Three Dimensional Design: Idea Material Object

course outline

In his book ‘The Sciences of the Artificial’ Nobel Prize winner Herbert Simon describes design as the process that gives form to ideas. This course will allow you to investigate that process and identify your role within it. You will learn how to work with ideas, from whatever spark or source, and see how they are creatively transformed by engagement with materials and processes, and understand how to value new thinking and share the results of this with a global audience.

This course is aimed at the individual who is interested in taking a philosophical and purposeful approach to the act of designing and making. Through investigation into design of the physical, you will interrogate; ideas, materials and objects, exploring the principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability.’

Through creative problem solving you will construct objects for utility, aesthetics, and identity. Outcomes encompass one off craft artefacts and bespoke solutions through to batch produced objects, across areas such as lighting, tableware, furniture and product; domestic and commercial, interior and exterior. Processes will range from hand forming through conventional machining to cutting edge digital technologies such as rapid prototyping, CNC milling, laser cutting and digital textile and ceramic printing using a range of media including ceramic, fabric, metal, wood, plastic and glass. What drives the need for the craft to connect with the digital revolution?

course structure

The course will run over three years.

In your first year (Level 4) you will develop your creative instincts and explore the qualities of different materials and making processes including methods of digital manufacture. Ideas and concepts will be developed to equip you with an understanding of design and manufacture through drawing, experimentation with materials and exploration of computer based processes.

In your second year (Level 5) you will be introduced to collaborative working practise and live projects with external partners or design businesses and may undertake work experience and placements. A higher level of critique will be applied to your projects and you will be encouraged to become more self aware, using self and peer-evaluative skills to arrive at conclusions, and develop more confident solutions. You will also be introduced to marketing and promotional skills, including building narratives in your work and exploring outcomes through photographic sessions, publishing, exhibiting and web presence.

In your final year (Level 6) you will focus on individual design agendas and defining an audience or market. You will be required to refine and communicate your personal design philosophy through a combination of visual and written work as well as physical artefacts. You will be encouraged to publish your work at a professional level. We expect your final project work to be displayed at national and international design show venues.

Throughout all levels you will undertake Contextual Studies to examine the critical and theoretical frameworks which underpin and inform your practice.

The course will be augmented by trips to cultural establishments both nationally and internationally. Exchange schemes are planned with institutes around the world.

The words idea, material and object are used to summarise an interactive creative trinity; the next section explains how this relates to your practice.