All courses

DSGN486-001-202360 Advanced Research Issues II

Exploration of advanced research issues in design.

Teacher: William Hunter

Summer 2023 Field History and Theory (DSGN-474-IT1, DSGN-474-IT2)

How do we understand the objects, buildings, and the ideas that we associate with design? What does it mean to be a designer and, as designers, how do we craft artifacts that exemplify Vitruvius’ call for utility, durability, and beauty? In this course, students will explore the reasons why some objects and buildings have had a lasting impact through readings and discussions of some of the most significant writings on craft and its relationship to design. Because the buildings and objects of design are best experienced in person, our discussions will take place in the buildings, museums, and workshops that best illustrate the ideas from our readings; the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, the Museo Galileo, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Vespa Museum, and several others. This is a companion course to DSGN 471G – Field Analysis and it is strongly recommended that the two courses be taken together.

Teacher: Thomas Cline
Teacher: Sarah Young

Summer 2023 Field Analysis (DSGN-471-IT1, DSGN-471-IT2)

Many of the most important buildings, objects, and ideas in design history are located in or near Florence—from Brunelleschi’s dome to the latest hyper-car from Ferrari. This sketch and analysis course will allow you to see, to study, and to engage these critical works of design through daily sketching assignments. Many of the most world’s most renowned designers once did the same; learning to be designers by analyzing the most important design artifacts in history—the buildings, objects, and ideas that have been most influential to design. What better way to learn about design than to spend six weeks experiencing, first-hand, the most incredible design artifacts in the world? What better way to learn how to draw than to practice daily? In the great tradition of the ‘Grand Tour’, we will visit, draw, and analyze the great works of Florence, and in doing so, learn how to design with confidence.