Six product design degree courses on Dezeen Courses

Interested in studying product design? Check out six undergraduate and postgraduate product design courses in the UK, the Netherlands and Italy listed on Dezeen Courses.

The courses include degrees at universities in London, Birmingham and Bath in the UK plus one in Zwolle in the Netherlands. In addition, Dezeen Courses has details of a postgraduate course in Milan, Italy.

Product design courses allow students to enter a wide range of design careers by equipping them with transferable knowledge of materials and manufacturing techniques.

Undergraduate courses typically provide participants with basic knowledge of design history, theory and practice, allowing them to seek employment straight after graduation.

Postgraduate courses allow graduates to specialise in specific aspects of the discipline.

Postgraduate programmes are also open to those who studied other design disciplines as undergraduates.

Graduates of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses can go on to work in a variety of roles including furniture, packaging, exhibition or industrial design.

Dezeen Courses is a new resource for people who want to study architecture and design.

It presents details of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, as well as short courses and remote learning programmes.

Here are six undergraduate and postgraduate product design courses from Dezeen Courses:

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Product Design BA (Hons) at University of East London

The Product Design BA (Hons) course at University of East London in the UK delves into both traditional craft techniques and advancements in digital product design practices to equip students with transferable skills.

Find out more about the course ›

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Product and Furniture Design BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

The Product and Furniture Design BA (Hons) course at Birmingham City University in the UK offers students the opportunity to explore the materials, techniques and processes of product and furniture manufacturing, from bespoke design to mass production.

Find out more about the course ›

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Product Design BA (Hons) at Ravensbourne University London

The Product Design BA (Hons) course at Ravensbourne University London in the UK provides students with the theoretical grounding, practical skills and industry experience to excel in the product design industry.

Find out more about the course ›

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Furniture and Product Design BA (Hons) at Bath Spa University

The Furniture and Product Design BA (Hons) course at Bath Spa University in the UK provides students with essential skills in both digital and traditional 3D processes through strong industry experience.

Find out more about the course ›

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Product Design BA (Hons) at ArtEZ University of Art & Design

The Product Design BA (Hons) course at ArtEZ University of Art & Design in the Netherlands equips students with an understanding of both product design and its function in society.

Find out more about the course ›

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Master in Product Design at Domus Academy

The Master in Product Design course at Domus Academy in Italy is centred in an interdisciplinary learning environment with access to both industry professionals and leading companies, equipping students with innovative skills in practical design and design strategy.

Find out more about the course ›

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Verstas Architects evokes island landscapes with Helsinki Biennial Pavilion

Finnish practice Verstas Architects has created a circular timber pavilion at Helsinki's South Harbour, forging a connection between the city and the nearby island of Vallisaari.

Verstas Architects built the pavilion to serve as an entry point to the Helsinki Biennial art festival, which was held on Vallisaari island from June to September 2021, and it has now become a permanent addition to the city.

The Helsinki Biennial Pavilion is a circular timber structure located at the city's South Harbour

Tickets for the Biennial are sold from the pavilion, which sits at Lyypekinlaituri, South Harbour, and the ferry to the island of Vallisaari departs from an adjoining pier.

The pavilion's shape and materiality reference the natural landscape of Vallisaari as well as the sea between it and Helsinki.

The pavilion is made of timber and was assembled in situ from prefabricated modules

The circular shape is a nod to Vallisaari's ponds and "giant's kettles" pothole formations, while the timber walls are meant to recall the island's cliffs as well as the hulls of old wooden ships, some of which can be seen moored at South Harbour.

The pavilion features an inner courtyard paved with what looks from a distance like stone but, on closer inspection, prove to be crosscut logs.

The pavilion's inner courtyard is paved with silver-hued crosscut logs

"The curved shape echoes the island cliffs that were rounded during the ice age," Verstas Architects partner Ilkka Salminen told Dezeen.

"The centre yard is paved with greyed crosscut logs and white quartz sand that mimic the effect of raindrops rippling on water."

