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Iowa's 3D design faculty are recognized internationally as creative and educational innovators. Working and teaching in some of the best-equipped labs in the nation, they harness advanced technology to produce work of timeless aesthetic beauty and seamless functionality.
Their work is exhibited in galleries and design expositions around the world, including in biennial Faculty Art Exhibitions on the UI campus.
Our 3D design faculty also provide extraordinary professional-development opportunities for their students. Iowa 3D design students have travelled to and shown their work at the preeminent design expositions in the world, including the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), New York; Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) CONNECT, Chicago; and Salone del Mobile SaloneSatellite and Ventura Future, Milan, Italy. Iowa's entries have regularly won student competitions at such events.
Inside Iowa's 3D design program
Showcasing 3D design
Participation in national and international exhibitions strengthen students’ ability to present their work and grant exposure to major design companies.
Since 2013, 3D design has exhibited at:
- International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), New York
- Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) CONNECT, Chicago
- Salone del Mobile SaloneSatellite and Ventura Future, Milan, Italy
Student experience
An Iowa 3D design students explains why she chose the program and shares her experience showing her work in Chicago.
3D design showcases and exhibitions
3D Design Invitational
Iowa 3D design students showcase their work on an international stage
From Iowa to Italy— Hawkeyes showcased their 3D design talents at a prestigious showcase in Europe.
Iowa 3D design students present their work in the Big Apple
Iowa was one of about a dozen institutions from around the world invited to exhibit in New York during a competitive 3D design showcase.
Visiting artists in 3D design
Bleakley is a visiting artist in dimensional practice and has given several guest lectures including:
- "Saddle to Torch"
- "How to Build a Bicycle That Lasts Forever"
3D design faculty
Our instructors encourage students to experiment, using a wide range of materials and approaches, integrating theory and conceptual thinking with hands-on making. The program values conceptual dexterity, sophisticated design, craftsmanship, the aesthetic quality of studio work and the meaning of social value. Intermediate and advanced courses involve intensive inquiry in furniture, bicycles, objects, fabrication, modeling and materials.