Bachelor of Arts in Design

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Design is a three-year program that combines theoretical studies with experiential workshops, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to approach and solve design challenges. The program emphasizes a hands-on, project-based learning approach, fostering collaboration and innovation. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in the design industry and beyond, including interior design, product design, and marketing.

Program Outline

Bachelor of Arts in Design

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Design is a three-year program that follows the “learning by doing” approach. It integrates theoretical studies with experiential workshops, providing students with an understanding of contemporary design forms and application techniques. The program strives to engage students' passion and sensitivity towards design, exploring objects as cultural artifacts that shape and reflect human life.

Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary cultural, scientific, and technical competencies to approach and solve design challenges.
• Develop students' ability to analyze specific contexts of use, translate them into typological and formal solutions, and consider marketing and distribution aspects.
• Provide students with tools and techniques for representing spaces and products.

Program Structure:

• First Year: Introduces basic tools for approaching design projects in their complexities, diversities, and pluralities.
Covers the history of design and its application within the contemporary context. Students explore product and interior design methods, prototyping, and project development. They gain an understanding of materials and processing methods through theoretical, project-based, and lab teaching in design methodology, project culture, design history, technology of materials, and history of art.
• Second Year: Guides students towards further development in product and human space systems.
Students choose a specialization (Interior Design, Product Design) and follow specific and elective courses. They explore design, digital modeling techniques, project culture, design history, exhibit, furniture and service design, small objects, series and accessories, multimedia design, multimedia languages, introduction to cultural marketing, and interactive systems. Led by experienced teachers, students learn to transform concepts into projects and products, confronting prototyping, communication, and marketing strategies.
• Third Year: Students refine their knowledge and skills, developing a highly complex project within their chosen specialization (Product or Interior Design).
They consider materials, technologies, public spaces in their relationship with people, and relevant markets. They develop personal methods and languages through specialized teachings in cultural anthropology, technology of materials, design, interaction design, light design, urban design, design systems, and didactic activities related to the thesis project.

Outline

First Year:

• Introduction to Design Fundamentals
• Design History
• Project Methodology and Culture
• Technology of Materials
• History of Art
• Introduction to Product Design
• Introduction to Interior Design
• Basics of Prototyping
• Design Communication
• Studio Practice I

Second Year:

• Specialization in Interior Design or Product Design
• Advanced Design Studio I (Specialization-specific)
• Digital Modeling Techniques
• Project Culture II
• History of Design II
• Exhibition Design
• Furniture and Service Design
• Small Objects, Series and Accessories
• Multimedia Design I
• Multimedia Design II
• Introduction to Cultural Marketing
• Interactive Systems
• Studio Practice II

Third Year:

• Advanced Design Studio II (Specialization-specific)
• Cultural Anthropology
• Technology of Materials II
• Interaction Design
• Light Design
• Urban Design
• Design Systems
• Thesis Project Development
• Studio Practice III

Assessment

The Bachelor of Arts in Design utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student learning and progress:

• Studio Reviews: Regular feedback and critiques are provided on individual and group projects during studio sessions.
• Project Presentations: Students present their design projects to peers and faculty for evaluation and discussion.
• Examinations: Written and oral exams assess theoretical knowledge and analytical skills.
• Thesis Project: The final thesis project serves as a comprehensive assessment of students' design abilities, research skills, and critical thinking capabilities.

Teaching

The program emphasizes a hands-on, project-based learning approach. Students engage in active participation through studio work, workshops, and individualized instruction. Experienced faculty members with expertise in design, art history, and related fields provide guidance and support. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students learn from each other and exchange ideas.

Unique Teaching Approaches:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration between design and other disciplines such as engineering, social science, and humanities.
This fosters innovation and challenges students to consider design from diverse perspectives.
• External Project Collaboration: Students have opportunities to work on real-world projects for clients or organizations, allowing them to gain practical experience and develop professional skills.
• Learning through Travel: The program may offer study abroad opportunities or field trips to design hubs, immersing students in different cultural contexts and design practices.

Careers

The Bachelor of Arts in Design prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the design industry and beyond. Potential careers include:

• Interior Designer
• Product Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Retail Designer
• Exhibition Designer
• Service Designer
• Design Researcher
• Design Educator
• Design Journalist
• Brand Manager
• Marketing Specialist
• Creative Director