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3D Design: Idea Material Object
This course is aimed at the individual who is interested in taking a philosophical and purposeful approach to the act of designing and making. Through investigation into design of the physical, you will interrogate; ideas, materials and objects, exploring the principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability.
For more information about this course please visit the Bath School of Art and Design website.
Outcomes encompass one off craft artefacts and bespoke solutions through to batch produced objects, across areas such as lighting, tableware, furniture and product; domestic and commercial, interior and exterior. Processes will range from hand forming through conventional machining to cutting edge digital technologies such as rapid prototyping, CNC milling, laser cutting and digital textile and ceramic printing using a range of media including ceramic, fabric, metal, wood, plastic and glass.
The Crafts Council also recognises the need for a new approach from practitioners. In its report The Craft Blueprint (2009) Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director of the Crafts Council, underlined the need for the sector to develop skills to reach new markets born of globalisation, fragmentation and new consumer trends, "to further capitalise on developing digital cultures to create new types of craft production and consumption".
These new types of craft require a new type of thinking about the role of designers in making and disseminating artefacts. You will learn to make use of web enabled collaboration, manufacture and distribution to balance the needs of the consumer with the wider issues of ecology and sustainability.
We expect our graduates to shape their individual career paths as they enter the ever changing future of interdisciplinary design, with graduates becoming designer-makers, artists, in-house designers, gallery owners, curators, entrepreneurs equipped to create many more new possibilities.
For regular updates please view our course website or visit our Facebook page.
Course Structure and Content
The course will run over three years.
In your first year (Level 4) you will develop your creative instincts and explore the qualities of different materials and making processes including methods of digital manufacture. Ideas and concepts will be developed to equip you with an understanding of design and manufacture through drawing, experimentation with materials and exploration of computer based processes.
In your second year (Level 5) you will be introduced to collaborative working practise and live projects with external partners or design businesses and may undertake work experience and placements. A higher level of critique will be applied to your projects and you will be encouraged to become more self aware, using self and peer-evaluative skills to arrive at conclusions, and develop more confident solutions. You will also be introduced to marketing and promotional skills, including building narratives in your work and exploring outcomes through photographic sessions, publishing, exhibiting and web presence.
In your final year (Level 6) you will focus on individual design agendas and defining an audience or market. You will be required to refine and communicate your personal design philosophy through a combination of visual and written work as well as physical artefacts. You will be encouraged to publish your work at a professional level. We expect your final project work to be displayed at national and international design show venues.
Teaching Methods and Resources
Throughout the course you will explore the subject’s contextual framework through Historical and Critical studies modules and gain industry awareness through Professional Context Modules. The programme will engage with creative and industry partners to offer ‘Live’ projects and open up opportunities to experience a professional working atmosphere in a safe environment. Your study will be augmented by trips to cultural establishments both nationally and internationally and exchange schemes are planned with institutes around the world.
Career Opportunities
We expect our graduates to shape their individual career paths as they enter the ever changing future of interdisciplinary design, with graduates becoming designer-makers, artists, in-house designers, gallery owners, curators, entrepreneurs equipped to create many more new possibilities.
We have strong contacts with both the Crafts Council and Design Council. Our students have been very successful at the graduate design show New Designers and staff/students/alumni have exhibited at the best international design and craft shows including 100% Design, Origin, Tent, Dutch Design Week, Maison-Objet and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NY.
Entry Requirements
Standard Art and Design requirements.
A folder of art and design work, plus 3D work as appropriate.