International Week at ESADA!
During the 8th Granada Design Week, ESADA had the honor of hosting staff from several schools with which we have Erasmus agreements. Representing Turkey, Lithuania, and Portugal, our distinguished guests not only brought their unique design expertise but also a contagious enthusiasm for immersing themselves in our academic community.
From the moment they arrived, our visitors engaged in a variety of exciting activities organized as part of our GDW. They actively participated in workshops, conferences, and collaborative sessions, sharing their unique knowledge and perspectives with our students and staff. Among our guests were representatives from Turkey, including Özüm Karadağ, Zeynep Sevinç and Burkay Pasin from Yaşar University in Izmir. They actively participated in numerous workshops and conferences.
We also welcomed the visit of Tuba Terece, Cansu Akyol and Mırsajjad Eslamkhah from Biruni University in Istanbul. In addition to participating in various activities, Tuba and Cansu organized a very interesting workshop for several of our students during the GDW called "Think out of the box: Design Your Own Place". This workshop focused on the body-space relationship, where students created a two-dimensional abstract space in which they carried out various actions, delimiting their own space with adhesive tape in a public area, specifically in the vicinity of Trinidad Square.
At the end of the process, the two-dimensional abstract space transformed into a three-dimensional action space, allowing participants to experiment with the relationship between the body and the environment in a unique and creative way.
From Vilnius, we also appreciated the participation of Veronika Žvirblė and Jaroslav Daveiko from Vilnius College of Technology and Design (VTDK), whose contribution was invaluable in enriching our design week with a Lithuanian perspective. They conducted a workshop called "The Power of Light and Shadows", focusing on exploring the emotional impact and plasticity of forms through the interaction between light and shadows.
During the workshop, participants learned techniques to identify light as a compositional tool, reveal the plastic qualities of space, and create specific atmospheres. Principles of lighting, reflection, and their influence on the perception and composition of images were also addressed, as well as the relationship between the direction and length of shadows in visual composition.
From Portugal, we were pleased to have Rita Nunes, a representative from ISEC Lisboa, participate. Her experience and perspective significantly enriched our conversations and activities. Additionally, she gave a presentation about her institution to our 1st-year Graphic Design students to encourage them to undertake their Erasmus mobility at her school.
But it wasn't all work and study; we also wanted to show them the cultural richness and beauty of our city. We took them on a guided tour thanks to Pateando Granada, exploring the charms of Granada, its historic alleys, impressive monuments, and vibrant urban life. And, of course, we couldn't let them leave without trying the best of our local cuisine.
One of the most significant moments was taking our guests to sample Granada's famous tapas. We sat in cozy bars and taverns, sharing typical dishes while exchanging stories and experiences. It was an authentic moment of connection, where cultural differences disappeared, and we enjoyed good food and company together.
This special week not only enriched our minds with new ideas and perspectives but also strengthened the bonds we share as members of the global design community. It reminded us of the importance of international collaboration and cultural diversity in creating a more creative and connected world.
