GLOBAL
OUTWARD-REACHING I N N O VAT I V E
C R E AT I V E PERSONAL
Â
VISIONARY
F O R W A R D -T H I N K I N G CO L L A B O R AT I V E DIVERSE
PA S S I O N AT E
PROFESSIONAL
LEADERS
Studio Classroom Green Lane Academic Building
Design Study at KEAN
UNIVERSI TY
M I C H A E L G R AV E S CO L L E G E ROBERT BUSCH SCHOOL of DESIGN SCHOOL of PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
ADVERTISING
ARCHITECTURE
GRAPHIC
INDUSTRIAL
INTERIOR
Location 35 MIN NYC by train
NEW YORK CITY PENN STATION
NEWARK PENN STATION
transfer trains
KEAN U N I V E R S I T Y
Union Train Station / Raritan Line
Opportunity & Access MOST AFFOR DABLE TUITION IN NEW JERSEY
WELCOME. The Michael Graves College at Kean University has made a commitment to transform architectural and design education by making it meaningful to the general public. Architecture and Design are inherently public and humanist arts. Yet the disciplines too often work independently and remotely from the public, particularly in education. At Kean, the Michael Graves College works to close the distance between those people trained to enhance the public environment and those who use it. The Michael Graves College uses the broad public context
Along with “first-person” education, there is a “firsthand”
of design at several levels: as inspiration, as a tool and,
approach to our program through an on-campus agency—
ultimately, as a goal. The interlocking disciplines of design
called K•Labs Design Studio—in both the curriculum and
and architecture endeavors are a significant asset in this
the culture of the college. These research and design projects
effort. The Michael Graves College consists of two schools.
exist both outside and inside the classroom. Led by faculty,
The Robert Busch School of Design has recognized degree
they integrate students into defined projects in a manner
programs in Graphic Design: Interactive Advertising, Graphic
that resonates with the working world: engagement with
Design: Interactive, Print, and Screen, Industrial Design, and
clients and consultants, differentiated responsibilities, public
Interior Design. The School of Public Architecture offers a
presentation, and accountability.
degree in Architectural Studies and a graduate professional degree starting in 2018. Together, these programs afford the College the opportunity to address public design efforts at a variety of scales synergistically.
The association with Michael Graves is profoundly appropriate for this new college. Graves redefined an idea of professional practice in the late 20th century by addressing design at multiple scales—from urban and building to
The programs utilize a studio-based teaching model known
object and artifact. The varied programs that comprise the
as atelier. Rather than dividing up the design process into
Michael Graves College at Kean represent this idea well,
discrete curricular elements, it stresses the holistic integration
from industrial and interior design to graphic and
of the design enterprise.
advertising design to architectural design. Graves’ legacy
As Pritzker Prize winner Alvaro Siza once noted, architects and designers are “… specialist[s] in non-specialization.” The formation and application of a design language is grounded on a broad base of knowledge: not just the professional and technical aspects, but the broader public awareness of the forces that shape a project, its environs
for us is his commitment to high-quality design education, his interest in all scales of interaction, his engagement of a wide public audience for his work, as well as his own personal design language. We are proud to build upon this conceptualization of how architecture and design should be taught and produced as the 21st century unfolds.
and the issues it is intended to address.
We invite you to see where a world-class education takes you.
Ours is a “first-person” education: learning by direct
—David Mohney, FAIA Dean, Michael Graves College
engagement, observation, documentation, and analysis of the experiences, places, spaces, buildings, and products
architecture.kean.edu & design.kean.edu
that form our built environment—and through discussion with the general public that uses them.
Michael Graves Residence “The Warehouse” Kean Education Center, Princeton, NJ
COLLABORATIVE SPACES Modeled after professional studio and agency environments, the open classrooms and labs of the Michael Graves College encourage collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning. State-of-the-art equipment, technology support, and abundant work spaces provide students with the tools and time necessary to produce their best work. Problem-solving and creativity grow in open environments. With the numerous lounge and discussion areas, students have many opportunities to interact and share their thoughts and ideas and to experience the value of collective intelligence.
