Foundation Programme
See what this programme offers
The IVS Foundation Programme is a unique yearlong experience within the ecosystem of an art and design school. Through expert faculty and an integrated curriculum, the foundation year enables our students to transition from conventional education into art education, building within them a common vocabulary and base for lifelong learning. Core courses during this year introduce fundamental concepts, technical skills, material exploration through intensive process-based practices that encourage time management, while periodic portfolio reviews provide constructive holistic guidance to students. Academic Reading & Writing with an introduction to Art, Design, and Architecture history is provided by the Liberal Arts programme. This essential introduction to studio and theory courses, city orientation, and study trips culminate to strengthen the IVS student community at the very onset. The IVS FP curriculum and experience is designed to anchor students with structure and confidence, flexibility and adaptability to help them innovate and grow throughout their time with us. Course projects focus on dialogue, research, presentations and productive feedback, where individual and group work encourages technical exploration and critical reflection. Projects are integrated, sequential, and progressively complex in terms of idea, skill, and critique, equipping students with potent and multi-faceted building blocks for the years to come.
| First Semester | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| FP112 | Drawing 1 | 3 |
| FP110 | Technical Drawing 1 | 3 |
| FP109 | Basic Design 1 | 3 |
| FP111 | 3D Design Studio 1 | 3 |
| LA154 | Histories of Art, Design and Architecture I | 3 |
| LA151 | Academic Reading and Writing I | 3 |
| Spring semester credits for Foundation Year Students | 18 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| FP212 | Drawing 2 | 3 |
| FP210 | Technical Drawing 2 | 3 |
| FP209 | Basic Design 2 | 3 |
| FP211 | 3D Design Studio 2 | 3 |
| LA254 | Histories of Art, Design and Architecture II | 3 |
| LA251 | Academic Reading and Writing II | 3 |
| Fall semester credits for Foundation Year Students | 18 | |
Total Credits for Foundation Year (Semester 1 and 2) = 36
Drawing is the key skill needed for all art and design disciplines. This rigorous studio course is an active mode of communication, generating ideas and thoughts in creative practice. Students learn to enhance observation, analysis, representation and interpretation of visual information. The course also creates opportunities for students to develop the ability to identify concepts and evaluate problems systematically. A combination of sequential and iterative processes are employed using a variety of mediums, techniques, and tools. Individual assignments are aided with process sketchbooks. Image-making by synthesizing various principles of visual art, the use of mediums, and different experimental possibilities of representation are all part and parcel of this course. Students learn to manipulate the elements of visual art in response to a specific problem planned for their respective studio projects. Students also work closely with colour mediums by learning the skill of perceiving, analysing, preparing and interpreting colours according to the objectives of related studio projects. This course comprises an introduction to communicating ideas through basic techniques and processes involved in drafting scaled-down representations. The major emphasis is on developing basic drafting skills of students by acquainting them with drafting tools and techniques while helping them visualize and solve graphical problems. In the later stage of the course, the students are encouraged to apply various methodologies to translate their research and analysis in resolving the assigned tasks. By the end of the course the students are able to translate their ideas using technical drawing with respect to understanding of concepts, time management, drafting skills, lettering and dimensions. This course attends to design fundamentals as applied to the two-dimensional picture plane. It introduces students to the basic visual elements of design: point and line, shape and form, texture, value, colour, and space. With hands-on activities and assignments, a distinctive sense of aesthetics and an eye for strong design is developed. Beyond the basics, advanced methodologies and strategies of design are also brought into focus using specific exercises, brainstorming, and a variety of techniques. Students’ developmental and manual skills to cope with design problems and to establish visual values for structuring and articulating two-dimensional spatial compositions in different media. The concepts and laws taught in the latter part of this course pertain to gestalt groupings, depth, and perception which are learned through lectures and demonstrations. Students are made capable of confronting their responsibilities (and idiosyncrasies) in designing and develop a greater familiarity with the subject matter. The course encompasses exploration and learning of converting 2D shapes into 3-Dimensional Form & the characteristics of Space vis-a-vis the understanding of Material, Structure and Volume. In the first semester, the learning is focused on the understanding of basic geometric forms with regard to elements and principles of design. The Form is studied in detail via the breakdown of its components in relation to surface, grids and material exploration. In the second semester, students are presented with problem-solving activities that tackle the development of overarching concepts of Form & Space. The studio practice works alongside the workshop and its tools. Here, students involve cognitive, strategic and practical methodologies to learn about various materials and processes. Within the scope of each assignment is an overlap of multiple areas of learning that help students identify and tackle 3D Design in the real world. Throughout the year, students engage in primary & secondary research. This includes visual identifications and academic readings which inform a broader understanding of the design fundamentals. In the foundation year, all students take the Liberal Arts core courses in Art History, Theory and Critical Studies, and Reading and Writing. These courses adopt an expansive approach to the study of art, design, and architecture, converging at various points in ongoing studio programmes. The courses emphasize the development of skills in analysis and understanding the complexities of practices. The use of written language as a medium of communication is a skill that requires precision, continuous, and constant revision. Therefore, all Liberal Arts courses contain an element of writing practice, but a few concentrate specifically on the transfer and reinforcement of formal writing