DSGN 202 Syllabus

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Spring 2015 / MW 1:00 – 3:50 pm / DM 209
Prerequisite: DSGN 201 – Fundamental Design I
Instructor: Brandon Young / brandon.young@acu.edu / DM 326

ACU and Department of Art & Design Mission Statements

Course Audience

This course targets students interested in learning about the creative concepts, processes and methods of designing buildings and spaces, and those pursuing a career in the architecture, design and/or construction. Restricted to Pre-Architecture and Interior Design majors and minors.

Course Description

Fundamentals of design concepts and processes through place-making and universal design.  Human factors, building envelope and spatial development applied to varied building typologies. Design responses informed by historical and contemporary precedents.

Required Textbooks

Course Topics

  1. Expand on topics in Fundamental Design I
  2. Introduction to Programming
  3. Introduction to Anthrompometrics
  4. Introduction to Life Safety
  5. Introduction to Universal Design
  6. Special Populations
  7. Building & Finish Materials
  8. S.I. (Metric Units)

Class Format

This course is referred to as a design studio. The design studio is the primary vehicle for education in design; therefore, it demands a great amount of preparation in research, study and on the drawing board. The studio format is designed to assist students in developing conceptual, technical and communication skills. In order to develop these skills, class time will be dedicated to the following activities:

  1. Projects/Exercises: Projects are comprised of several exercises of varying nature (research, conceptualization, drawing, model making, written assignments, etc.) that are intended to support and inform each project’s development. I believe the design process is just as important as the final product, so an emphasis is placed on the development of ideas and concepts into “final” proposals. There are many tools available to assist in the design process, and students are expected to produce drawings and models using a combination of media during the semester.
  2. Critiques: Critiques will take several forms including one-on-one w/the instructor, pin-ups w/classmates and reviews w/outside critics and other instructors. Active participation in critiques, as well as during daily studio work, is expected of each student to encourage a collaborative and communal learning environment.
  3. Lectures: Lectures will be given as needed to provide information relative to conceptual and technical skills as they relate to: the fields of architecture and interior design, project typology and specific user needs.
  4. Class Discussions: Although all projects in this class are completed individually, the studio is meant to be a collaborative environment. As such, I strongly encourage every student to be aware of the work their classmates are involved in and to learn from one another throughout the course of the semester. Everyone has something different, and valuable, to bring to the table.

Every student is expected to keep a sketchbook that documents information, ideas and inspiration gained throughout the semester. Design process work is evaluated and factors into each project grade. At the conclusion of the semester, copies of all design process work will be assembled into a “Design Process Book” that is submitted for a final grade. In addition, drawing, crafting of models, verbal and visual communication are all part of the studio effort.

Christian Perspective in Course

We are created in the image of God, and as such we are all co-creators with God. One of our most fundamental needs is that of shelter, and the act of building is primal. Adam and Eve took shelter in the garden, and mankind has long since used natural features as shelter (cave and forest). Much of human activity requires some type of shelter from the sun, wind, rain and/or snow. Since we must build, by necessity or desire, it is important to consider the way in which we build and how we use the materials available to us.

I believe Wendell Berry, farmer, writer, scholar and theologian, sums it up best:

“If we understand that no artist – no maker – can work except by reworking the works of Creation, then we see that by our work we reveal what we think of the works of God. How we take our lives from this world, how we work, what work we do, how well we use the materials we use, and what we do with them after we have used them – all of these are questions of the highest and gravest religious significance. In answering them, we practice, or do not practice, our religion.” – Wendell Berry

Course Goals

At the conclusion of the course DSGN 202: Fundamental Design II, students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize a variety of issues, including regulatory standards, anthropometrics, universal design and life safety. Students will be able to solve design problems that consider the interaction of human experience, global and cultural influences with the building envelope and occupied space.

Competencies and Measurement

Follow this link for course competencies and measurement.

Assignments

Students will be given a recorded grade for each assignment. All assignments must be completed to pass the course. Students are encouraged to discuss earned grades with the professor for further feedback.

Assignment Grade Weights:

  • 30% – Design Exercises
  • 20% – Project 1
  • 35% – Project 2
  • 10% – Design Process Book
  • 5% – Attendance Grade

Grading Scale, Descriptions and Deadline Information

Follow this link for grading information.

Policies and Miscellaneous

Supplies and Materials

The work completed in this course will utilize both traditional and digital media. Students are expected to be prepared for all studio activities, which requires having the necessary tools to execute the work. Click here for a good list of supplies you should have for design work.

PLEASE NOTE: While every effort is made to ensure the information and schedule above is accurate and complete, from time to time there are errors and/or adjustments are needed as the semester progresses. Information in this course syllabus is subject to change at any time during the semester. All changes will be announced in class.

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