PROJECT 1: Anything but a Box

AT 104: Basic Design II

Semester: Spring 2011

Instructor: Cecilia Mandrile

Email: amandrile@newhaven.edu

Project  1: Anything but a Box

The Design Process

Step 1: Recognition of a Problem

An object that has length, height and depth is a three- dimensional form.

In the creation of a form there are three main characteristics; shape, mass and structure.

Shape refers to the contour outline of the form.

Mass refers to the solidness of the form.

Structure refers to way in which the form is constructed.

Art & Design foundations student must learn how to visualize and translate these characteristics into different three-dimensional forms.

Step 2: Definition of the Problem

The objective of this project is design a new three-dimensional form by “deconstructing” a box.

You can create anything you want from this cardboard box by additive and/or subtractive methods, exploring its colors, textures, surfaces’ possibilities.

Though, there are few considerations to take account of in your problem solving process:

1. You can only use the box as it is (e.g. don’t paint it or add extra objects/materials)

2. You must use the entire box in your reconstruction. NO remains should be left out of it.

3. The outcome of your reconstruction should be 3Dimensional.

4. The 3D reconstruction should achieve a sense of visual and structural Unity between its parts.

Step 3: Research and Preparation

1.     Read Chapters 6: Problem Seeking and Problem Solving and 7:  Developing Critical Thinking

2.     Gather information about creativity using the Internet, library, textbook reading requested.

3.     Make notes from videos screened in class, powerpoints, discussion and reading

4.     Select one or more quotes or concepts and write your thoughts about creativity. .

5.     Deconstruct the box you have brought to class

6.     Remember to photograph the process of deconstructing and reconstructing steps, from the entire box, to cut out of the box, to the finished 3D outcome of your project.

Step 4: Analysis

1.     Decide how you can “get out of the box” by creating a new three-dimensional form from the box. You can work with abstract or representational forms.  In any case, when you complete the new design, the original box form should disappear.

2.     Draw sketches of at least four different ideas for the new form. Be sure to explore different views of the 3D forms and how it will be exhibited (hanging, wall mounted, on a pedestal, on the floor, etc.) Make notes on your sketches to help explain your ideas, materials to use, etc.

3.     From the sketches create small 3D sketch models out of paper/bristol board to explore your design ideas. Photograph the sketch models.

Step 5: Synthesis

1.     Gather the materials you will need to deconstruct the box into the new form 

2.     Select one design or synthesize a couple of ideas into a final form.

3.     Keep the sketch models to show during your presentation.

Step 6: Evaluation

1.     Go back to the definition of the problem, Step 2, and make sure that the final design follows project requirements. Make adjustments as/if needed.

2.     Review blog requirements and make sure all materials are complete.

Step 7. Presentation

1.     Be sure that you present your project in a way that explores its best potential to be appreciated as a 3D form. On table, hanging from ceiling, wall, place in the floor, etc.

2.     Take photographs of the design as the new form develops. When the final form is finished take photographs from all views.  Organize them chronologically and post in on your blog.

.

Step 8:  Implementation

Bring the project finished for class presentation and critique on:

Section 2:  Mon Feb. 7^th / Blog posted by Mon Feb 14th

Section 4:  Tuesday. Feb. 8^th  / Blog posted by Tuesday Feb15h

Section 1:  Wed.  Feb. 9^th  / Blog posted by Wed Feb 16^th

Your Blog posting for Project 1: Anything but the Box” should include:

1.     Sketches

2.     Photographic Documentation (AT LEAST 5 Steps of the process)

3.     Reaction Paper

Your 1 page reaction paper should discuss:

Introduction:

Your favorite quote/ concept / thoughts on creativity (Based in your research on Creativity, textbook reading, videos and class discussions)

Your personal understanding of creativity and critical thinking and, based on that why you decided to pursue a creative career

About the Project:

How did you approach the assignment' problem?

Talk about Problem solving strategies, concept, material, etc

What have you learn from this project?