The pavilion's roof slopes down to the ground, providing a deck for visitors to climb

Around it is a partially enclosed space with curved dark pine walls that slope down in one section to form an outer deck that visitors can climb.

"The centre of the pavilion is where you can rest and take a break from the noisy and constantly moving city," added Salminen.

"You are closed off from the city life and you experience only the sea and the sky, enclosed by a huge wooden surface to lean your back on."

The exterior of the pavilion is clad with pine battens that are stained dark with a mix of tar and linseed oil

The pavilion is made from prefabricated modules constructed from glue-laminated timber frames, with steel ties and laminated veneer lumber cladding.

These are clad in fine-sawn pine battens that have been steam-bent into curving shapes and stained dark with a mix of tar and linseed oil.

Read:

Carlo Ratti Associati proposes floating reservoirs to create carbon-free heating for Helsinki

Inside, the natural light wood colour is maintained with an oil treatment, and a series of triangular frames at different angles form a curved corridor with a pitched roof.

Verstas Architects chose to build with wood because, as well as being the traditional material for buildings and boats in the area, it is environmentally sustainable and long-lasting in the northern climate.

Visitors can take shelter, rest and wait for ferries inside the pavilion

The modules were built in a carpenter's workshop in a nearby harbour town where the fabrication process was guided by a digital 3D building model, before being shipped to the site for installation.

The interior of the pavilion contains a ticket sales and visitor information desk, while a simple rectangular volume next to it houses ancillary spaces.

The open-air courtyard provides a place for gathering and reflection

The Helsinki Biennial Pavilion was commissioned by the City of Helsinki's Urban Environment Division as part of a strategy to make the city's archipelago more accessible.

Spanning 187 square metres, the pavilion provides a visible anchor for the Biennial in the city.

The wooden exterior of the pavilion resembles the hull of an old ship

Although the original intention was to dismantle the pavilion in between Biennials and store the modules at Vallisaari, the City of Helsinki and Verstas Architects have decided to leave it at South Harbour for the foreseeable future.

"It was quickly realised that the pavilion has a much bigger role to play if left to stand in place all year round," said Verstas Architects.

Read:

Helsinki calls for proposals to transform Makasiiniranta port into cultural precinct

"It provides a place for people to hang out by the sea," the studio added.

"One can rest on the sloping auditorium-like space observing the colourful marketplace or seek shelter under the tent-like roof."

The pavilion was built for the Helsinki Biennial art festival but will remain in place year-round

The pavilion is located near the forthcoming Makasiiniranta port development at South Harbour, which will include a new architecture and design museum.

It was also the site of the scrapped proposal for a Guggenheim museum, with the City of Helsinki deciding to instead support a local institution for the site.

Verstas Architects was founded in 2004 by Salminen with Väinö Nikkilä, Jussi Palva and Riina Palva. The practice has recently been nominated for the Finnish Wood Award and EU Mies Award for the Helsinki Biennial Pavilion.

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Two angular wings form Quebec chalet by Atelier Pierre Thibault

A glass walkway connects both halves of this holiday home overlooking Quebec's Brome Lake, which Atelier Pierre Thibault designed to offer a variety of outdoor spaces that connect the house to its natural surroundings.

Lac-Brome Residence is located in the sought-after destination outside Montreal, popular for secondary residences given its proximity to ski resorts in the winter and water activities during the summer.

Lac-Brome Residence by Atelier Pierre Thibault is a single-storey house overlooking the water

Atelier Pierre Thibault was commissioned to create a single-family home overlooking the lake that would make the most of the surroundings while still protecting the resident's privacy.

Unlike most of its neighbours, the residence is laid out on a single level. The low-slung stone home is made up of two angled volumes that are connected by a glazed walkway defining a courtyard on either side.

The wooden kitchen is open-plan

"Composed of wood and stone walls, the Lac-Brome Residence relies on the durability and nobility of natural materials in order to integrate in a refined, elegant and yet modest way into its environment," said the Quebec City-based studio.

