Students from the Master’s in Product Design embarked on a cultural study trip to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, beautifully situated along the northern banks of the Tejo River and the Atlantic coast. Renowned for its historic neighborhoods, colorful architecture, iconic trams, and rich cultural heritage, Lisbon provided an inspiring backdrop for this immersive learning experience.

This field trip played a vital role in reinforcing key themes related to product and mobility design, offering students valuable insights into how local craftsmanship, material culture, and urban dynamics have influenced Portugal’s design identity and innovation.
During their visit, students explored several landmark institutions, including:

• Berardo Art Deco Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of early 20th-century design and decorative arts. BMAD is located in Alcântara, west of central Lisbon. It houses the Berardo Collection, an exquisite selection of furniture, lighting, figurines, paintings, and glassware that illustrate the evolution of the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco movements.
• MUDE – Design Museum, a hub of contemporary and historical design perspectives. MUDE – Lisbon’s Design Museum, recently reopened after extensive refurbishment, presents a thought-provoking exhibition titled "What Are Things For?" This permanent collection explores the purpose of design by questioning how and why products were created, communicated, perceived, and consumed over time.
• The National Coach Museum, home to one of the world’s most remarkable collections of royal carriages. The National Coach Museum boasts a remarkable collection of gala and touring vehicles from the 16th to 19th centuries, predominantly used by the Portuguese Royal Household. The exhibition provides a captivating insight into the technical and artistic evolution of animal-drawn transportation across European courts, leading up to the advent of motor vehicles.
• MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, which bridges the past and future of creative industries. The MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is a striking futuristic structure designed by British architect Amanda Levete. Situated along the Tejo River, it contrasts dramatically with its red-brick industrial neighbor, The Electricity Factory. The museum currently features 500 nature-inspired paintings by Swiss-Argentine artist Vivian Suter, as well as "Rooms" by British artist Anthony McCall, an immersive sensory experience that blurs the boundaries between sculpture, cinema, drawing, and performance.
• The Electricity Factory, a striking industrial heritage site illustrating Portugal’s energy history. The Electricity Factory is a permanent exhibition showcasing the original machinery that powered Lisbon in the early 20th century. With its vast galleries, turbines, and intricate pipe systems, the site provides an engaging look at the history of energy, as well as contemporary innovations and challenges related to sustainability and future energy solutions.

By reflecting on historical artifacts, technological advancements, and cultural influences, students gained a deeper understanding of how design has evolved through social change, new materials, and innovation. This immersive experience encouraged them to envision a future where design plays a pivotal role in enhancing people’s lives.

Through this dynamic program, students gained firsthand exposure to Lisbon’s rich design ecosystem, deepening their understanding of historical influences, contemporary practice, and future possibilities within their discipline.

This visit, aimed exclusively at students on the MA in Product Design, is part of the programme of study trips as part of this MA, coordinated by Jeremy Aston and Sérgio Lemos.