Ego is Latin for “I”. In psychoanalysis, the ego mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity. That’s what we’ve always been looking for on our 15-month journey – ourselves. We are like unhatched eggs, fresh and tender, undeveloped, and open to almost every possibility, which can be either good or bad, even something thrown out to express ridicule, irony, or resistance. Each individual’s unique ideas deserve to be respected, just as how our Expanded Practices flourish here.

Where does an egg go? Into the infinite unknown.

This course is a radical post-disciplinary programme for practitioners who want to push the boundaries of what design can be and do. During this MA we work with you to transform your practice as a critical and social undertaking.

By challenging the role and norms of traditional design towards an emerging type of ‘advanced design’, unshackled from the history of specialisms and entrenched methods, you will become part of a community of practice. You will be encouraged to actively contribute to a deep understanding of how design is set to address and affect change within contemporary society.

Dear all of you:

Not old bread. You are almond croissants. The finest pastries!

It came as a bit of a surprise to walk into the room and meet 230 students. If I’m honest; a little scary. I’m sure when you first saw the room at our first meeting. You may have had some initial thoughts of your own.

10 weeks later the party for the first project happened and revealed the spirit of the year to come. Lewisham College rocked like it had never rocked before!

Thank you for that spirit this year. I believe fully in what we are trying to do here. We believe in the expansion of practice and building an environment where you can test and stretch your thinking with amazing tutors and amazing all of you!

Some of you have had doubts throughout the year and that’s to be expected. What you need to do now is lose the doubt. You’ve had a unique time that has focused both inward and outward. You’ve exercised a creative freedom and thought and made in ways that will serve you well in thefuture. All you must do is believe in this! I mean that. It’s got to come from you. Enjoy your creativity and trust that other people will too. I’ve nourished myself myself in it for the past fifteen months.

Some of you noticed my beard went a little whiter and suggested I get some rest that made me laugh though your kindness and care this year have given me the odd tear and many smiles. It has been hard work, but you’ve been more than worth the effort. Don’t worry about my beard, it makes me look distinguished and wise.

If we got this right, you’ll continue to learn from this too short time. Trust what you’ve now got to add to what you already knew, be confident with your practice and share it with people in the next part of your adventures.

–Jimmy Loizeau