An overhanging roof projects from the edges of the building, creating a covered walkway around the perimeter.

Open-concept living spaces connect to another kitchen outdoors

The main living areas are located closest to the lake, allowing for expansive views of the water and forest beyond.

An open-concept kitchen, living and dining room connects to a screened-in porch and an exterior kitchen, allowing for flexible use of the interior and exterior spaces.

Wood also features in the bedrooms

An outdoor fireplace is included for use during the winter, while the in-ground pool, outdoor shower and uncovered terraces can all be enjoyed through the summer.

"The diversity of outdoor spaces allows their use regardless of weather conditions and seasons," said Atelier Pierre Thibault in a project description.

The outdoor kitchen overlooks the lake

The bedrooms are further back from the water, which offers them more privacy. The primary bedroom occupies the eastern half of this wing, while two additional bedrooms are located to the west.

Within the main suite, an interior courtyard made of full-height glass walls encompasses a single tree, which the architects liken to an art object.

Read:

Atelier Pierre Thibault builds slender Leblanc Residence on sandy Canadian coast

The exterior stone was also used inside, where it lines the entry passageway and forms as an accent wall in the great room.

The wooden structure of the roof is made visible throughout the interiors, lending a sense of continuity to each space.

Full-height glass walls are built around a central courtyard

"The color chosen for the wood interior coating is rich, achieving a harmonious balance in the perceived amplitude of the space," said the architects. The wood also matches the tone of the custom wooden furniture used throughout the property.

This dark hue on the ceiling and window frames creates a cosy atmosphere in the rooms, and mimics the tree trunks surrounding the house.

A glass walkway connects both parts of the holiday home

Atelier Pierre Thibault has completed several homes throughout Quebec. Dezeen has rounded up five examples, which include a ski retreat shared by two brothers and their respective families, and a geometric white house that is covered in a wooden lattice.

The photography is by Maxime Brouillet.

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Prince Charles' plans for a sustainable new town "could use some infrastructure" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are debating Prince Charles' plans to build a sustainable new town in Faversham, Kent and discussing other top stories.

Prince Charles' private estate has collaborated with architect Ben Pentreath to create plans for a sustainable town in Faversham.

The town will be built on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, which is a private estate founded in 1337 in order to fund projects attached to the Prince of Wales – currently Prince Charles.

"Like a Florida retirement village"

Commenters aren't sold. "Quaint," said Simply Indulgence. "Could use some infrastructure and connectivity!"

Christopher Moore agreed: "There are no cars in any of the sketches. I appreciate it doesn't fit with their worldview, but you cannot just wish them away, especially when anywhere in that area of Kent will expect at least two cars per dwelling."

"Everyone is still going to use cars to get to their white collar work," added Stoney Elephant. "If you don't want that, then what this really is is a retirement village like the ones they have in Florida."

"Country homes for the rich," concluded Derek Birch. "Disappointed in him."

Are readers being harsh? Join the discussion ›

Tulip tower by Foster + Partners set to be given go-ahead

Commenters dub the Tulip "The Covid-19 Swab"

Readers are coining new names for the Tulip tourist attraction, which looks set to be built in London by Foster + Partners. The structure is expected to be given the go-ahead following London mayor Sadiq Khan's previous decision to refuse planning permission.

"Oh!" said Maciej Wyszogrodzki. "It must be now called The Covid-19 Swab".

Frank agreed: "Foster's enduring legacy... The Covid-19 Swab Memorial".

"If you think Brexit was an odd decision, well... take this, Europe!" added Arhmatic.

Do you think the building looks like a Covid swab? Join the discussion ›

"I'd like to think I'm having success regardless of my skin colour" says Mac Collins

Readers agree that "talent has nothing to do with skin colour"

Commenters are discussing our interview with furniture designer Mac Collins, in which he says that he "doesn't want to be pigeonholed". Collins recently won the Emerging Designer Medal at the London Design Medal awards.

"Bravo Mac," said Michael. "Your talent has nothing to do with your skin colour. Nice work!"

