Programme overview

Future heritage design is a speculative interdisciplinary undertaking that draws upon a variety of academic disciplines such as design innovation, design anthropology, heritage and museum studies, heritage-based design practice, and user experience design. This course aims to delineate the concept of heritage in contemporary society, questions its ownership and identify its role in the society, from both local and global perspectives. It makes an early and important impact on heritage practice and cultural policy, recognising the relationship between heritage, community wellbeing and sustainability. This course encourages us to think how we can interpret and be inspired by heritage in a way that is speculative and culturally relevant to our society. This programme aims to challenge conventions in heritage and cultural design and to develop critical engagement with, and a working knowledge of, heritage debates, history, environmental issues, and societal concern; and provide speculative and interdisciplinary design perspectives to explore the development of future heritage and its benefits on communities and the industry; as well as utilise theoretical and technical skills to complete a collaborative project within a heritage setting. You will also have the opportunity to engage with peers from international schools as part of the annual Winter School. This seasonal event brings together students and faculty from leading institutions around the world for a two-week programme of lectures, workshops and networking opportunities that offers an insight into what a career in design as a global activity looks like.