skills. One of the courses being offered by Liberal Arts is Academic Reading and Writing (ARW) which is a rigorous year-long university-level course that focuses on developing critical thinking and academic writing and reading skills. In the first semester, Academic Reading and Writing 1 (ARW I) deals with the technicalities of academic reading and its implementation in writing. In the second semester, Academic Reading and Writing 2 (ARW II) builds on material covered in the first semester, placing an emphasis on secondary research, and increasing in complexity through assigned readings and writing. The second course being offered by Liberal Arts is Histories of Art, Design and Architecture which is based on three modules of art, design, and architectural history that is part of the LA core curriculum at IVS. The three modules provide broad surveys of movements and developments in cultural and civilizational histories that are manifest in the art, design, and architecture from pre-history to pre-Contemporary. The two modules are taught in the foundation year whereas the third module is introduced in the second year. Drawing is the key skill needed for all art and design disciplines. This rigorous studio course is an active mode of communication, generating ideas and thoughts in creative practice. Students learn to enhance observation, analysis, representation and interpretation of visual information. The course also creates opportunities for students to develop the ability to identify concepts and evaluate problems systematically. A combination of sequential and iterative processes are employed using a variety of mediums, techniques, and tools. Individual assignments are aided with process sketchbooks. Image-making by synthesizing various principles of visual art, the use of mediums, and different experimental possibilities of representation are all part and parcel of this course. Students learn to manipulate the elements of visual art in response to a specific problem planned for their respective studio projects. Students also work closely with colour mediums by learning the skill of perceiving, analysing, preparing and interpreting colours according to the objectives of related studio projects. This course comprises an introduction to communicating ideas through basic techniques and processes involved in drafting scaled-down representations. The major emphasis is on developing basic drafting skills of students by acquainting them with drafting tools and techniques while helping them visualize and solve graphical problems. In the later stage of the course, the students are encouraged to apply various methodologies to translate their research and analysis in resolving the assigned tasks. By the end of the course the students are able to translate their ideas using technical drawing with respect to understanding of concepts, time management, drafting skills, lettering and dimensions. This course attends to design fundamentals as applied to the two-dimensional picture plane. It introduces students to the basic visual elements of design: point and line, shape and form, texture, value, colour, and space. With hands-on activities and assignments, a distinctive sense of aesthetics and an eye for strong design is developed. Beyond the basics, advanced methodologies and strategies of design are also brought into focus using specific exercises, brainstorming, and a variety of techniques. Students’ developmental and manual skills to cope with design problems and to establish visual values for structuring and articulating two-dimensional spatial compositions in different media. The concepts and laws taught in the latter part of this course pertain to gestalt groupings, depth, and perception which are learned through lectures and demonstrations. Students are made capable of confronting their responsibilities (and idiosyncrasies) in designing and develop a greater familiarity with the subject matter. The course encompasses exploration and learning of converting 2D shapes into 3-Dimensional Form & the characteristics of Space vis-a-vis the understanding of Material, Structure and Volume. In the first semester, the learning is focused on the understanding of basic geometric forms with regard to elements and principles of design. The Form is studied in detail via the breakdown of its components in relation to surface, grids and material exploration. In the second semester, students are presented with problem-solving activities that tackle the development of overarching concepts of Form & Space. The studio practice works alongside the workshop and its tools. Here, students involve cognitive, strategic and practical methodologies to learn about various materials and processes. Within the scope of each assignment is an overlap of multiple areas of learning that help students identify and tackle 3D Design in the real world. Throughout the year, students engage in primary & secondary research. This includes visual identifications and academic readings which inform a broader understanding of the design fundamentals. In the foundation year, all students take the Liberal Arts core courses in Art History, Theory and Critical Studies, and Reading and Writing. These courses adopt an expansive approach to the study of art, design, and architecture, converging at various points in ongoing studio programmes. The courses emphasize the development of skills in analysis and understanding the complexities of practices. The use of written language as a medium of communication is a skill that requires precision, continuous, and constant revision. Therefore, all Liberal Arts courses contain an element of writing practice, but a few concentrate specifically on the transfer and reinforcement of formal writing skills. One of the courses being offered by Liberal Arts is Academic Reading and Writing (ARW) which is a rigorous year-long university-level course that focuses on developing critical thinking and academic writing and reading skills. In the first semester, Academic Reading and Writing 1 (ARW I) deals with the technicalities of academic reading and its implementation in writing. In the second semester, Academic Reading and Writing 2 (ARW II) builds on material covered in the first semester, placing an emphasis on secondary research, and increasing in complexity through assigned readings and writing. The second course being offered by Liberal Arts is Histories of Art, Design and Architecture which is based on three modules of art, design, and architectural history that is part of the LA core curriculum at IVS. The three modules provide broad surveys of movements and developments in cultural and civilizational histories that are manifest in the art, design, and architecture from pre-history to pre-Contemporary. The two modules are taught in the foundation year whereas the third module is introduced in the second year. 
