DSGN 341 Syllabus

Fall 2011 / TR 8 – 10:50am / DM 201 + 207
Prerequisites: DSGN 245 – Architectural Drafting
Instructor: Brandon Young / brandon.young@acu.edu / DM 326

ACU, Department of Art & Design and Interior Design Program Mission Statements

Course Description

Introduction to the principles and methods of spatial design analysis and synthesis processes. Development of skills for two- and three-dimensional design with emphasis on abstraction, transformation, and composition.

Required Textbooks

• Krebs, Jan. Basics Design and Living, Birkhauser
• Bielefeld, Bert. El Khouli, Sebastian. Basics Design Ideas, Birkhauser

Course Goals

There are several ways to approach a particular design problem, but it is through a process of transformation that an idea becomes an artifact. As designers it is our responsibility, and privilege, to be concerned with the creative and intuitive as they relate to problem-solving and decision-making through the process of design. The primary goals of this course are to develop each student’s:

• Design process (creative thinking, ideation/conceptualization, transformation from concept to concrete)
• Decision-making skills (influenced by theory, context, pragmatism and constraints)
• Communication skills (written, visual and oral techniques and methodologies to re-present underlying design concepts)

In this studio, house and home are the vehicles used for exploration and discovery. We will pursue the relationship between where we live and how we live, and the impact those decisions have on the greater community. During the course of the semester, students will work on residential projects and are expected to:

• Identify and understand user needs as they relate to the design of a dwelling
• Respond to environmental, contextual, social/cultural and pragmatic issues
• Incorporate universal design principles into the projects
• Understand the importance of proper siting and solar orientation
• Implement sustainable practices, techniques and materials
• Explore traditional and non-traditional construction materials and methods
• Gain fundamental knowledge of residential plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems
• Create presentation materials for design proposals
• Prepare detailed technical drawings of proposed design
• Demonstrate increased proficiency in utilizing computer modeling and drafting software
• Develop manual skills as important design process tools
• Justify design decisions relative to goals and objectives both in writing and orally

Studio Format + Strategy

The 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: 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 field of 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. This factors into the final grade. In addition, drawing, crafting of models, verbal and visual communication are all part of the studio effort.

Expectations for Written Elements

While I am not an English teacher, content, sentence structure, design terminology, vocabulary, word usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and logical paragraph organization are part of the grade. All written submissions are expected, and required, to be polished and well edited. Anything less is inappropriate and unacceptable. At a minimum, it is recommended to have at least one other person proofread the written work. Unless stated otherwise, refrain from using the first person “I” in the exercises, but rather refer to the design itself as the solution, communicator, standard, etc. Specific aesthetic aspects and issues that affect people in environments will inevitably influence and refine your design concepts. Such influences could result from art and design theories, historical context and culture, psychology, sociology, gender, age, economics, marketing concepts, emerging technologies and products, human behavior, finishes and materials, health/safety/welfare, and issues related to human comfort to name a few.

Assignments

• 20% – Project 1
• 30% – Project 2
• 30% – Project 3
• 10% – Design Process Book
• 10% – Attendance Grade*

Policies and Miscellaneous

• Attendance Policy (link)
• Academic Integrity (link)
• Student Work Policy (link)
• Lab Policy (link)
• Supplies + Materials (link)
• UniPrint Charges (link)

PLEASE NOTE: Information in this course syllabus is subject to change at any time during the semester. All changes will be announced in class.