Narrative Environments

MA Narrative Environments designs spatial stories.

Narrative environments are spatial stories that can be found across cultural, civic, technological and digital spaces. Narrative environments activate dynamic histories, forward immersive presents and propose futures. On this course, you will develop theoretical and practical expertise in designing narrative environments. Working across spatial design, speculative design, social and systems design, you will learn to compose interactive stories that explore systems and phenomena of science, technology, politics, society and culture in new ways. Narrative environments is part of the Spatial Practices programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

• Live projects: The course hosts live projects with partners in its first year. Previously, this has included collaborations with Arup, the European Space Agency, National Trust, London Festival of Architecture, Camden Council, Cisco, LVMH, Southbank Centre, The Swiss Centre for Design and Health, Nike, New Balance, MANE Fine Fragrance, The Future Museum Eindhoven, Autonomy Institute, and Volkswagen.

• Wide-ranging practice: You will work on a range of design projects – taking up narratives in and about cities and infrastructure, public culture, social innovation, technological systems and climate change. You will draw upon design methodologies from speculative design, spatial design, graphics, systems design, experience design, social and participatory design, and interaction design. This will help you to define and prepare for your future career in either the commercial, cultural or creative industries or prepare you to continue on to PhD study.

• Industry networks: You will learn from leading industry figures through lectures, panels, field trips and professional development workshops hosted throughout the course.

• Industry Case Study: You will have the opportunity to undertake an industry case study in the first year. The case study can take the form of visits, interviews, or placements. Past students have undertaken case studies with design companies, an architect’s practice, fashion brands, museums and festivals and urban development organisations. This module gives you time and space to map and more deeply understand the field or related fields of interest, and develop networks and connections that prepare you more readily for jobs in narrative environments.

• Alumni: MA Narrative Environments has a robust global alumni network connected via virtual channels, special events, and gatherings in London. MANE alumni are particularly excited to support students starting out on their careers with advice, guidance, and creative connections.