BIP title: Design Trends: Between Tradition and Innovation
BIP code: 2024-1-RO01-KA131-HED-000201161-3
ISCED code: 0212 – Fashion, interior and industrial design
Partner universities:
- Politehnica University Timisoara (RO TIMISOA04) – host
- University of Malaga (E MALAGA01)
- International Hellenic University (G THESSAL14)
- American University of Skopje (MK SKOPJE10)
- Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (P BRAGANC01)
Structure:
- Online component: 27.10.2025 – 07.11.2025
- Physical mobility in Timisoara: 10.11.2025 – 14.11.2025
- Attendance of both the virtual and the physical components of the programme is mandatory.
- Upon successful completion of the BIP, students will receive 3 ECTS
Target students:
- Level of studies: Bachelor, Master
- Study fields: architecture, interior design, art, landscaping, graphic design, engineering, computer science and multimedia, heritage and history
- English level: minimum B1
Contents: The primary focus of this blended intensive program will be the exploration of decorative elements from diverse regions of the world, revealing their local characteristics and cultural narratives. Participants will explore how these traditional motifs can be preserved and integrated into contemporary design and architecture by combining innovative digital tools with time-honored craftsmanship, with a particular focus on emerging creative trends. Through a combination of cutting-edge digital techniques—such as 3D scanning and printing—and traditional methods, including plaster mold casting, the program offers a unique platform for bridging cultural heritage with forward-looking design practices, fostering both preservation and innovation.
Methods and outcomes: Students will explore zoomorphic decorative elements from all partner countries, learning about their local characteristics and cultural meanings. They will become familiar with both traditional techniques—such as plaster mold casting—and modern methods, including 3D scanning, modeling, and printing. The program connects heritage and innovation, enabling participants to identify shared features as well as distinctive local traits that shape contemporary design and architecture. Study visits and excursions in Timișoara and the Western region of Romania will be organized to analyze the diversity of these decorative elements firsthand.
Virtual Component Description: The virtual component of the program will introduce participants to the foundational concepts and tools necessary for the analysis and digital reproduction of decorative elements. Participants will conduct studies on ornaments specific to each partner country, analyzing zoomorphic elements found on buildings in their locality, region, or country, as well as the traditional methods used to create them. Key digital tools—such as 3D scanning software, modeling programs, and 3D printing preparation platforms—will be presented. Collaboration and project management tools will support effective group work throughout the program.
Application:
- Students from partner universities (see list of partner universities above):
- are selected and nominated by their home institution to incoming@upt.ro before October 1st, 2025
- will submit their pre-mobility documents to incoming@upt.ro before October 8th, 2025.
- Students from other universities:
- should fill in this application form before October 1st, 2025
- selection results will be sent out before October 5th, 2025
Selected students:
- OLA (Online Learning Agreement) should be submitted to Assoc. Prof. Dr. arch. Catalina BOCAN, catalina.bocan@upt.ro
- ISCED code for OLA: 0212 – Fashion, interior and industrial design
Questions?
- E-mail: incoming@upt.ro
