From 27 to 31 May 2025, as part of the ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE-STRAND-2 international educational project ‘3D Fashion Concepts for Education in Ukraine’ (3D4U), teachers from the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design Natalia Pervaia, professor of the Department of Fashion Technology, project manager, Victoria Kernesh, associate professor of the Department of Fashion Technology, Oksana Vodzinska, associate professor of the Department of Fashion Technology, Marina Yatsenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Art and Costume Design, and Daria Kaptyurova, Postgraduate Student of the Department of Fashion Technology, visited the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi (Iasi, Romania).
The purpose of the visit is to build the capacity of project participants by familiarising them with the experience of implementing digital 3D design technologies for fashion industry products in European higher education institutions, participating in professional meetings with project partners, and discussing prospects for further cooperation.
The project participants were particularly impressed by their visit to the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi library, which is recognised as one of the most outstanding libraries in the world (). The library's collection includes technical, engineering, natural science and humanities publications.
The university library is not only an architectural gem but also actively supports the university's academic reputation internationally and implements digital tools – an electronic catalogue, online book ordering, access to international scientific databases, multimedia resources, and individual study areas. The library is a venue for scientific conferences, exhibitions, book presentations and student events.
The lobby of the library of the Technical University of Iasi features an exhibition of creative works by students and works by outstanding masters of the world. The hall is designed to completely absorb the echoes of visitors' footsteps, creating an atmosphere of silence and comfort.
As part of the project, participants attended a lecture by Angela Danila, PhD, professor at the Technical University of Iasi, entitled ‘Textile aromatic materials and technologies for their production.’ During her presentation, the professor discussed the technological processes involved in producing aromatic oils and aromatic materials, the types of raw materials used, and their medicinal properties. Particular attention was paid to the practical application of such products. In addition, the professor shared the results of scientific research on the properties of the products obtained and presented a scientific publication on this topic. The work of devices for determining skin moisture and other indicators was demonstrated in practice.
Also, during the capacity-building session, project participants had the opportunity to learn in detail about the Calligula and ICad 3D software for modelling and designing footwear and using the ICad 3D program functions to model a product according to their preferences.
As part of a comprehensive capacity-building programme, Mariana Kostea, PhD, Associate Professor, introduced teachers to the INFOOT and FOOTSCAN programmes for determining anthropometric data of feet, which is necessary for personalised footwear modelling.
The project participants also familiarised themselves with the Foot Scan System baropodometric platform, which determines foot pressure distribution on the surface in static and dynamic conditions. It is essential for creating custom orthopaedic insoles, footwear and prostheses.
Mariana Kostea also demonstrated the work of a 3D printer, which is used to manufacture shoe lasts, shoe models, accessories and decorative elements for fashion industry products. With the help of a 3D printer, teachers and students created unique items: dresses, jackets, corsets, ‘pysanka’ bags, shoes, etc., which were presented at ‘Romanian Fashion Week’.
The project participants also visited workshops for student training, which are equipped with specialised equipment, including sewing machines, automated cutting machines, and specialised equipment for shoe manufacturing. Theirs enables students to gain practical skills and prepare for future professional activities.
Associate Professor Ariana Seoul introduced the project participants to eight international projects in which the department is involved, providing ample opportunities for the department's development, familiarisation and independent learning for those wishing to master footwear design and technology skills.
Participation in the 3D4U project opens up new opportunities for professional growth for teachers, strengthening international academic cooperation and introducing best European practices into the educational process at KNUTD.
We sincerely thank our colleagues from the University of Technology in Iasi, a partner of the 3D4U project, for their warm welcome, friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to get involved in innovative technologies in the field of 3D design for the fashion industry!
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09.06.2025
