The Future of Education
Exploring Synergies Between the Classroom and Cultural Spaces: A Creative Approach to Art and Design Education
Cristiana Serejo, Instituto de Investigação em Design, Media e Cultura ID+; Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Escola Superior de Design, Barcelos (Portugal)
Abstract
This creative experience was developed within an academic context, integrated into the "Project II" curricular unit (Graphic Design Degree), where students are expected to develop design projects in the fields of corporate and institutional signage, with a strong emphasis on practical application and real-world relevance. By the end of the semester, students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of communication within contemporary cultural and technological paradigms, as well as an awareness of the historical foundations and evolution of the design discipline. The objective of this exercise was to provide students with the opportunity to engage in a real-world design project, focusing on the development of a visual identity. This was made possible through a collaboration between the academic institution and various cultural entities within the city of Barcelos, leveraging the students' proximity to these spaces, the communities they serve, and the unique challenges they
present. The project spanned an entire semester and was structured into three main phases. The first phase involved research and the preparation of a project brief, including site visits and interviews with representatives of the participating cultural institutions. The second phase focused on the conceptual development and design of the brand and its associated visual identity elements, progressing from initial sketches to finalized graphic solutions. The third and final phase entailed the creation of a
comprehensive Standards Manual to guide the consistent application of the visual identity across various formats and platforms. At the conclusion of the semester, the outcomes demonstrated that direct engagement with real-world stakeholders significantly enhanced students’ research,
comprehension, and critical analysis skills. Moreover, this experience fostered the development of problem-solving abilities and effectively challenged students to think creatively and innovatively within
realistic design constraints.
Keywords: Design Teaching; Visual Identity; Creativity; Culture Community
REFERENCES
[1] CHANDLER, Daniel (2005). Semiotics: The Basics. New York: Routledge.
[2] CHAVES, Norberto (1994). La Imagen Corporativa: Teoria y Metodologia de la Identificación Institucional. Barcelona: Ediciones G.Gili.
[3] COSTA, Joan (2011). Design para os olhos – Marca, Cor, Identidade,
Sinalética. Lisboa: Dinalivro.
[4] DONDIS, D.A. (2008). La sintaxis de la imagen. Introducción al alfabeto visual. Barcelona: Ediciones G.Gili.
