| |19 OCTOBER , 2024HIGHERReviewEDITOER'S CHOICEAt TDV, the curriculum is designed to help students design the reason first, fostering a deep sense of purpose and vision in their work. TDV nurtures individuals by allowing them the flexibility to explore various fields of design. Students are not confined to a single discipline but can become versatile, non-silo designers capable of influencing and transforming the world through design in any medium. This approach echoes the ethos that a good designer can design anything, making TDV a unique and forward-thinking institution in the realm of design education.TDV's Unique CurriculumThe Design Village (TDV) represents a pioneering approach to design education, born out of a collaborative Indian-Dutch proposal in 2011 called 'Indeed,' aimed at redefining Indian design education. Rooted in contemporary, bold, and forward-looking thinking, TDV's curriculum fosters designers who challenge conventions and question the status quo. The educational philosophy at the institute revolves around several core values: intrinsic motivation, personal responsibility, responsibility and freedom, inspiration and confrontation, and lifetime learning.Intrinsic motivation drives students to understand the significance of their learning journey and empowers them to defend their beliefs. Personal responsibility is emphasized, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning process. TDV provides students with the freedom to choose their own educational path while instilling a sense of accountability. The curriculum stimulates curiosity, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions alongside finding answers. Lifelong learning is ingrained in TDV's ethos, fostering a culture where both students and faculty continuously learn and teach from one another.The curriculum comprises three main components: Villaging, Taskbox, and Baskets. Villaging focuses on personal development and community building, instilling TDV's core values of awareness, compassion, courage, and perseverance. Taskbox involves industry-centric design projects, offering students hands-on experience with real-world challenges. Baskets consist of themed clusters of courses, providing a structured approach to learning specific disciplines or objectives.TDV boasts an esteemed International Board of professors and professionals who ensure the alignment of the institute's philosophy with its activities. Faculty development master classes and teaching-learning centers are among the initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education. The faculty plays a central role in cultivating a learning-oriented culture, prioritizing student growth over traditional teaching methods.TDV offers UGC-recognized Bachelor's and Master's programs in collaboration with the OP Jindal Global University, including specializations in Fashion and Textile Design, Communication and Interaction Design, Product and Industrial Design, Space and Interior Design, and Transdisciplinary Design.Diverse International Exposure OpportunitiesThe Design Village (TDV) offers a rich array of international exposure opportunities to both students and staff, enriching their learning experiences. Through collaborations with esteemed faculty from institutions like TuDelft in the Netherlands, dedicated masterclasses are conducted, covering topics ranging from aesthetics to social design, providing students with diverse perspectives and benchmarking international standards. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, TDV facilitated online lectures, expanding students' knowledge base.Students benefit from curated design travel experiences through Dtours India, exploring architecture, design, art, and culture in countries such as Europe and Japan. These experiences not only broaden students' horizons but also foster humility and empowerment.The partnership with Domaine de Boisbuchet in France provides students with hands-on experiences in a unique learning environment. TDV's Summer-Winter school at Boisbuchet allows students to engage in practical activities, contributing to the India Pavilion and permanent installations, while also facilitating outreach and communication for Boisbuchet in India.Encouraging international exposure further, TDV facilitates semester-long study abroad programs at partner schools like L'école de Design Nantes Atlantique, TU Delft, Politecnico Milano, and Domus Academy Milano. This initiative offers students the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives while immersing themselves in foreign cultures.The guidance of an esteemed International Board of professors and professionals is pivotal in shaping TDV's curriculum. Their involvement ensures the seamless integration of the institute's philosophy into all activities, including faculty development masterclasses, student lectures, and workshops, thereby establishing an
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