BFA Programme in Wood Oriented Furniture Design
Summary
This program is ideal for those who want to work with furniture from a practical, exploratory and conceptual perspective on materials, innovation, and sustainable development. Within the programme you will explore your own approach to furniture design through project-based courses. This lays the foundation for developing an independent working method combined with a reflective approach to the field of furniture design. Our campus is located in Dals Långed, close to natural resources and the outdoors, about 20 mil north of Gothenburg. Here, you will have access to both a great woodworking shop and your own workspaces.
About
The program centers on furniture design and the practical exploration of wood as a material. The focus of the program is on solving artistic and material-related questions while taking into account the surrounding world and human needs. With our emphasis on sustainability and local connections, the education provides access to timber sourced in the region, with a natural focus on Scandinavian wood species. Throughout the program, you are encouraged to independently explore your design language while developing your own design process.
The first year is foundational and focuses largely on design processes, investigative approaches, materials, and techniques. The year includes exercises that enhance students’ knowledge of sketching techniques and independent work on fabrication in the workshops. You will practice processes and product development, from sketches and scale models through mockups and CAD to finished prototypes. An introduction to current discussions in crafts, design, art, and public design is provided alongside your studies in the workshops.
During the second year, the focus is on developing the relationship to the surrounding world through both contemporary society and design history. In the program courses, you will learn to develop products in collaboration with a furniture company and propose furniture designs for public spaces. An internship period provides the potential for making contacts with manufacturers and design studios. Once a week you will also have access to elective courses offered in collaboration with Campus Gothenburg.
During the third year, you will develop your expertise through design projects in which you independently apply design principles, methodology, and communication. You will also have the opportunity to exhibit your work in a public setting. During the spring semester, you will complete your thesis project, in which you will carry out an investigative design project focused on wood furniture.
Courses in visual design and communication, as well as theory and history, are conducted together with students from other artistic bachelor’s programmes at HDK-Valand, Campus Steneby.
During the programme, you will also have opportunities to go on study trips and visits to trade fairs, companies in the industry, and design offices. Through workshops, guest lecturers, and thematic projects, you will gain additional inspiration and deepen your perspectives.
Get to know teachers and other staff at the Design and Crafts Steneby Unit at Campus Steneby.
Programme structure and content
Basic knowledge about materials, techniques, and design methodology provide the foundation for developing an independent working method and critical approach towards furniture design. The course themes will guide you to more complex problems as the programme progresses. You will learn the process of product development, from sketching and scale models using mock-ups and CAD, to the finished prototype.
You will participate in ongoing discussions within the arts, crafts, and design scenes, and be trained in developing products or furniture for special contexts or users, sometimes together with an industrial partner. An internship period provides the potential for making contacts with manufacturers and design studios. The programme culminates with an in-depth thesis project where you carry through an exploratory design project in furniture design with specialization in wood as material.
Who should apply?
Do you question what others take for granted about furniture and want to investigate the possibilities of new tools and materials? Do you want to explore sustainability challenges and global questions through collaborative project work in furniture design? Do you want to meet social, economic, and industrial needs resulting from environmental challenges through new ways of working with wood? If you want to explore wood as furniture material in a rural context and gain proficiency as a designer - apply for the bachelor’s programme in Wood-Oriented Furniture Design!
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
General entrance requirements for university studies and approved work sample. Exceptions may be made for Swedish when the language of instruction is English.
Portfolio
Portfolio guidelines for the BFA Programme in Wood Oriented Furniture Design.
Selection
The selection is based on an assessment of submitted work samples and a personal interview.
After graduation
The programme provides you with the foundation to work in a design office or run your own business. It also prepares you for further studies at the advanced level.
Facilities
HDK-Valand's facilities at Campus Steneby include large, well-equipped workshops, including those for metalworking, furniture design, and textiles.Our equipment at WOFD includes a well equipped wood working workshop, your own workbench and sketch rooms.
More information about facilities
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
During the second year, you have the opportunity to do an exchange with another school through our international network.
