Year 11 Design Technology Excursion to Hong Kong Design Institute

On Wednesday 29 April, our Year 11 HSC and IB Design Technology students visited the Hong Kong Design Institute in Tiu Keng Leng for an inspiring morning of creativity, collaboration and design thinking.

Students began the visit by exploring the Dieter Rams: Less but Better exhibition, which introduced them to the work and philosophy of one of the most influential industrial designers of the modern era. Through Rams’ focus on simplicity, purpose and function, students were encouraged to reflect on what makes a design truly effective and meaningful.

The highlight of the excursion was Kengo Kuma’s Architecture for the Five Senses. This exhibition encouraged students to think beyond how buildings look and consider how architecture can be experienced through light, texture, sound, materials and movement. It prompted thoughtful discussion about the way spaces can influence how people feel, interact and connect with their surroundings.

Building on these ideas, students then took part in a hands-on design workshop. Working collaboratively in groups, they were challenged to imagine buildings and spaces for the future. The activity encouraged creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, as students considered how design can respond to changing human, social and environmental needs.

The visit concluded with a campus tour, giving students the opportunity to see HKDI’s impressive facilities and gain insight into the range of creative pathways available in design, architecture and technology.

Overall, the excursion was a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world design practice. It broadened their understanding of how designers think, how spaces shape human experience, and how thoughtful design can contribute to the future.

By: Thomas McTiernan, Secondary Teacher