Message from the Head of Department
Farah Rizwan
Head, Foundation Programme
The Foundation Programme is committed to encapsulating the core philosophies, skills, and practices of Art and Design. It cultivates critical thinking in students, equipping them for a future that is both progressive and culturally nuanced. The IVS Foundation Year empowers students to become the harbingers of their generation, catalyzing awareness, transformation, and prosperity for those who follow, while mastering disciplines that will underpin successful professional careers both within Pakistan and on the global stage.
Art and Design professionals are uniquely positioned to present alternative perspectives and spearhead innovation. They devise solutions to complex challenges ranging from urban planning to sustainability, and from raw material research to cultural preservation. Whether recontextualizing mediums or revitalizing lost crafts, Art and Design are indispensable in shaping the world we inhabit.
At IVS, we collectively aspire to foster an inclusive environment conducive to interdisciplinary community development. The Foundation Programme functions as a launch pad for the formation of enduring connections, anchored in advanced pedagogical and learning methodologies.
Department Faculty & Staff
Farah Rizwan
Assistant Professor and Head of Department
- MA Art Education, School of Visual Arts & Design br] (SVAD) Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, br]Pakistan. B.Arch, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi
Munawar Ali Syed
Associate Professor
- M.A, Art and Design Education, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan
- BFA, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
Hammad Anees
Assistant Professor
- B. Arch, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture
Affan Baghpati
Assistant Professor
- MA in Art and Design Studies, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore
- BFA, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan
Syed Danish Ahmed
Associate Professor
- MFA, Fine Art (Painting), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- B.A, University of Karachi, Pakistan
- Four-year Diploma in Fine Arts – Painting, Karachi School of Art, Karachi, Pakistan
Kamran Haider
Lecturer
- MBA, West Coast Institute of Management Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
- B.Tech, Civil Engineering, Indus University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Diploma in Civil Engineering, GCT
Faiqa Jalal
Assistant Professor
- B.Des, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
Javaria M. Rafiq
Assistant Professor
- B.Des, University of Karachi, Pakistan
Adeela Shah
Assistant Professor
- MPhil in Creative Practice in Art and Design |
- Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Pak
- PDQ Certificate Teaching and Learning with Digital Technology from Cambridge
- Masters in Philosophy Karachi University, Pak
- BFA in Painting | Na
Nurayah Sheikh Nabi
Associate Professor
- MA Art Education, School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan
- BFA Printmaking/Sculpture, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
Sarfaraz Uddin
Lecturer
- B.Des, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
Adeel Uz Zafar
Assistant Professor
- BFA, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan
Aliya Yousuf
Assistant Professor
- M.A, Art and Design Education, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan
- PGD, Photography, IVS, Karachi, PK
- BFA, IVS, Karachi, PK
Fraz Abdul Mateen
- Diploma in Fine Art, Karachi School of Art
- B.A, University of Karachi
Khalil Ahmed
- Diploma in Graphic Design, National College of Arts, Lahore
Arshad Faruqi
- M. Arch, Illinois Institute of Technology, USA
- B. Arch, Dawood College of Engineering and Technology
- PCATP ID: A01229
Madiha Hyder
- BFA, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi
Rushna Irfan
- B.Arch, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro
Hammad Jamil
- B. Arch, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture
Scheherezade Junejo
- B.F.A. (Honors): National College of Arts Lahore, Pak
Maham Neha Ansari
- M. Arch, Kent School of Architecture - Canterbury, UK
- BA (Hons) - Architecture, Kent School of Architecture - Canterbury, UK
Quratulain Qamar Choudry
- M.Phil. in Art and Design, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi - Pakistan
- BFA, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi - Pakistan
Shazia Qureshi
- M.A, Philosophy, University of Karachi
- Diploma in Fine Art, Karachi School of Art
Naveed Sadiq
- MA, Visual Islamic Traditional Art,
- The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London
- BFA, National College of Arts, Lahore
Ali Zain Khuwaja
- MCRP, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology - Jamshoro, Sindh
- B.Arch, School of Art Design and Architecture -
- National University of Sciences and Technology - Islamabad
Sohail Zuberi
- Diploma in Graphic Design, Karachi School of Art
Sohail Abdul Malik Abdullah
- MFA Craft and Material Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University,
- School of the Arts, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- BFA, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Aziz Ahmed
- Technical Assistant
Wilbur E. Judd
- Technical Assistant
Mohammed Younus
- Technical Assistant
Departmental Highlights
Orientation 2022
Welcome Class of 2025!
Session with School Counsellors
Presentation by School Counsellors for New Students
Khat-e-Kufi Display
By Technical Drawing Studio
Student Week
To New Beginnings!
Foundation Programme General Meeting (FPGM 2022)
Students and Faculty Meet to Review Spring 2022
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Academics
-
Undergraduate Programmes
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Bachelor of Interior Design
- Bachelor of Textile Design
- Bachelor of Fashion Design
- Bachelor of Communication Design
- Bachelor of Fine Art
- Foundation Programme
- Liberal Arts Programme
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Graduate Programme
- M.Phil in Art and Design
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Continuing Education Programme
- Diplomas, Short Courses and Corporate Training
