The International Design Seminar (INDESEM) has a long and fascinating history. Since the first edition in 1964, each INDESEM has brought students and professionals from all over the world together to explore relevant architectural issues of their time – in the form of excursions, competitions, and lectures. While INDESEM evolves and changes, depending on the people involved in its organization, each edition exposes current ideas and needs of the students: their views on architecture education, what they deem most relevant, and which designers inspire them. In return, INDESEM inspires educators and helps establish new ways of teaching in architecture.
ORIGIN OF INDESEM
In the early 1960s, Delft’s Faculty of Architecture faced dissatisfaction due to a rigid teaching system dominated by authoritarian professors. Frustrated students and progressive staff initiated changes, including a student-led magazine and the Autonome Architectuur exhibition, which introduced modern ideas but faced resistance from conservative faculty.

The idea for INDESEM emerged in 1964 when students, supported by Jaap Bakema, a progressive architect and Team X member, sought international collaboration in architectural education. Bakema proposed a “week of design,” and with 12 Stylos students, organized the first INDESEM. It brought over 60 students from Europe and five Team X architects to Delft, emphasizing collaborative learning and innovative approaches to design.

Held in the old V.O.C. building, the event focused on designing high-density housing for Amsterdam’s Kattenburg island, prioritizing public spaces and human needs. INDESEM introduced a new, student-led educational model, fostering equality between students and tutors while addressing real-world architectural challenges.