2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2640 Design Theory 2

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Prof. Michael Hann
Email: M.A.Hann@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is mutually exclusive with

DESN2645

Design Theory

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Knowledge of many of the geometric principles, concepts and perspectives underlying structure and form in art and design can be sourced in ancient times, and transcend the boundaries between art, design, science and engineering. Structure, form and performance continue to be of paramount importance in the modern world. An understanding of what nature builds at the nano level can inspire humans to create astonishing tilings, patterns and other forms of decoration as well as grand macro-level structures such as Gothic cathedrals or geodesic dome structures. A range of topics associated with structure and form in art and design is introduced in this module.Various regular polygons that are capable of tiling the plane without gap or overlap are identified. Periodic (or repeating) and aperiodic (or non-repeating) tessellations are considered. Inter-related concepts, associated with the Fibonacci series and the golden section, are explained. The nature of the five regular polyhedra (or Platonic solids) and the thirteen semi-regular polyhedra (or Archimedean solids) is explained. Reference is made to principles associated with modularity, and the nature of fractals and scale symmetry is outlined.- Each weekly lecture offers the signpost for crucial further reading. - The module's delivery may well be entertaining (past students have considered it inspiring), but the content is challenging intellectually and requires substantial commitment on a weekly basis. - Assessment is by submission of assignments and by formal written examination.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:
- introduce a range of concepts and principles of importance to the understanding of structure and form in the visual arts and design;
- create an awareness of how these concepts can, with insight and vision, be used as problem solving tools of the twenty-first century.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will:
- show evidence of having gained an awareness of a wide range of theoretical issues of importance to the understanding of the nature of structure and form in the visual arts and design;
- be able to conduct structural analyses of naturally occurring phenomena, human-made objects, images, paintings, sculpture, patterns, tilings and other forms of two- and three-dimensional designs and other visual statements.

Syllabus

- A range of topics associated with structure and form in design is the focus of the module.
- Various regular polygons that are capable of tiling the plane without gap or overlap are identified.
- Periodic (or repeating) and aperiodic (or non-repeating) tessellations are considered.
- Inter-related concepts, associated with the Fibonacci series and the golden section, are explained.
- The principles of symmetry are introduced.
- The nature of the five regular polyhedra (or Platonic solids) and the thirteen semi-regular polyhedra (or Archimedean solids) is explained.
- The nature of modularity and, in particular, the principle of minimum inventory and maximum diversity is considered.
- The characteristic features of fractals (especially scale symmetry) are discussed, and systems of pattern construction and design analysis are introduced.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			189.00
Total Contact hours			11.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Substantial further reading, to develop an awareness of the concepts, principles and other issues dealt with in lectures. Each lecture is regarded as a sign post for further reading and enquiry. All assignments require substantial preparation and execution time.

Students are expected to attend all lectures, take charge of their own intellectual development, search libraries, visit art galleries and museums and read widely across all subject areas of relevance to the module. Students are expected also to keep a daily journal, comprised of drawings, notes and other documentary records, reflecting their developing knowledge and awareness of the subject area.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored by:
- Records of attendance at lectures monitored on a weekly basis
- Feedback on the first assignment (submitted in week 5)
- Staff presenting the module offer a minimum of four hours per week for discussion relating to assignments or any other issues relating to the module
- Discussion in student-initiated meetings with relevant staff. Difficulties may be discussed with tutors during specified tutorial hours (a total of four hours per week are set, in which tutors are available to discuss all aspects of the module and its contents). These (self-selected) tutorials are not compulsory, but substantial numbers of students have attended in the past.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	A4 visual assignment	25.00
Report	A4 visual assignment	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/04/2016

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