Course Description
This course is dedicated to the study of three-dimensional form, working with a variety of media. Students will learn how to manipulate three dimensional forms and space by completing sculptural and architectural projects. Students will learn how to construct and analyze three-dimensional forms, exploring additive, subtractive and construction processes. The assignments will develop creativity, methodology, and manipulation in three dimensions.
Course Objectives
Students will [1] create and execute sophisticated solutions to three-dimensional design problems; [2] strive for the highest levels of craftsmanship; [3] design with consideration for all visible vantage points; [4] understand contextual relevance of objects and forms, and objects in the spaces they may occupy; [5] utilize the ground plane as an active element in compositions; [6] learn to create physical material connections that enhance composition; [7] accurately describe, analyze and interpret solutions to visual problems.
Lab
This course has a one-hour lab attached to every course meeting. The labs are technical in nature and are designed to enhance your skills with a variety of techniques, procedures and equipment in the department that will aid in your assignments in this course and in projects for future courses. For a complete list of labs in this course, refer to the course calendar.
Required Materials
- Sketchbook – This course requires that you maintain a sketchbook in order to keep a coherent documentation of written descriptions of ideas, preparatory drawings, exercises and copies of source material. At the end of each class, make entries in your sketchbook recording problems, questions, progress and short-term goals. Keep your project evaluations and handouts as well. In summary, you should maintain reflective and analytical text, several small drawings in your sketchbook.
- The Maker’s Manual: A practical guide to the new industrial revolution by Andrea Maietta and Paolo Aliverti ISBN-10: 145718592X
Tool List
- Hot glue gun that accepts 1⁄2” glue sticks
- 18” or 24” ruler (Dick Blick has a nice 2” wide aluminum model called the “Alumicutter” – great for safecutting.)
- X-acto knife (that uses #11 blades) with 5-10 replacement blades
- Utility knife with extra blades
- 3-4 sheets of white foam core board (minimum size should be 24” x 30”)
- Small tubes or jars of acrylic paint (any one color plus white and black)
- Inexpensive paint brush(es)
- 2-3 CHEAP wood carving chisels (Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.)
- Stanley Sur-form rasps (one flat, one round) ↓ at www.doitbest.com or www.lowes.com
Structure
Classes will generally begin with a lecture or demonstration, then transition into studio time.
Projects 80%
- Wire 20%
- Cardboard 10% maquettes 10%
- Foam 20%
- Kinetic 10% maquettes 10%
Project Evaluation
The following criteria will be the basis for your evaluation for all creative assignments in the course:
- Fulfillment of assignment objectives
- Technical execution/craftsmanship
- Conceptual sophistication and physical investment of time
- Aesthetic and conceptual quality of your finished work
Critique and Participation 20%
Critiques play a crucial role in all art and design practices. Group and individual meetings will take place throughout the semester. As such students will encounter numerous situations where it becomes necessary to evaluate, work and rework projects in order to achieve the highest possible standards. Verbal and written skills are important, students are required to explain and write about their design decisions in front of the instructor, clients, and peers.
Unless otherwise specified, each project will be ready for critique and turned in at the beginning of class. All project due dates are posted on the course schedule.
Critiques and class discussions, will become helpful tools only through your participation. Participation in class and in this fora will count for 20% of your final grade.