one project for each module guided by each of the professors. Ultimately, the course takes a critical stance, examining the agendas, tools, methodologies, and their contributions to the advancement of these disciplines.

1.3 Contexts I: Environments: What Extraction? What Nature?

In this series of studio classes, students will engage with critical thinking to explore the intersections of art, design, architecture, climate emergency and the issue of extractive practices. They will also explore the social and political implications of climate change and its impact on vulnerable non-human communities. Through design exercises and critical reflection, students will develop a deeper understanding of how our fields can contribute to create creative resistance to damaging practices for our planet.

1.4 Contexts II: The City: What City? What Spatial Justice? What Futures?

This subject will focus on a different city every year, with potential trips and collaborations between Elisava and their local urban actors. In this class on critical thought and Barcelona’s urban context, participants will explore the intricate relationship between history and the present condition of the city and its challenges. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the class will explore the historical, cultural, and socio-political factors that have influenced the city’s urban development. This master class offers an opportunity to engage with the vibrant and complex landscape of Barcelona while exploring the broader themes of urbanism, mass tourism, gentrification, culture, spatial justice and the question of degrowth.

2.1 Contemporary Debates II: What Conceptualization? What Dissemination?

In this seminar, participants will delve into the realm of critical thought in its intersection with contemporary discussions through publishing and curatorial practices. Participants will analyze the methodologies and strategies employed by critics, publishers, and curators to convey and shape our cultural imaginary. Ultimately, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of these practices as a tool to navigate and contribute to contemporary discussions in their field.

2.2 Thesis Seminar and Studio: What Question? What Project?

The Master Final Project or Thesis is a detailed work that presents a rigorous investigation into a design topic selected by the candidates under the guidance of their faculty. Thesis students must demonstrate their capacity to critically synthesize design knowledge and make precise projects that show their excellence in argumentation, creativity, invention, presentation, creation and skills in scholarly and fieldwork research on design. The objective of this dual class is to distill students’ interests to start working on their Thesis during the Winter Semester for its presentation at the end of the academic year. The final product of this Master thesis could be a design project, a performance, an exhibition, a curatorial proposal, an academic program, a publication, an architectural proposal, etc.