MA/MS in Spatial Design

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The goal of the Spatial Design program is to educate highly qualified spatial designers, researchers, and experts in the built environment who can operate within interdisciplinary contexts and respond creatively and responsibly to contemporary social, ecological, and technological challenges. The program aims to develop professionals who, through research-based practices and global process analysis, are capable of creating innovative and sustainable spatial environments, reflecting on their creative activities, and fostering positive cultural, material, and social well-being transformations. Learning outcomes: 1. Knowledge and its application: 1.1. Explain complex spatial design processes, analyze and apply design and architectural strategies, and create, develop, and communicate design concepts. 1.2. Understand the principles of spatial design management, assess the challenges posed by climate change and ecology in strategic design, and analyze contemporary design, sociological, and spatial philosophical theories. 1.3. Apply the principles of critical design, spatial anthropology, universal design, and technological innovation to address complex spatial design challenges. 1.4. Analyze trends in social, cultural, and economic development and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and methods to solve spatial design problems in various contexts. 1.5. Work on real projects in companies and organizations, plan, design, develop, and manage complex projects. 1.6. Apply design strategies, use communication tools, and manage technological processes and tools in practical spatial design work. 2. Ability to carry out research: 2.1. Independently identify, research, and critically evaluate complex and systemic themes in the human environment (spatial design), formulate problems in a broad social, cultural, economic, ecological, or new technological context, and integrate design solutions. 2.2. Know the types and principles of research design, key methods, data collection and analysis tools, and select and apply them appropriately, critically evaluating the chosen research methodology by explaining its advantages and disadvantages. 2.3. Independently collect, analyze, summarize, synthesize, and creatively interpret information and data from various scientific and artistic fields, applying scientific/artistic research methods and spatial design principles to the design, development, and implementation of innovation. Present research findings to professionals and the public. 2.4. Cite sources and other authors' ideas legally and ethically, without plagiarism, respecting copyright and other intellectual property rights. 3. Subject specific skills: 3.1. Formulate an individual, critical approach to spatial design phenomena, processes, and creative methods; discover new areas and methods of creative application, objectively evaluate personal activity, and relate it to societal and market needs. 3.2. Work independently and as part of a team to develop and implement innovative spatial design projects addressing problems in the built environment, using advanced design methods. 3.3. Present projects to audiences, discuss them in professional and interdisciplinary settings at national and international levels, and advise on spatial design strategy, development, realization, and evaluation. 3.4. Think conceptually and strategically; assess and take into account the context of a new or unfamiliar environment; anticipate and critically evaluate trends, scenarios, and their impact on spatial planning activities, including social, cultural, economic, or technological changes. 4. Social skills: 4.1. Work as part of a team, organize work independently, and take responsibility for the quality of personal and team performance, ensuring continuous improvement. 4.2. Communicate clearly in writing and orally, collaborating constructively with professionals from different disciplines in the spatial design strategy, concept, development, and implementation process. 4.3. Work in interdisciplinary and intercultural contexts: in various creative industries and social activities, uphold professional ethics and citizenship, and take responsibility for implementing joint activities, integrating different contexts. 5. Personal skills 5.1. Initiate, plan, organize, and coordinate innovative, complex spatial design projects and research, objectively evaluate the results, and provide guidelines for improvement. 5.2. Plan and organize activities rationally, consistently pursue goals, and reflect on personal and others' achievements. 5.3. Undertake independent study and make informed choices for personal development and continuous learning. Activities of teaching and learning: Theoretical and practical seminars, creative workshops, creative/professional internships, colloquia, lectures, individual consultation, group discussions. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Reviews, Exams. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The study programme is 120 kr. and consists of: - 66 credits for the field(s) of study, excluding the final thesis/project and the final examinations, which lead to the achievement of the study outcomes specified in the field description - 24 credits for studies specified by the Academy or chosen by the student - 30 credits shall be allocated to the final thesis. The research part of the thesis and the final creative project shall be prepared. Compulsory courses: Experimental platform 1 Experimental platform 1I Master's thesis. Project Research platform I Research platform II Research platform III Critical space design histories and theories Critical design: critical thinking trough design Critical spatial design Professional network. Ecology and Technologies Specialisations: Media. Visual communication Narrating tools Optional courses: 24 credits for the Elective. Electives: Design anthropology Innovation management Artist's book History and theory of curating: global and local perspectives Baltic Contemporary Art: Discourses and Practices University-wide elective courses (MA) Study field elective courses (MA) Space politics City and space studies (VU) Distinctive features of a study programme: Currently, no higher education institution in Lithuania offers a master's program in interior design. The Spatial Design master's program at the Vilnius Academy of Arts stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating architecture, interior design, art, and research methodologies to shape a new generation of spatial design professionals. Unlike traditional interior or architecture studies, this program goes beyond aesthetic and functional space design, addressing social, ecological, and technological challenges. It is based on the latest scientific and artistic research findings, integrating them into the curriculum and encouraging students not only to create but also to reflect on the impact of their work within a broader cultural and societal context. By emphasizing global challenges, such as climate change, the circular economy, and the adaptation of built environments to future needs, this program is unique not only in Lithuania but also in the Baltic region. Furthermore, the program provides students with the opportunity to participate in international scientific and creative projects, ensuring hands-on experience in high-level professional contexts. The study methodology promotes experimentation, research on new materials and technologies, spatial perception analysis, and critical design practices. This program goes beyond traditional design tools, encouraging the use of innovative approaches such as digital fabrication technologies, interactive solutions, and sustainable materials. This perspective enables graduates not only to successfully integrate into interior design, architecture, or research fields but also to pioneer new practices and professional directions, expanding the boundaries of the spatial design discipline. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Individual practice, work in design or architecture companies, work in public institutions, teaching in a professional or university context. Access to further study: Eligibility to pursue doctorate studies.