Syllabus AT 104 SPRING 2011

AT 104 / Basic Design II

http://basicdesign2spring2011.blogspot.com/

Semester: Spring 2011

Instructor: Cecilia Mandrile

Email: amandrile@newhaven.edu

Office: Gate House # 106

Phone Ext: 7493

Office Hours:

Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11:20-12:10 am/2:10 -3:00pm

Wednesday: 11:20 -12:10 am / 2:20-4:20 pm

Additional Office Hours by appointment

Class Time:

               Section 2: Mondays & Wednesdays/ 12:15- 2:05 pm

Section 4: Tuesdays & Thursdays/ 12:15 -2:05 am

Section 50: Wednesdays/ 4:30 -8 pm

Classroom: D201

Final Exams

Section 2: Thursday May 12 / 11:00 – 1:00

Section 4: Friday May 6 / 2:00 – 4:00

Section 50: Wednesday May 11/ 4:30 -6:30 pm

  

Course Description:

Basic Design II (AT 104) is a continuation of Basic Design I (AT 103) with concentration on three-dimensional elements of design.

3D Design is an introduction to the basic methods of creating three-dimensional objects.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding form and structure, materials, methods and construction techniques.  This course is an exploration of both non-representational and representational three-dimensional forms through the understanding of design, sculpture and architecture.  This course will focus on the elements of design including form, space, light, shadow, balance, symmetry/asymmetry, mass, gravity, texture, material and scale.

Objectives

·       Students will be introduced to three-dimensional construction techniques and will learn the basic principals of three-dimensional design.

·       Students will learn analytical and problem solving skills while developing class projects.

·       Students will cultivate contextual understanding of Art and Design through their relationship to society, history and culture.

·       Students will be lead to comprehend and communicate their understanding of the design process through practice based and theoretical research, collaborative work and active participation in class critiques.

Class Structure

This is a Lecture and Studio based class. Each project will be introduced with an illustrated lecture, video and demonstration.  Critique of projects assigned will be held during the project development and after projects completion.  Students will work on individual and collaborative projects.

Design Process

For this course we will follow the design process documenting the different stages involved in each project.  This will include theoretical and technical research, sketches and drawings, photographic documentation, test models, and personal writing reflecting on your individual experiences throughout each project.

Each step of the process will be recorded and posted in a blog. 

For this you will have to open a blog for this class and email address to instructor.

Please go to Blogger.com and open a blogspot to be used only for this class.

This space is meant to be a site for personal documentation as well as a forum of discussion.

Your blog must be chronologically organized and updated along each 3D project.  Documentation process will count as 20% of the final grade for each project.

Grading Policy

Class projects will be subject to Continuous assessment.

All projects will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Creativity: concept and execution; design development documentation and presentation.

Each student will receive an Evaluation following each project that will provide a grade for that project.  If you have a problem or concern with your grade, please discuss this with me as there will be opportunities to revise projects and/or perform extra credit projects.

Assigned projects are due on the assigned due date.  Any assignment turned in late will be marked down a FULL letter grade for each class it is late. (For example: A project that earns a “A” and is one class late, will automatically be reduced to a “B”, two classes late a “C”, and so on.)

Deadlines are given for the completion of all projects. The deadline means that all work on the project must be completed and the project must be submitted as specified. Allow sufficient time for the completion of assignments. Keep in mind that all class projects may be revised or reworked after critiques to be submitted for grade revision.

In-Class Projects and documentation folders constitute 90% of your grade

First Project: 15%

Second Project: 25%

Third Project: 25%

Final Project: 25%

Attendance and Class Participation will be worth 10% of your grade.

Attendance to FINAL EXAM is mandatory.

Remember that Final Exam date is different than your regular class time during the semester. Final Exam dates for each section are listed in this syllabus and in course outline. Final project presentation and critique held during Final Exam will constitute 25% of your grade.

Attendance and Class Participation Policy

Due to the nature of the course, your attendance is mandatory. As in other design courses, you are expected to be on time and be prepared to work in class.

