DSa X KDS is a design education program born from the collaboration of two prestigious institutions: DS academy (DSa) and Kuwasawa Design School (KDS) in Japan.
Founded in 1954 by Kuwasawa Yoko, Kuwasawa Design School (KDS) is Japan’s first specialized design school. It earned high praise from Bauhaus director Walter Gropius, who called it the "Bauhaus of the East." With its unique positioning as a "specialized design school," KDS has nurtured numerous internationally renowned designers, including Shiro Kuramata, Tokujin Yoshioka, Katsumi Asaba, Naoki Takizawa, Masateru Aoba, Keisuke Nagatomo, Yui Takada, Mieko Kato, Yutaka Sato, and Toru Kase.
DS academy (DSa) traces its origins to Design Summer, an experimental design education project founded in 2009 by Dr. Jumping He. As a pioneering initiative in design education, DSa has gained a strong reputation in China for its forward-thinking educational philosophy and outstanding results. Over the past 16 years, more than 200 internationally renowned designers from over 10 countries have been invited to serve as lecturers. Thousands of students have been trained through the program, earning widespread recognition in the industry. Positioned at the forefront of design education, DSa continues to explore innovative pathways for the future of design education.
In 2025, driven by mutual attraction between DSa and KDS, DSa joins hands with KDS to launch the DSa X KDS experimental education project. This program is dedicated to cultivating young elite designers with an international vision, revolutionary techniques, and innovative thinking. During the intensive two-month training, participants will engage in face-to-face discussions with leading design experts and scholars from China and around the world. Theoretical and practical courses are delivered through exclusive, personalized, and research-driven instruction in small-group settings. At DSa X KDS, experienced lecturers from the prestigious KDS will play an active role in the classroom, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration to students. In addition, the program covers a wide range of topics, including design history and theory, multidisciplinary research, material craftsmanship, and creative thinking. Participants will immerse themselves in a culturally diverse environment, experiencing the unique integration of Japanese design education with global design perspectives. In this dedicated academic setting, every participant shall embark on a journey to unlock their untapped creative potential, with their vision greatly broadened.
No need for international applications—outstanding participants of DSa X KDS can directly take part in the entrance assessment and the interview of KDS during the program. Each year, a significant number of students from DSa X KDS have been admitted to this prestigious institution. DSa X KDS serves as a bridge connecting you to your dream academy, ensuring a seamless path to studying abroad.
Advantages of DSa X KDS
I. Integration of Top-Tier Educational Resources
1. Expert Resources: reuniting world-class professional educational resources, the program offers participants rich learning resources and strong professional guidance.
2. Intellectual Exchange: By blending Eastern and Western design philosophies, participants shall gain deep insights of different design thinking and methodology against diverse cultural contexts.
3. Official Recognition: As an officially recognized joint program of KDS, “DSa X KDS ” enjoys a prestigious reputation and high level of recognition. Upon completion of the training, participants shall receive a certificate issued by KDS, serving as a valuable credential to their future career development.
II. Curriculum
1. Balance Between Practice and Theory:The program emphasizes both hands-on practice and theoretical learning to ensure comprehensive development of students in this field.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum Structure: The curriculum is structured to cover fundamental design principles, professional expertise, and innovative thinking, forming a well-rounded educational system.
3. Small-Group lecturing: The courses are taught in small classes to guarantee sufficient attention and guidance to each student, ensuring their personal development.
III. Quick Access to Studying Abroad
1. High Efficient Study Abroad Path
Top-performing students from the DSa X KDS program can participate in entrance exams and interviews of KDS directly in China, no need to go through the overseas application process.
2. High Admission Rate
A significant percentage of students admitted, securing opportunities to study at a prestigious international design institution.
3. Direct Access to High-Quality Educational Resources
Participants will have direct exposure to the exceptional resources of KDS, enhancing both their design skills and professional expertise.
4. Additional Benefits
Participants will gain valuable international study experience, networking opportunities, which lays a solid foundation for their future career development.
Academic Committee
Katsumi Asaba
Tokyo / Japan
Ryuhei Sato
Tokyo / Japan
Dr. Jumping He
Berlin / Germany
Prof. Fons Hickmann
Berlin / Germany
Prof. Markus Weisbeck
Frankfurt / Germany
Course Schedule
14 July—5 September, 2025 (Monday to Friday)
Note:
The regular design practice sessions take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while the afternoon sessions from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM feature general courses periodically.
or further details, please consult the course schedule.
Course Structure
DSa X KDS pioneers a dual-track curriculum, integrating 50% of KDS’ synchronized courses with 50% of DSa’s specialized programs.This intensive two-month design practice combines KDS’ expertise with DSa’s hands-on approach, establishing a strong professional foundation. Participants also gain access to DSa’s public courses in design philosophy and history, multidisciplinary lectures, design production and printing techniques.
Applicant Eligibility
1. Individuals aspiring to pursue further studies in design abroad, professional designers, and design and art enthusiasts.
2. Priority will be given to applicants who have obtained or are about to obtain the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate.
Course selection
Based on the DSa X KDS two-month curriculum, the session is designed as a complete two-month study program, and short-term enrollments are not accepted.
Certification & Qualification
1. Course lectures will evaluate participants' academic performance, and those who meet the requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion jointly issued by DSa & Kuwasawa Design School (KDS), Japan
2. KDS will conduct a specialized selection process to admit at least five outstanding participants into the three-year full-time program at Kuwasawa Design School in Japan.
KDS Special Selection Process
1. Participants will complete a personal portfolio through their studies at DSa X KDS, which will serve as a key criterion for the KDS selection process.
2. The KDS selection process will be conducted within three working days before the completion of DSa X KDS, and the results will be announced within three working days after course completion. Selected participants will receive an official admission letter confirming their qualification for the KDS program.
3. Selected participants must obtain an N1 (Level 1) or N2 (Level 2) certification in the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), organized by JEES (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services) and the Japan Foundation, before the KDS-specified deadline.
(Note: This exam is held annually in July and December in Shanghai.)
Host Organizations
hesign
Center for Visual Arts Berlin
Kuwasawa Design School
Partner Organizations
Center for Visual Arts Berlin e.V.
Tokyo Zokei University
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw
Universität der Künste Berlin
