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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2645 Design Theory

10 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Prof Michael Hann
Email: m.a.hann@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is mutually exclusive with

DESN2640Design Theory 2

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 visual expression 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 content is challenging intellectually and requires substantial commitment on a weekly basis. - -Assessment is by submission of a response to one assignment and by formal written examination (1.5 hrs).

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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Private study hours89.00
Total Contact hours11.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Substantial further reading, to develop an awareness of the concepts, principles and other issues dealt with in lectures.
Various exercises (five in total, referred to as ‘journal entries’) to be completed and uploaded onto the VLE at specified times during the semester.
Each lecture is regarded as a sign post for further reading and enquiry. The assignment, which forms part of the assessment (50%), will 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

- Staff presenting the module offer a minimum of two hours per week for discussion relating to the assignment, ‘journal entries’ and further reading, as well as any other issues relating to the module.
- Student-initiated meetings with relevant staff during specified tutorial hours (referred to as ‘feedback sessions’), allow students to discuss their progress and also to obtain feedback on ‘journal entries’ and their response to the assignment. These (self-initiated) meetings are not compulsory, but substantial numbers of students have attended in the past.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PortfolioConsisting of visual material, design collections and mood board.50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

The assignment (including resit, where appropriate) is focused on the assembly and analysis of large quantities of visual material and the development of a collection of designs intended for a specified end use (selected by the student) and an accompanying ‘story/mood board’ (which includes a selection of visual sources, evidence of visual development, acknowledgement of the raw-materials uses and the manufacturing techniques employed, and an illustration of the selected end use).


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Unseen exam 1 hr 30 mins50.00
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: 26/04/2017

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