From January 13th to 17th, 2025, Dr. Reema Aldossari and Dr. Nadiah Alhumaid from the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts of KSA (WRTH) visited Politecnico di Milano for the second Teaching Transfer activity as part of the Higher Diploma in Traditional Product Development project. This visit built upon the foundation of the first transfer, offering an even richer and more immersive experience designed to deepen WRTH’s understanding of Politecnico’s design-driven methodologies and innovative teaching practices.
During the visit, the WRTH team once again explored the university’s advanced laboratories, including the Prototyping Lab, Visual Lab, Fashion Lab, and the extensive Material Library.
However, this time, the itinerary extended beyond mere observation. To provide a hands-on experience, Politecnico arranged a classroom simulation activity, allowing the WRTH team to participate in interactive courses focused on innovation and design thinking. By engaging directly in classroom exercises, they experienced firsthand how Politecnico’s Project-Based Learning approach fosters creativity and critical thinking among students.
In addition to the classroom simulations, Dr. Aldossari and Dr. Alhumaid had the opportunity to observe a design project review session. During this event, students presented their final projects to a panel of professors, showcasing their work from Visual Communication Design and Product Design courses.
The WRTH team not only witnessed the evaluation process but also gained valuable insights into Politecnico’s assessment criteria, which emphasize both conceptual development and practical execution. This experience highlighted the university’s commitment to high academic standards and its focus on real-world application.
To complement the academic exchange, the WRTH team also visited Triennale Milano, one of the city’s most iconic design exhibitions. This visit offered a broader perspective on Milan’s vibrant design culture, showcasing how historical heritage and contemporary design converge to create an inspiring and dynamic creative environment. Through this experience, the WRTH team not only saw outstanding design works but also felt the pulse of Milan’s design scene, which reinforces experimentation, innovation, and cultural dialogue.
The second Teaching Transfer activity not only deepened the WRTH team’s understanding of Politecnico’s educational philosophies but also enriched their perspective on the broader design world through the Triennale Milano. This visit reinforced the project’s mission to create a sustainable educational framework, where Saudi artisans and designers can thrive by blending heritage techniques with contemporary design approaches.
Looking ahead, WRTH and Politecnico di Milano remain committed to expanding their collaboration, contributing to the development of design education and the preservation of traditional crafts. This ongoing partnership is poised to inspire a new generation of designers who respect tradition while embracing innovation, setting a benchmark for international cooperation in cultural heritage and design innovation.
