DESN 3100 Design Field School (3 credits)
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EXPERIENCE - Bring to your studies renewed depth, purpose and national/global awareness.
Program Highlights
The Design Field School itinerary immerses students in contemporary and historical design, directly supporting the course objectives of contextual and global engagement. Site visits, including the Tokyo Station Building and the National Museum of Modern Art, showcase diverse architectural styles and design philosophies, encouraging students to critically analyze how environment, culture, and human experience intersect.
Morning sessions foster inquiry through firsthand observation of works by renowned architects such as Kenzo Tange, Kengo Kuma, and Frank Lloyd Wright, deepening understanding of how cultural, social, and environmental contexts shape design. Afternoon activities, such as visits to luxury retail locations and architectural landmarks, spark discussion on design, commerce, and culture, reinforcing contextual learning and collaboration.
Students document and share their findings through sketches and annotations, connecting theory with practice. The diverse range of sites promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary learning, fostering leadership and professionalism as students engage with varied perspectives.
Field School Highlights:
- Firsthand observation of iconic works by renowned architects such as Kenzo Tange, Kengo Kuma, and Frank Lloyd Wright
- Tokyo Station Building
- Kabukiza (Ginza)
- Omote-Sando
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- The National Museum of Western Art
- The National Art Center, Tokyo
- Tokyo International Forum
Destination
Tokyo, Japan
Japan: Design Field School 2026 Poster
Travel Dates & Class Schedule
| DATES | LOCATION | |
| Pre-departure Classes begin | January 8, - April 2, 2026 | Wilson School of Design 1950 |
| Pre-departure Orientation | TBD | TBD |
| Travel Dates* | May 8-19, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan |
| last assignments due | June 15, 2026 | NA |
*Travel dates are subject to minor adjustments (within a 1-5 day difference) pending final reservations, but should occur around the dates as mentioned.
Cost and Payment Details
PROGRAM COSTS
| PROGRAM FEE | TUITION COST - 3 CREDITS | INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT | |
| DOMESTIC STUDENT | $4,600* | See tuition estimator** | Estimated $1,300*** |
| INTERNATIONAL STUDENT | $4,600* | See tuition estimator** | Estimated $1,300*** |
*Program Fee includes accommodation with daily breakfast, an expert tour guide, ground transportation and entry fees for all scheduled activities, and comprehensive travel insurance. International flight, transfers to/from the airport, personal expenses, most meals, and tuition, are NOT included in the fee. Program fees are an estimation only. The amount will be confirmed at the time of acceptance.
**Rate based on a 3 credit charge through Tuition Estimator for Wilson School of Design’s interior design field of study with University and KSA fees added. Please verify the latest costs by viewing the KPU tuition estimator. Additional fees may apply to your KPU account for the Multi-Pass and Kwantlen Student Association Extended Dental and Health Plan.
***Costs are subject to change. For a more accurate estimate, please search for the field school flight dates through your preferred provider.
PAYMENT TIMELINE
| PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM FEE | |
| NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION DEPOSIT* | November 6, 2025 | $750 |
| 2nd PAYMENT** | January 9, 2026 | $1,925 |
| 3rd PAYMENT** | February 16, 2026 | $1,925 |
| TUITION (3 credits)*** | January, 2026 | See tuition estimator |
*Note: The deposit goes towards the program fee. Applicants are welcome to pay the full amount up-front if it's more convenient, otherwise, the smaller installments are due by the due dates posted above.
**Cost is an estimate and is subject to change.
***Payment of academic fees, due dates, withdrawal charges, refund policies, and associated policies for academic fees are set as per the university calendar.
WHERE TO PAY
Make your payments on your OSS (Online Self-Service).
SCHOLARSHIPS
Funding opportunities are available for field school students.
| AWARD | amount | application | deadline |
| KPU International Study Abroad Scholarship | up to $3,000 | Download | Same as the application deadline |
| One World International Scholarship | up to $3,000 | Eligible students will be invited to apply for this scholarship once they’ve been accepted into the field school program. | Early 2026 |
Class Offers & Pre-requisite(s)
CREDITS OFFERED UPON COMPLETION
- DESN 3100 Design Field School (3 credits)
To enhance their experience in Japan, students are encouraged to learn basic Japanese. Exact day/time for classes TBA. Exact days/times for the pre-departure classes are TBD. Some of the pre-departure work will be done self-paced over Moodle.
PRE-REQUISITES
- 45 credits of 1100-level courses or higher or permission of the instructor(s)
Students must be nineteen years or older at the start of the course.
All KPU students are welcome and are encouraged to apply. If you don't have the pre-requisites, please contact the field school faculty leaders with your questions, including your student number, program, and expected number of credits completed by Spring.
SEMESTER
- Spring 2026
Note Regarding StudentAid BC
- Core Courses Only: BC Student Loans will only cover field school tuition if the course is a core requirement. Elective field school courses will not be covered.
- Full-Time Course Load: Elective field school courses will not count towards the minimum full-time course load requirement for BC Student Loans.
- For example, if you are taking a loan for the Summer semester, you must enroll in at least 9 credits in addition to your elective field school course to be eligible for BC Student Loans.
Application Details & Deadlines
APPLICATION INFO
- Non-WSD Interior Design students interested in participating in this field school must submit a statement of interest outlining their reasons for wanting to partake in this experience.
- Applications from outside of KPU are encouraged, and will be accepted and considered based on seat availability and compliance with pre-requisites.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
October 19, 2025 (by 11:59 pm)
APPLICATION TIMELINE
| SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 | Applications open |
| OCTOBER 19, 2025 | Applications close |
| TBD | Confirmation of Acceptance (with scholarship results) |
| NOVEMBER 6, 2025 | Non-refundable deposit of $750 due |
| JANUARY 9, 2026 | $1,925 Second Payment towards the Program Fee is Due |
| JANUARY, 2026 | KPU Tuition Payment Due |
| FEBRUARY 16, 2026 | $1,925 Final Payment towards the Program Fee is Due |
Contact Information
FACULTY LEADERS:
Mark Pritchard
Interior Design, Wilson School of Design
mark.pritchard@kpu.ca
Seng Sengsavanh
Interior Design, Wilson School of Design
seng.sengsavanh@kpu.ca
KPU STUDY ABROAD:
Shanell Wong
Study Abroad Coordinator
