Design inspiration trip to Berlin

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

BA (Hons) Interior Design, BA(Hons) Design Craft, BA/BSc (Hons) Product Design, MA Interior Design, MA Digital Design, and MA Design Innovation and Management students are eligible to apply for this opportunity. There is a maximum of 45 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

The primary purpose of this trip is to inspire design students by immersing them in large-scale design projects, collections, and environments unique to Berlin. The trip is open to students across all academic levels, and the itinerary has been designed to offer both design-relevant and level-appropriate experiences.

Group activities will include visits to culturally significant landmarks and exhibitions, such as the , the Berlin Global Exhibition, the Bauhaus Archive, and Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

In addition to shared experiences, subject-specific visits will provide tailored insights for each discipline (there will be cross over):

Level 6 and 7 students will also be given additional time for self-directed visits, based on prior research and their individual Major Design Project themes. This flexibility allows them to engage more deeply with areas most relevant to their creative development.

Learning objectives

This trip offers a valuable opportunity to explore how design and culture intersect on a larger scale. Berlin’s cultural diversity, rich history, and dynamic urban environment provide a wealth of visual and contextual inspiration. From its eclectic blend of historical and contemporary architecture to its bold street art and reimagined public spaces, the city presents a unique setting where students can observe how design both responds to and shapes social, political, and cultural narratives.

For Level 4 and 5 students, the trip serves as a formative experience to broaden their understanding of design contexts and begin developing their own design identity. Immersing themselves in Berlin’s design culture will help them refine their observational skills and gain a deeper appreciation of design’s impact beyond the classroom.

For Level 6 and 7 students, the itinerary is designed to offer flexibility, allowing them to seek out experiences and insights relevant to their individual Major Design Projects. Students are encouraged to conduct their own research prior to the trip to identify locations and resources that will benefit their specific areas of study. Upon returning, participants will be encouraged to integrate their experiences into the final stages of their Major Design Projects.

Skill development

This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:

Agility

Confidence

Critical Thinking

Organisational

Cultural activities

Berlin boasts a vibrant and diverse design scene, shaped by both its rich historical legacy and cutting-edge contemporary innovations. Students will have free time to explore the city independently, with opportunities to visit the creative shopping districts of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Friedrichshain; areas known for their unique blend of design, fashion, and culture.

The city also stands out for its thoughtful and respectful engagement with its past. Berlin openly reflects on its role in World War II and has established numerous dignified and powerful memorials to honor the victims of the Holocaust, offering important cultural and historical context for visiting students.

All participants are strongly encouraged to purchase the Berlin ‘Museum Pass,’ which provides access to over 30 museums. These institutions cover an impressive range of historical, artistic, contemporary, and socially significant themes, offering valuable learning opportunities for all design disciplines and academic levels.