12 Programmes The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture remains committed to innovation in teaching and learning, ensuring that its programmes remain relevant, sustainable and aligned with professional and industry expectations. Across all departments, curricula are continuously reviewed in relation to the University’s strategic goals and are supported by partnerships that provide students with opportunities for practical, real-world experience. In Architecture, additional curriculum-based activities were introduced to support student transition and engagement. An annual Creativity Week, held at the start of the first semester, familiarised first-year students with studio culture, the university environment and Johannesburg as their learning context. Working in groups led by senior students, participants complete daily challenges exploring themes such as urban life, public space, transport and memory, with input from practising architects and representatives of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession. The Department of Graphic Design expanded student support through a structured mentorship programme coordinated by Ms Ilhaam Khan, with support from Mr Neil Badenhorst. Ten support tutors were appointed, alongside specialist tutors in software, photography, animation and drawing to address a range of academic needs. The Graduate School of Architecture advanced programme innovation through the introduction and consolidation of targeted academic offerings. A new Heritage Short Learning Programme responds to sector demand for applied skills in conservation and built-environment management, while the practice-based Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Architecture provides a framework for advanced designled research grounded in professional practice. Together these initiatives strengthen quality assurance, enhance graduate attributes and support professional relevance. Industrial Design continued to develop entrepreneurial capacity through the Independent Design Hustlers Club (formerly ID Hustlers Club), which assists students in navigating professional practice, including pricing, client engagement and business operations. In 2025 the initiative expanded to include students from Fashion Design, Interior Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, Jewellery Design and Visual Art, encouraging transdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. The FADAfeel project, a thirdyear Industrial Design initiative, further supported applied learning through the design and batch production of gifting and homeware products. Fashion Design presented its annual graduate fashion show in partnership with UJ Arts and Culture. The event formed a key component of the year-end exhibitions and recognised student achievement, with Ashton Welthagen receiving the top award and Faith Tjale and Nelly Sibisi receiving special commendations. The annual FADA Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme (14–25 July) involved 335 second-year students working in 21 interdisciplinary groups to conceptualise and design a professional theatre production. Presented in collaboration with UJ Arts and Culture, the programme promoted collaborative learning, critical thinking and cross-disciplinary skills development. Guest contributors included Allegra Bernacchioni, Nthabiseng Maleka, Rhys Gordon and Mammatli Thakhuli-Nzuza, with Professor Jay Pather presenting the director’s brief for Euripides’ The Bacchae. In response to the growing use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the Design Studies team continued to implement its applied theory methodology and alternative assessment approaches. These strategies encourage critical engagement with AI as a research and planning aid while helping students understand its limitations and ethical implications. Interior Design renders by Thabo Machete
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