In the Interior Design programme’s first-ever overseas study trip, a group of second and third-year design students travelled to Berlin recently to deepen their network and immerse themselves in the city’s unique architecture and culture.
The field trip took them to prominent architectural sites, such as the Berlin Philharmonie, the Neues Museum by Chipperfield Architects and its recently completed extension, the James Simon Gallery – and encouraged them to explore interior spaces hands-on, outside the confines of the classroom.
Emily Hutchins, Year 3 BA (Hons) Interior Design student, said: ‘The architecture in Berlin is so engrained in the world’s recent history, and it really tells the story of the city, which has such an interesting outlook on architecture. The divide between east and west still exists and you can see it in the design. It’s so different from London, and shows the impact of its history.’
Hannah Gates, another Year 2 BA (Hons) Interior Design student, said: ‘Berlin was fascinating to explore, and offers a first-hand look into what we learn in our classes. Not only this, but it was great to go on the study tour to network with our tutors outside the classroom, and to meet students from other year levels we wouldn’t often talk to. We have so much to learn from each other, and doing it in a place like Berlin is ideal.’
Senior Lecturer Sophie Ungerer said: ‘Our Berlin trip was a great start to what we hope will become a regular study trip within the programme. One of the highlights was networking with MA and BA interior design students from the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences – we took a tour of the Berlin Philharmonie with them and got to learn about the architecture of this unique concert hall designed by Hans Scharoun. This collaboration with international students is essential, as it mirrors the collaborative way students will work when they graduate.’
Berlin study tour
