FDDI Noida’s Foundation Batch students completed a series of enriching educational visits, successfully linking India’s historical design heritage with the cutting edge of contemporary art. These trips—to the National Museum and the Lalit Kala Akademi—were designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution and future of design.
On August 28th, September 2nd, and 3rd 2025, the Foundation Batch embarked on a journey to the National Museum. This visit was a critical exploration of the roots of Indian craftsmanship and aesthetics. Each gallery served as a lesson in history, revealing how design has consistently served a purpose far beyond mere decoration.
Students immersed themselves in textiles, jewelry, and ancient sculptures. The experience was particularly impactful for design majors; for instance, a footwear design student shared how viewing ancient paadukaaye (traditional footwear) immediately sparked a rush of creative ideas and instilled a newfound appreciation for India’s long-standing tradition of fine craftsmanship.
With faculty guidance, students learned to critically analyze the intentions behind historical pieces, highlighting the global relevance of indigenous aesthetics. The visit underscored how the rich artistic heritage of India continues to inspire global luxury brands, providing students with valuable lessons for their own design careers.
Following their historical exploration, students shifted their focus to the present, visiting the Lalit Kala Akademi on 1st and 4th September 2025. This visit provided crucial academic exposure to contemporary art practices.
Students engaged with vibrant and thought-provoking artworks that challenged conventional forms while remaining rooted in cultural context. The open-ended nature of the art encouraged deep, personal interpretation, sharpening the students' skills in observation and critical analysis—fundamental elements of the design process.
The visit emphasized that design is an active force in shaping new traditions, not just preserving old ones. Furthermore, students gained valuable, real-world insights into the professional art economy, including the auction process and the viability of art as a career path, thus broadening their understanding of the creative industry as a whole.
