Bruno Vermeersch (1981) has become Editor in Chief of the form study classes as of September. The form study classes (‘a course focused on form’) are an integral part of the education. The main objective is to develop one’s own signature , as a result of which a student can present him or herself as an autonomous designer. With the introduction of  ‘Masters of Form’, Vermeersch is presenting an inspiring and multifaceted new programme.

In the coming year, students from the Architecture, Urbanism and Landscape Architecture study programmes will work with 30 guest lecturers on 30 new design and research assignments. The title of the new form study class programme, put together by Bruno Vermeersch, is ‘Masters of Form’, which partly refers to the pupil-mastership that forms the basis for this course. ‘Of course, the term “masters” is a reference to the three regular Master’s programmes at the Academy, but it is not a Master’s programme itself. It is the project title with which you want to usher in maturity and leave puberty behind us,’ says Vermeersch.

‘Whether you like it or not, form is an integral part of architecture, landscape design and urban planning, if not the main basis of the field. With these classes, we will go in search of autonomy and each person’s visual DNA. The main objective is the development of a clear signature style, the planting of the first germ, as well as generating and enriching one’s own visual powers. Art constitutes the main frame of reference in this process, or rather the reality within which you wish to develop a high-quality course.

‘After autonomy comes materials science, the development of a sensibility for materials. ‘We shall conclude the year with an official examination, an “Open Call”. This entails the teacher posing a question to the student, who interprets this question as he or she sees fit. No means, technique or form of expression is predetermined for this. Only the objective, namely that one must react to the question completely autonomously.’

At the end of the academic year, we will organise a final show, where the quality of the course will be celebrated. A committee comprising representatives from the creative industry will assess the projects. With the support of the Dutch Creative Industries Fund (Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie), six golden tickets will be handed out to projects that will be further developed. Communication plays an incredibly important role in this. By using photos and video well, you can convince the committee of your project. That is why I have decided to involve the specialists from The One Minutes as media partner in the form study classes.’

Masters
The students will work with 30 guest lecturers from the design practice during the form study classes. ‘These guest lecturers are the masters that guide the transformations with the students. We will explore architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism from various perspectives, free of pragmatism. The first 10 videos created for the form study class assignments can now be seen on the Masters of Form Facebook page.

Bruno Vermeersch (Kortrijk, 1981) graduated with a Master’s in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Ghent. As architect and product designer, he gained ten years work experience at the the internationally renowned Studio Makkink & Bey. He is founder of 50 Minutes and co-founder of Jacques & André. He is a regular guest lecturer and jury member at various academies and universities, and a committee member at the Creative Industries Fund.

The Masters of Form: Philip Lüschen, Daniel V. Keller, Gabriel Lester, Roel van Tour, Leonard van Munster, Os and Oos, Robin Vermeersch, Noël Loozen, Lonneke van der Palen, Pim Palsgraaf, Sander Wassink, Bas Van Beek, Marieke van den Heuvel, Frank Bruggeman, Arnout Meijer Studio, Mario Minale, Maarten Kolk, Anne Dessing, Ernst van der Hoeven, Tom van Soest, Jules van den Langenberg, Bruno Vermeersch, Georg Bohle, Michou de Bruijn, Afdeling Buitengewone Zaken, Woes van Haaften, 50 minutes, Arne Hendriks, Marieke Kums en Wouter van Stiphout.