Design Academia - 国公立デザイン系大学会議

What is the Association of Design Departments and Schools in Japanese Public Universities?

Background and Goals

Against the backdrop of unprecedented social change, the concept and domain of design continue to transform qualitatively and expand rapidly. The role of design in the era of economic priority during the 20th century was mainly valued for the color and form at the final stage of the creation process. Currently, the design education at the universities in Asia, including Japan, were modelled after the Modern Design in Europe and the United States, which produced many professionals that played a role in the economic growth.

To solve the diverse and complex issues of society that have been accumulated in the 20th century, design plays an important role. The role of design – identifying the needs, exploring the solutions from various perspectives, guiding towards concrete solutions, proposing and verifying, is recognized as an effective method in all stages of the creative process.

With the increasing social role and expectations on design, we believe as the center for education and research in design studies; we need to rebuild the concept and methodology of design. As a result, the Association of Design Departments and Schools in Japanese Public Universities was established to create a new domain of academic research through collaboration with design universities in Japan and other Asian countries.

Also, to form an international center for design studies to promote design education and research. From now onward, we will focus on areas such as the culture, arts, industry, and human resources development of the Asian region. We will have mutual sharing on education and research content through discussion on common issues related to design studies at the universities to improve and develop education and research activities. Also, we will establish a collaborative system between education and research activities, and industry, government and the public, to promote rapid social implementation. Hence, contributing positively to the creation of the society of the future.

purpose

The Association of Design Departments and Schools in Japanese Public Universities Conference is organized by the members from the National and Public Design Universities, the Design Department of the universities, the Undergraduate and Graduate Schools/courses. The aim of this conference is for members to collaborate to improve and develop design education and research.

Participating universities

  • Akita University of Art
  • University of Tsukuba
  • Chiba University
  • Tokyo Metropolitan University
  • Nagaoka Institute of Design
  • University of Toyama
  • Shizuoka University of Art and Culture
  • Nagoya City University
  • Hiroshima City University
  • Kyushu University
  • Saga University

Main Activities

The following activities are carried out mainly to improve and develop design education and research through the cooperation and collaboration of faculties and graduate schools of design universities. Click here for our history.

・Organizing forums to discuss issues related to design education and research, and to improve and develop them. The Association of Design Departments and Schools in Japanese Public Universities Conference will be held once or twice a year. Discussions and reports at the general meeting will be published on the website of the Association of Design Departments and Schools in Japanese Public Universities.

・Setting up the website “Design Academia” as a platform for members to share their efforts in design education and research at each university. The website “Design Academia” can be updated by members to share the latest information on initiatives at any time.