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aka Visual Communication Design (VCD)
Year Level: 9
Periods: 3
Duration: One Semester
Subject Type: Elective
Leads to Further Studies In Visual Communication Design, Art: Creative Practice
Career Pathways: Architect, Art Director, User Experience Design, Product Designer, Interface Designer, Web and App Designers, Fashion Designer, Game Designer, Animator, Spatial Designer, Advertising, Creative Director
Course Description
Architecture is the art and science of designing and making spaces that facilitate human interaction. In this elective, we will apply our study of design conventions and the principles of good design to solve user-centred problems and improve the functionality and usability of interior and exterior environments and spaces. Students will study the basics from the design fields of architecture and environmental design including plan and elevation drawing and CAD for environmental design. In each task, we will explore how designers past and present have communicated concepts when designing spaces and environments as well as how we can apply design thinking strategies and design processes to improve and imagine a better future through design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you study in Design: Architecture?
Design is a practical creative subject involved with illustrating concepts in 2D and 3D and communicating the details of architecture expressed using images, scale, symbols, conventions and annotations. We may study a range of Visual Communication Fields including the design of Objects, Environments (Spaces), Messages and Experiences.
What could I design?
Students in Year 9 have made 3D models of buildings, drawn architectural floor plans, designed packaging and illustrated gaming environments. They have learnt to draw and shade more accurately using pencils, paint and digital software, and learnt traditional drawing techniques.
They are always looking to other designers, trends, styles and the world around them to inspire their designs and challenge their creative processes.
Do I need good marks in Art and Design to do VCD?
Not necessarily. Maybe you have an eye for aesthetics and detail, you love working with technology and you’re excited by the thought of changing our world through innovative thinking. The only problem? You’re not exactly an expert drawer. While drawing is a key to the process of problem solving you don't need to be the next DaVinci in order to thrive in VCD. We will actually be learning lots of new methods for drawing and presentation, that's part of the fun!
Is this subject for me?
If you enjoy doing any of the following things, VCD is for you;
You enjoy experimenting with new ideas and devising creative solutions.
You are a beginner to intermediate drawer who wants to develop your drawing and rendering skills to the next level.
You are interested in making images that communicate a message, or have a purpose.
You are interested in 'doing' - building mock-ups of architecture, packages, and products.
You are interested in improving existing designs for shop interiors, gardens, logos, fashion pieces, or advertising.
Where will this course lead me at GWSC?
Year 9 Design prepares students for the semester-based year 10 Visual Communication Design course which follows a similar project-based format. By undertaking year 9 Design students are better equipped with the skills and language needed to pursue the subject in VCE, or other creative subjects such as Digital Art and Art Creative Practice.
How does Visual Communication Design benefit VCE & beyond?
Visual Communication Design is offered in VCE as an elective. The practical and creative thinking skills that you learn in year 9 & 10 will contribute to success in VCE as they provide a simplified scope of the major topics assessed in Units 1-4 . VCD can be considered a pre-requisite for Graphic design, Product design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, Multimedia and Fashion design at some universities which require the development of a portfolio for entrance.
Year 9 VCD students have used new technologies such as cutters to create foam core models. Learning to operate and adapt to new technologies is something we as designers do best. If you like learning to use new technology and software chances are you will love VCD.
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