"This article expressed so many things I feel on a daily basis," continued Brennan Murray. "Our heritages give us insight into the past and can inspire ideas, but I don't think anyone wants to be defined by one singular aspect or facet of themselves."

Lloyd felt similarly: "Why can't we just present Mac as a designer and let the work be the focus? Why do we have to create a subcategory for him as a Black designer? Why is the colour of his skin even being discussed? Aren't we here to talk about design?"

Do you share the sentiment? Join the discussion ›

Grimshaw's "completely OTT" Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai caused "significant unnecessary emissions"

Commenters are "disappointed" Grimshaw's Sustainability Pavilion "doesn't realise its sustainable goals"

Readers aren't surprised that a sustainable construction consultant has attacked Grimshaw Architects' Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai for having an embodied carbon footprint of almost 18,000 tonnes.

"I love the outrageous concept and design of this pavilion," said Flexible Fotography. "I'm really disappointed that it doesn't realise its sustainable goals though."

"We don't need a specialist consultant to tell us this," replied Alfred Hitchcock. "It was already blindingly obvious to anyone who knows about construction."

"Wow really?" joked Hank. "The massive steel building in the desert is not sustainable? Who could have predicted that..."

Are you shocked? Join the discussion ›

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Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.

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Giant shutters front Bardales fitness centre in Ecuador by Natura Futura

Ecuadorian firm Natura Futura Arquitectura has created a gym within a slender, multi-storey building that features an open facade covered with tall, wooden screens.

The Bardales Urban Training Center is located in Babahoyo, the capital of the Los Rios province. The town is a trade and processing centre for crops grown in the region, such as rice and bananas.

The Bardales Urban Training Center is in Ecuador's Los Rios province

Designed by local firm Natura Futura Arquitectura, the project is meant to provide much-needed community space for residents.

"These spaces represent the principles of collective life, and are a tool to produce positive impacts on social groups," the team said.

Metal and wood shutters front the gym

The clients were María and Carlos, a young entrepreneurial couple who had owned a small gym for several years. They decided to expand by opening a facility in a slender structure that rises four levels. Their one-storey home is located next door.

The 650-square-metr project came with a tight budget and required lots of flexibility.

The building's side walls are made from exposed brick and concrete

"Bardales was developed with limited resources, where both, technical and material solutions were designed as they became available," the architects said. "It can be said that the limitation was an important source of creativity – to design with what is necessary."

The building has side walls made of exposed brick and concrete block.

Folding screens protect the interior from weather conditions

The front facade was left open to the air rather than being covered in glass. To shield the interior from rain and solar penetration, the team installed eight-metre-tall, folding screens made of metal and wood.

"In this way, not only is thermal control and safety guaranteed but users are encouraged to have more direct contact with the neighbourhood," the team said.

Read:

Atelier Aconcept creates "raw building" for French kickboxing club

Inside, the building has spaces for weight training, dancing, cardio equipment and boxing. A rooftop terrace provides views of the city.

Interior finishes include wooden flooring, metal railings and plywood storage lockers.

The gym is designed to be open-plan

Dividing walls inside the gym were avoided, in order to create a sense of openness and connection throughout the facility.

"It is proposed to domesticate the spaces of social interaction and open them to the street, with the intention of making it a livable place and generator of memory, where the objective of exercising is as important as meeting your neighbours," the team said.

Plywood storage lockers are stowed under a staircase

To save costs, the team reused the building's existing materials wherever possible. They also implemented a bartering system, in which design and construction services were provided in exchange for free gym access.

"In this way, the idea that the city is developed from decisions, agreements, exchanges and ventures of each inhabitant is vindicated," the architects said.

The gym offers space for a variety of activities

"Bardales reflects on the way in which urban facilities are developed in cities and the usual conditions in which people exercise."

Other projects by Natura Futura Arquitectura include a mirrored viewing platform that projects over a hillside in the Ecuadorian countryside.

The photography is by JAG Studio.

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