Photo Credit: Ken Gruskin, Principal, Gruskin Group™ Open Plan Studios, Green Lane Academic Building
WORLD-CLASS FACULTY LEADING O U TS TA N D I N G P R O G R A M S o f S T U DY
BA
BFA
BID
Bachelor Degrees Offered
01. BA
Architectural Studies
02. BFA
Graphic Design: Interactive Advertising Design
03. BFA
Graphic Design: Interactive, Print, and Screen
04. BFA
Interior Design
05. BID
Industrial Design
CAREERS BY DESIGN Within the diversity and complexity of architecture and
small class sizes allow for exciting individual explorations.
design, career possibilities are vast. The project-based
Extracurricular workshops, a professional lecture series,
programs following an atelier model, along with access
conferences, charrettes, and networking events provide a
to excellent facilities and resources, students of the
fully immersive education. These experiences move students
Michael Graves College opportunities to acquire necessary
from theory to practice, leading to an in-depth understanding
skills and knowledge needed to realize and expand their
of their career choices and a clear path to a fulfilling life.
potential. A strong faculty-mentor method of teaching and
“I graduated Kean with a solid portfolio of design skills and creative, conceptual knowledge and true confidence in entering the job market. Choosing the School of Design at Kean was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.�
Dominick Cullari BID Industrial Design, 2015 Entrepreneur
DEDICATED FACULTY The faculty and instructors of the Michael Graves College are all practicing architects and designers as well as world-class educators and researchers. Their commitment to education is seen within their lively and active studio classrooms and beyond—mentoring students on an individual basis, engaging them in research and creative work, and ensuring that each one reaches his/her full potential. Professor Denise Anderson, a highly successful design entrepreneur, asks her students to... “Think critically and creatively and to value the positive impact you can make on culture and society.”
top left to right: Debbie Millman Author / Educator / Brand Strategist James Spindler, Creative Director Jon Kamen, Chairman, CEO Radical Media bottom: Max Friedman BFA Graphic Design, 2015 Art Director, Droga 5
Experience ENRICHING PROGR AMS AND EXTR AORDINARY EVENTS
CONF E RE NC ES t h i n k i n g - c r e at i v e ly . o r g
Exhibits & Lecture Series
INTERNSHIPS Internal & External
Social Entrepreneurship support
H U M A N R I G H T S I N I T I AT I V E S
SOCIAL & NETWORKING EVENTS Workshops & Charrettes
Study Abroad & Travelearn
WENZ HOU-K EAN English-Speaking Location in China
HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVES The Human Rights Institute (HRI) at Kean University
publications related to human rights worldwide. An example
broadens the University’s long-standing efforts to promote
of the continuing work that the Institute is organizing on
the awareness of human rights issues and violations across
campus involves the Human Rights Club and the Robert
the globe, and to develop initiatives designed to help
Busch School of Design. Together, the team worked with the
eradicate these atrocities and their root causes. The HRI is
Enough Project, a nonprofit advocacy group started by
housed in Kean’s Nancy Thompson Library and includes
the Anne Evans Estabrook Human Rights Senior Fellow,
a state-of-the-art gallery highlighting issues, artwork and
John Prendergast.
Enough Project teleconference at Kean, facilitated by John Prendergast, Founder Kean President, Dr. Dawood Farahi, with students & Robin Landa, Distinguished Professor, Robert Busch School of Design
K • LABS DESIGN STUDIO K•Labs Design Studio is a faculty-led design internship program at the Michael Graves College that creates viable solutions for public service and nonprofits. K•Labs Design Studio works like an agency with the Kean University community and other regional clients to deliver creative and practical design for branding, web, informational, spatial and environmental challenges. K•Labs Design Studio employs students from the School of Public Architecture and the Robert Busch School of Design; or, the students may choose to participate for college credits rather than employment. With faculty direction and mentoring, students are able to deliver professional quality results and gain experience and confidence working with clients. design.kean.edu/klabs
“The most beneficial aspects of attending Kean were the relationships that developed among my fellow classmates and our professors. We became like a family—one I could look to for inspiration and honest, constructive opinions—who helped me land my first creative job and have been supportive throughout my career.”
Michael DelSordi BFA Graphic Design, 2008 Art Director, Wedgewood Communications
Cross-disciplinary team with art director/mentor at Let’s Charrette® with Gruskin Group™
middle left:
Matthew Senna BFA Graphic Design, 2007 Principal, MSenna & Co. middle right:
Scott Francisco Principal, Pilot Projects bottom left :
Joseph Konopka (standing) BFA Graphic Design, 1998 Imagineer, Walt Disney World
THINKING CREATIVELY LECTURE SERIES Our robust lecture series brings together leading designers, architects and professionals to discuss the ideas and trends that shape the contemporary discourse about the place of design in the wider world. Open to the entire Kean community and the public, and offered throughout the academic year, the lectures series culminates in the Spring with the annual design conference.
