Who We Are
esad—idea is the R&D unit of ESAD/College of Art and Design, rated as “Very Good” by Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT). Understanding research as a fundamental means of scientific, technological and social innovation, esad—idea develops research in fields of industrial, communication, interior and urban design, curatorship, history and design theory.
What We Do
The research importance in education, culture, community and business, are consolidated through a wide range of national and international partnerships, establishing several design bases, located at ESAD, Matosinhos Market Design Incubator and Casa do Design.
The preponderance attributed to the dissemination of knowledge and the mediation of scientific research has led esad–idea to develop major events to promote portuguese design, such as the Porto Design Biennale. Over the last 5 years, esad–idea has accomplished more than 100 R&D and service delivery projects, working with more than 50 partner entities (research units, universities, companies and municipalities).