The first year of the Major consists of three terms:

  • Term 1 will focus on designing life size spatial objects to learn the basics of Object, Space, Light, Order and Surface Modulation. You will learn how to build relationships between spaces, functions and routes in an apartment and how to construct and articulate these spaces with materials. The visual representation in all phases is a key element.
  • Term 2 focuses on the on introducing to the content and methodology of WdKA's three graduation profiles (Practices). You will be introduced to the approach, context, professional roles and methodologies associated with the three graduation profiles. 
  • Term 3 will further focus on the Major. You will be designing a complete and integrated interior, in which you will apply and showcase the technical and conceptual knowledge you have gained so far. The design will be presented in its entirety to the client. Part of the interior will be worked out in detail.

The second year of the Major consists of two terms:

  • In Term 1, based on a given theme, you will be conceiving, designing and implementing a Spatial Life-Size installation/scenery/intervention in collaboration with a student from another discipline, followed by a public presentation.
  • During Term 2 you will work on a design for a Positive Outdoor Space. You will first analyse this outdoor space and study its relation to the indoor spaces around it. Afterwards, you will formulate a new concept for these spaces, and elaborate this concept in a spatial design.

Term 3, Practices, provides you with an in-depth introduction to two of the three graduation profiles (Practices). This learning experience will help you decide upon your graduation profile in the third and fourth academic years.
On top of the major, WdKA adds elective projects. You can choose from a wide range of contemporary subjects and issues. These projects introduce students to our three graduation profiles or Practices. We call them the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. Within the Practices, you focus on new challenges in the fields of technology, the use of public space, the need to engage the public and a challenging international context, and work on real-life, practical assignments which transcend the boundaries of the chosen professional discipline.

Click on the chart on the left to view the Practices and their elective projects.

Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Autonomous Practices

Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Commercial Practices

Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design,Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.

More (in-depth) information about the Social Practices

During this phase you will research an Identity/Branding  Experience and Design and realise an interior with a temporary function (store, café or restaurant) at an existing location  commissioned by a stakeholder. After you will formulate own assignment, focused on improving your abilities in one or more of the five themes of the professional field of Spatial Design.

On top of the major, WdKA adds elective projects. You can choose from a wide range of contemporary subjects and issues. These projects introduce students to our three graduation profiles or Practices. We call them the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. Within the Practices, you focus on new challenges in the fields of technology, the use of public space, the need to engage the public and a challenging international context, and work on real-life, practical assignments which transcend the boundaries of the chosen professional discipline.

Click on the chart on the left to view the Practices and their elective projects.

Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Autonomous Practices

Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Commercial Practices

Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design,Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.

More (in-depth) information about the Social Practices

The Internship period is a temporary placement in which you, as a future professional, will become acquainted with the professional practice, including the scope and range of work activities and various practical aspects of the profession. The goal is to combine the learning process and the professional practice in a way which is not competitive with the professional field. It is also possible to do the internship (or part of the internship) abroad.

Exchange. By studying abroad, you have the opportunity to study in a foreign country and take in the allure and culture of a new environment. WdKA offers you this opportunity as an integral part of your study. During your study exchange you gain credits that can be transferred against your degree at WdKA.

Minor allows you to broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills. You complete it within one semester. Minor includes practical research, visualisation and presentation. You can one of the current issues within the Practices - Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private; New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design or Cultural Diversity, Open Design, Powerplay and New Earth - or follow a minor at another institute or abroad.

In the final phase of the studies, you will graduate in the Major and with the Practice profile that best suits you as a professional spatial designer.

Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Autonomous Practices

Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.

More (in-depth) information about the Commercial Practices

Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design,Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.

More (in-depth) information about the Social Practices

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Spatial Design

Profession and Concept

The first year focuses on the introduction to skills, knowledge and attitudes that we regard as necessary for the profession. At the same time you will learn to think conceptually, explore, experiment and to make using various tools and media, and to ask yourself questions regarding the discipline.

Profession and Concept

This year will focus on further developing of skills, knowledge and attitudes within the Major and further introduction to Practices. As you progress through the study programme, the projects will keep on increasing in complexity. You will be working with more advanced instruments and tools, further developing within a professional field of own choosing.

Profession and Concept

The third year is divided between your Major, internship/exchange and graduation profiles (Practices). Upon completing, you will be able to choose the graduation profile that best suits your ambition.

Profession and Concept

The fourth year consists of two blocks: Minor and Graduation.

+ Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Major +
Major +
Major +
Minor +
Practices +
Practices +
Internship +
Graduation +