LET’S CHARRETTE Imagine finding yourself at a table of designers from varying disciplines with a range of talents, personalities, and expertise. Now imagine having to collaborate together on a single project with an impossible deadline. Welcome to Let’s Charrette®, an Integrated Design Experience! At this event, 10+ teams of randomly grouped designers (Advertising, Architectural, Graphic, Industrial, and Interior) are given three hours to solve our latest design challenge. At the end, each team is expected to deliver a presentation showcasing brand identity, packaging, environmental design, fixture displays, and interior graphics.
CONFERENCES The Thinking Creatively Conference brings together the best and brightest art directors and designers and all sorts of experimental, innovative thinkers—for the purpose of providing an exceptional multi-level opportunity for intellectual nourishment, refreshment, and networking. The conference reinforces the relevance of what creative people do best—imagining possibilities and creating them! thinking-creatively.org Michael Graves College also hosts design education conferences such as University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Education Summit (2016) and Design Incubation (2017).
STUDY ABROAD + TRAVELEARN The Center for International Studies fosters opportunities for Kean students to continue their studies while living overseas. Programs in over 30 countries are available to students from all majors. Students participate for a full semester, an academic year, or a short-term faculty-led Travelearn program. Currently, Kean students are participating in programs in Australia, England, France, Ireland, and Italy. kean.edu/offices/center-international-studies “I will remember the friends I made on this trip—the memories we created and the moments we shared—forever. I’ll never stop traveling.” —Haley Sternberg BFA: Interior Design, 2019
—HS
BEYOND STUDY ABROAD : WENZHOU-KEAN Kean University has a substantial global presence through
that utilize the hand, eye and brain needs recalibration.
its additional location, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU)
Our programs will balance these experiential and conceptual
in China. The faculty and students from both campuses
means of thinking and producing to better represent and
routinely interact. If Kean USA students want to study at
create broader appeal.
WKU for a semester or a year, WKU’s design and architecture classes are taught in English and follow the same curricula as Kean’s main campus in Union, NJ. The goals in China are the same as in the United States: to have students develop a deep understanding of the specific roles of architecture and design in shaping the environment and visual culture.
In the end, we believe that our programs, including faculty and students alike, can be resources to enhance and improve the built environment and the experiences of people within and around them. Furthermore, we can do so in a manner that is integral to the academic programs of the College. We believe that this is radically different from the vast majority
Emphasis on the humanist qualities of Architecture and
of professional programs, and thus can provide a meaningful
Design allows for a rethinking of the technologies that
alternative to students who want to engage with the public
support the disciplines. While the computer is a remarkable
and explore the ways in which design enhances the world.
tool, the degree to which it has supplanted design methods
North View Plan / Model for Architect & Design Building, WKU Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners / Tongi Architectural Design & Research Institute
Legacy MICHAEL GRAVES
Our partnership with Michael makes perfect sense. He
( 1934 – 2015 ), one of
embraced the diversity, the potential and what he called
our nation’s greatest architects and a man whose vision, compassion and spirit will continue to broaden and brighten
“the eagerness” of our student body. He was deeply committed
the landscapes of individuals, communities and nations for
to introducing a marvelously unique, humanistic approach
generations to come. Michael enthusiastically lent his name,
to architecture and design education here at Kean University.
his ideas and his passion for architecture to the students of
We are forever grateful for his generosity and remain
Kean University. The Michael Graves College is a testament to
committed to upholding his vision in his honor.
his genius and to his unending capacity to share that genius with students of architecture and design in New Jersey.
michaelgraves.com
PRODUCT DESIGN
GRAPHIC DESIGN
HUMANISTIC DESIGN
Whistling Bird Tea Kettle
Watch Interface Design
Hospital Transport Chair
and ARCHITECTURE St. Coletta of Greater Washington Washington, DC
OUR ALUMNI
MENTORS
SUCCESSFUL
ENGAGED
INSPIRING
CONTACT US: KEAN UNIVERSITY, MICHAEL GRAVES COLLEGE School of Public Architecture • Robert Busch School of Design 1000 Morris Ave. Union, NJ • Phone: 908-737-7470 kean.edu/MGC • architecture@kean.edu • design@kean.edu
See Where A World-Class Education Takes You 1 0 0 0 M o r r i s Av e, Un i o n N J 0 70 8 3 • ke a n .e d u / M G C