At IDarte, we are committed to hands-on learning and bridging the gap between education and the professional world. This year, we had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Oteiza Museum on a special project. This initiative emerged within the first-year course Science Applied to Design, led by Professor Aitor Axpe, and is part of the Interior Design and Graphic Design degree programs. The project aimed to explore design from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Throughout the course, students engaged with fundamental concepts such as measurement, proportion, symbology, symmetry, fractal structures, and form. More than abstract theories, these elements were approached as essential tools for any designer. First, students learned how to apply them, and then they analyzed how great designers throughout history have incorporated them into their work. One of the most enlightening moments was realizing that these tools, despite their ancient origins, remain crucial in contemporary design.
Each unit concluded with the development of an individual or group project, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice. As a final challenge, they worked on a project inspired by a major architectural landmark: the main façade of the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.
The choice of this theme was no coincidence. It represents an innovative design that defied conventions in its time, a result of cooperative and multidisciplinary work—perfectly aligning with our approach to design education. Additionally, it provided an invaluable opportunity to appreciate our cultural heritage and explore the legacy of designers from our own region.
This experience has been enriching in every way. Our collaboration with the Oteiza Museum has expanded our perspectives and fostered a valuable network of shared knowledge between both institutions. The final feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: our students enjoyed the process, learned in a hands-on manner, and discovered new ways of perceiving design through art. Without a doubt, this partnership has left us eager to continue exploring and learning together.