If absent from class, you are still responsible for the material covered. Demonstrations and explanations given in lectures and studio sessions may present information which is not accessible through readings and independent research. If you know you will be absent to class, you must contact the instructor in advance.

Critiques provide a forum of discussion. Attendance at all Project’ Critiques is mandatory

You are allowed 2 unexcused absences for the class. A third unexcused absence will result in a drop of one full letter grade for the FINAL GRADE. (e.g.an “A” will drop in a “B”) . 6 unexcused absences will result in a failing grade (F) for the course.

Students arriving after the scheduled beginning time for class and up to 10 minutes late will be considered tardy. Three late = one absence per course. Students arriving more than 30 minutes late will be counted absent.

Marks will be deducted from class participation grade when a student fails to bring the appropriate equipment or does not have prepared assignments for class and critiques.

For further details about attendance and plagiarism policies, please refer to:

www.newhaven.edu/studenthandbook

Required textbook

Launching the Imagination

A comprehensive Guide to Basic Design/ 3^rd Edition

by Mary Stewart

Mc Graw-Hill Humanities, 2008

ISBN-10: 0073526487

Selected chapters’ reading will be assigned for each project.

Further bibliography and web-links related to each project will be provided and/or suggested by instructor.

Supplies List

·       Digital Camera

·       Scissors

·       X-acto knife and blades

·       Cutting mat (self healing)

·       18” metal ruler with cork back, T-square (24” or 36” metal)  45/90  triangle (10”)

·       White/ Carpenter glue

·       Hot glue gun and glue sticks

·       Scotch tape, drafting tape, masking tape

·       Fine grit sand paper or nail files

·       Storage plastic box and plastic bag for carrying projects/works in progress

·       Black sketch markers, drawing pencils

·       Acrylic/ Tempera/ Watercolor and Brushes

·       Sketchbook

·       Tracing paper

·       Cardboard box (Project 1)

·       Old/ unused books to recycle (Project 2/Phase A)

·       White foam core boards 3/16”, color foam core board optional (Project 2/Phase B)

·       White bristol board (project 3)

·       Found Objects/ collected materials to recycle.

Note that you may need to find additional objects/supplies for Final Project and according to the particular material needs of the concept of your designs.

Date

Semester Plan:  Course Outline / AT 104 - SPRING 2011.  Sections 2 & 4

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 FINAL EXAMS

Introduction to Class. Syllabus: Goals an objectives of the course Lecture. Project 1 assigned: Outside the Box/ Video: Doris Salcedo Project 1 Outside the Box: working session Project 1 Outside the Box Working session / Critique/ Project and Documentation due/ Reading assignment. Project 2: Serial Planes: Lecture, Introduction and Research Guidelines Video: Maya Lynn Project 2:  Phase I- Altered Books Research, materials, drawings due, Working session Altered Book project. Project 2:  Phase I- Altered Books Working session Project 2 Phase I: Altered Books project due: Critique. Project 2 Phase II: Serial Planes. Introduction, guidelines and Studio Session Week Project 2 Phase II: Serial Planes Studio Session Week Project 2 Due: Serial planes projects and documentation Presentations and Critique Project 3: Polyhedral: Unit Forms & Wall Structures. Research assigned SPRING BREAK Project 3 Phase I: Working Session Week Research due, drawings due, geometry composition study project Project 3 Phase I Polyhedral Due:  Critique Project 3 Phase II. Revision of projects and work sessions Project 3 Phase II. Work session Project 3 Due: Projects and Documentation: Presentations / Critique Introduction to Final Project: Lecture  +Artists Videos: Do Ho Suh- Pepon Osorio and others Final Project: Research, sketches and mixed media experimentation. Group brainstorming. Proposal due Final Projects: Work session and Ongoing project critiques Final Project work sessions and documentation Final Project Critique: Reflection paper and Documentation Due Section 2: Thursday May 12 / 11:00 – 1:00 Section 4: Friday May 6 / 2:00 – 4:00 pm Section 50: Wednesday May 11/ 4:30 -6:30 pm