The Design Studies programs offer a thorough and integrated approach to design, drafting, and 3D modeling. Students learn to use industry-standard software like Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and Inventor while developing both technical and creative skills. Students explore design fundamentals, the creative process, sustainable and environmental design, and industrial design principles. They also engage in hands-on projects, learning about material selection, design aesthetics, and prototyping, while analyzing cultural influences and societal needs. This incorporates practical experience through work placements and professional development, equipping students for diverse careers in design and drafting.
The Design Studies 10 program provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the design process across multiple disciplines, including architecture, interior design, and graphic design. Students learn fundamental principles and elements of design, exploring topics such as aesthetics, function, universal design, and design improvement. The program emphasizes both creativity and technical skill, with students engaging in hands-on activities like freehand sketching, prototyping, and creating two-dimensional graphic designs. Through various modules, students also investigate the engineering process, design fundamentals for space, and critique design solutions, ultimately applying their knowledge in real-world design projects. This program prepares students for careers in diverse design fields by fostering both critical thinking and practical design abilities.
The Design Studies 20 program delves into the more complex and advanced aspects of the design process, with an emphasis on creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving. Students explore the full design cycle, from conceptualizing ideas to creating and evaluating solutions across various fields, including manufacturing, environmental, and social design. Key modules include sustainable design practices, the integration of First Nations and Métis ways of knowing in design decisions, and assessing the impact of human and environmental factors on design solutions. The program also prepares students for the business and professional side of design, helping them understand market opportunities and career paths. Additionally, students engage in hands-on design projects, including two-dimensional design, digital sketching, and addressing real-world environmental challenges, and have opportunities to gain work experience through study placements.
The Design Studies 30 program offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced design concepts, focusing on the historical, cultural, and technical aspects that shape design today. Students analyze the influence of culture on design, investigate industrial design principles, and explore cutting-edge techniques like rapid prototyping and three-dimensional computer-assisted design (CAD). The program also emphasizes aesthetics, material exploration, and cost analysis in industrial design, helping students bridge the gap between creative vision and practical application. Additionally, students have opportunities to engage in real-world design projects, work with diverse materials, and prepare for careers in design through hands-on work placements and professional development activities. The curriculum ensures that students understand both the historical context and future possibilities in the design field.