STUDY PROGRAMME
Design

AFAM CODE
ABPR15

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Project methodology

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Project methodology

CREDITS
12

APPROACH
Theoretical/project based

This programme is an introduction to design in the field of applied arts, through the study of methods and techniques of observation, analysis and visual processing.

The programme grants 12 credits, divided as follows:

• METHODOLOGY: 6 CFA

• DRAWING: 6 CFA

Successful students will be able to:

METHODOLOGY:

• Apply a research method, aimed at the observation, interpretation and selection of consistent images for the identification of an idea

• Create conceptual synthesis tools (moodboards, models, mind-maps, storyboards)

DRAWING:

• Use manual visualization techniques (pencil, China ink, watercolours, etc.) as a tool for representation (from-life copy), learning, processing and projectual synthesis

• Create efficient visual compositions (complete with objects, spaces, ideas and concepts) by using from-life copy and narration through images (storyboard): use of simplified anatomy, perspective, shades and colours, to the final characterization of the figures

METHODOLOGY:

• Observation, research and analysis of those design elements concerning the applied arts, that will be then decoded: image, colour, ideas, shapes, icon signs, fonts, relation between space and proportions

• Creation of a representation and synthesis tool: the moodboard

DRAWING:

• Hand drawing as a contemporary language, a Theoretical and expressive tool to support the project development

• Tools and techniques to represent/visualize objects, spaces, ideas and concepts

• Introduction to the basic techniques of composition and narration through images (storyboard)

This is a theoretical/project based course.

Students will take part in the following activities, which may vary depending on the development of different projects:

• Classroom lectures

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools

• Exercises and revisions

• Workshops

• Individual or group projects

• Individual or group study and research

Assessment tools may include:

• Submission of exercises, projects or research work

Further details about the exams will be provided by the professors.

The final grade will result from the weighted average of the programme modules.

RECOMMENDED:

• Baines, P. (2005) Penguin by design. A cover story 1935/2001, London: Allen Lane/Penguin.

• Berger, J. (1980) About looking, ed. Vintage.

• Lazarides, S. (2008) OUTSIDERS art by people, London:Century.

Many of the recommended sources, together with additional material, are also available online on MyNaba, in the Library section.

More books and resources might be requested or suggested by the professors.