Natalia Pośnik on Studying Architecture at an Art College in The Hague

In the latest episode of the “Fundamenty” podcast, the guest is Natalia Pośnik—an architecture graduate from the Wrocław University of Technology who decided to continue her education with a master’s degree at the Royal Academy of Art. Natalia talks about why, after graduating from a technical university, she decided to pursue an artistic path and what it’s like to study architecture within a completely different educational system. This is a conversation about finding one’s own design path, experimenting with new media, and discovering that architecture can extend far beyond the traditional understanding of building design.

Architecture Between Art and Space

Even while studying at the Wrocław University of Technology, Natalia was interested in alternative design methods. In her thesis project, she experimented with photography, film, and abstract forms of presenting space. She was looking for a place that would allow her to pursue her interests without having to give up architecture. She was keen on designing at the intersection of interior and architectural scales, as well as discovering new ways of telling stories about space.

That’s how she came to enroll in the Master’s program in Interior Architecture, also known as “Inside,” offered by the Royal Academy of Art. Although the name might suggest a program focused exclusively on interior design, the curriculum offers much broader possibilities—ranging from spatial installations and set design to experimental forms of project presentation.

One of the biggest differences between studying in Poland and studying in the Netherlands is scale. There are only a dozen or so students in Natalia’s class. These small groups allow for close contact with instructors, an individualized approach to students, and the building of strong relationships within the team.

Students have the opportunity to organize their own workspaces and help shape the atmosphere of the university. As Natalia points out, the university becomes a place where you want to spend time—not only because of academic obligations, but also because of the inspiring environment and the opportunity to pursue your own passions.

Learning Through Experience

The curriculum is based on intensive project work, though each semester is divided into shorter thematic blocks. Students carry out a variety of projects in collaboration with renowned architectural firms, such as MVRDV. Each partner brings a distinct approach to design, allowing students to explore different working methods and consciously choose their own path of development. Research, theoretical courses, and learning to manage creative processes are essential elements of the design process. There is also a strong emphasis on developing soft skills—presenting one’s own ideas, storytelling, and building a portfolio.

Studying at an art school goes beyond traditional design classes. An important part of the program includes study trips, collaboration with artistic collectives, and participation in cultural events. Early in the year, Natalia and her group traveled to Antwerp, where she collaborated on the creation of a spatial installation made of bamboo. Students regularly visit museums, galleries, and festivals, and participate in workshops led by experts from various fields.

The university also offers the opportunity to pursue an individualized curriculum. This allows everyone to develop interests that go beyond the main program of study—from weaving and textile design to programming interactive installations. Natalia chose courses related to theater and set design, which became another source of inspiration for her.

The Campus as a Gallery and Laboratory

The atmosphere at the Royal Academy of Art is one of the things that surprised Natalia the most. The entire university functions like an open art gallery. Every space can be used to showcase work, organize exhibitions, or conduct design experiments. Students have access to professional workshops and studios: photography, film, woodworking, metalworking, printing, and textiles. One of the most unusual places is the Hack Lab, where students can create interactive installations and learn programming. It was there that Natalia first worked with the Python programming language and created a device that reacts to the viewer’s movement.

At the university, personal life and academic life are intertwined. Students jointly organize events, exhibitions, and festivals, gaining not only design experience but also organizational and promotional skills. Many initiatives arise from the ground up—ranging from events to support the funding of thesis projects to artistic collectives and workshops. Although studying requires a great deal of commitment, many activities stem directly from the students’ passions and interests. As Natalia emphasizes, the lack of excessive pressure related to grading is also a significant advantage. Not all activities are graded, which allows students to focus on experimenting and developing their own ideas.

Career Prospects After Graduation

Studying at an art college opens up many paths for professional development. Natalia points out that the skills acquired go beyond traditional architectural design. The ability to manage one’s own time, present ideas, and work in an interdisciplinary manner ensures that graduates are prepared to thrive in the rapidly changing world of the creative industries.

It also provides a solid foundation for running one’s own business, working in international teams, or developing original projects. As Natalia emphasizes, studying abroad allows students not only to acquire new skills but, above all, to view architecture from a completely different perspective.