Teaching at the IMDR contributes two modules to the foundational education in the architecture programme: Foundations of Design and Drawing. The first module centres on close observation — making irritation productive and uncovering structures that lead to coherent design decisions. The second expands the concept of representation: drawing is treated not merely as depiction, but as a medium that structures perception and renders thinking visible. Both modules demonstrate that design and representation are not just skills but modes of knowledge production that link perception, reflection, and stance.
In the Foundations of Design module, students learn to look closely, allow for irritation, and uncover the underlying structures. On this basis, they develop design decisions that are coherent and consistent. Design thus becomes a process emerging from perception and unfolding its methodology in active practice.
The Drawing module goes beyond the purely representational. Drawing is understood as a medium that structures perception, makes thinking visible, and opens new perspectives. In this way, an expanded concept of representation becomes tangible, in which drawing is an active part of design as a mode of knowledge production.