In today's rapidly evolving world, where innovation and creativity reign supreme, institutions must embrace a practical approach to education that goes beyond theory and translates knowledge into real impact. Design, communication, and industrial design engineering are fields that demand hands-on experience and a deep understanding of real-world challenges. By promoting a practical approach, institutions empower students to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a dynamic learning environment that produces highly skilled professionals. A prime exemplar of this ethos is Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering, renowned for its commitment to cultivating practical expertise and unleashing the transformative potential of education.
Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering proudly stands as Spain's first design school, boasting a remarkable legacy of over 60 years. With a strong pledge to an open, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach to training and research, Elisava remains steadfastly oriented toward the professional world. Its distinguished record encompasses more than 20,000 students hailing from over 100 countries, equipping them with the necessary skills to confront and conquer formidable professional challenges while upholding considerations for social, environmental, and gender-related aspects. A notable strength lies in Elisava's extensive network of collaborations with local companies, design studios, and agencies, which aids in identifying and nurturing emerging talent. As a result, a significant proportion of Elisava graduates seamlessly transition into fulfilling careers immediately upon completing their studies, a testament to the institution's profound impact and industry relevance.
Furthermore, Elisava�s main building has more than 11,000 sq m of facilities. It is located on La Rambla, in the heart of Barcelona, in one of the most emblematic parts of the city, just a short stroll from the Mediterranean Sea. It has specialized workshops and laboratories (graphic workshop, space lab, science and technology lab, interaction and electronics lab, media lab, 3d printing lab), outdoor spaces, conference rooms and exhibition rooms, and multi-purpose classrooms.
Elisava actively fosters collaborations between the university, industry, and institutions, continually striving to generate substantial market and societal impact. Explaining more about the institution, the Managing Director of Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering - Dr. Javier Pena says, �We advocate for an educational approach that emphasizes practicality, enabling the transfer of knowledge to create tangible impact within the realms of design, communication, and industrial design engineering. Our students are provided with opportunities to engage in creative and innovative projects, addressing the specific business challenges faced by various companies, organizations, and institutions. By employing the scientific method, human-centered design, creativity, research, and prototyping, we tackle these projects, developing proposals that directly respond to the authentic briefs and requirements of our esteemed partner companies.�
"Elisava Barcelona School of Design & Engineering proudly stands as Spain's first design school, boasting a remarkable legacy of over 60 years"
Diverse Expertise in Faculties
The faculty at Elisava consists of exceptional active professionals, many of whom have received their training at the university and currently hold positions in prominent companies, design studios, technology centres, and research labs. Complementing this expertise is an internal team of academics and Ph.D. holders from diverse fields such as design, engineering, architecture, communication, social sciences, and art. These accomplished individuals not only engage in research but also actively contribute to teaching and knowledge dissemination. With nearly 800 professors and collaborators, this open, diverse, and cosmopolitan network imparts its wealth of knowledge to over 2,000 students annually. The faculty remains attuned to industry trends across sectors and benefits from extensive professional connections, thereby enriching their engagement with students. Moreover, Elisava enjoys the privilege of hosting renowned international figures who participate in conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and workshops, fostering an environment of vibrant intellectual exchange and enriching the daily activities of the institution.
Elisava Masters� Scholarships
Elisava places immense importance on promoting and facilitating access to education for all aspiring students. In line with this commitment, the institution provides several scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and master's studies. The Elisava Masters' Scholarships are designed to acknowledge, reward, and showcase the exceptional talent and excellence of prospective master's students. Annually held in March, this scholarship program offers 16 scholarships covering 50 percent of the tuition fees. Furthermore, for Undergraduate Degrees, the school extends 8 scholarships of 50 percent specifically for students who demonstrate exceptional talent, motivation, and a strong passion for design while also considering their economic circumstances. These scholarships aim to recognize and support students who embody excellence in design.
Furthermore, Elisava's future roadmap centers around its core objective of knowledge transfer and making a positive impact on individuals, society, and the planet. The institution aims to further expand its international network of design excellence, fulfilling its social responsibility. By fostering diverse, equitable, and sustainable values, Elisava strives to contribute to the personal growth and development of its community as a fundamental goal. �At Elisava, we nurture designers and engineers who possess a creative mindset, critical thinking abilities, and an exploratory perspective of the world. They are equipped to engage in meaningful dialogues and interactions within social, productive, scientific, and cultural realms. Our educational approach aims to empower students to design products, services, and environments that contribute to the development of a more inclusive and sustainable society. By fostering these skills and values, we prepare our students to make a positive impact in their professional endeavors and foster meaningful change in the world,� concludes Dr. Javier Pena.
Dr. Javier Pena, Managing Director
Dr. Javier Pena is a passionate advocate of energy, frequency, and vibration. He is a university professor, and scientific disseminator, and obtained a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences. Javier is the Managing Director of Elisava since 2016 and focuses his research on new functional materials and their integration into design.
.png){kind=logo}