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.