ARTS239 - Object Design

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit develops advanced 3D forms in sculpture. Students are able to extend their experience by working on various studio-based projects to learn new skills and techniques which will inform their individual art practices. Students’ continuing analyses and critical evaluation of the works will be addressed in relation to contemporary Australian and International Contemporary three dimensional art practice.

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Create project-based objects using a variety of skills, methods, techniques and materials individually and in groups (GA4, GA5, GA9)

LO2 - Analyse and interpret contemporary 3D forms and object design, in the context of your own practice (GA4, GA5, GA9)

LO3 - Undertake research into individual ideas and concepts in an ethical manner to inform their individual practice (GA3, GA8, GA9)

LO4 - Articulate the way in which historical and theoretical contexts of art and design can inform your own practice (GA4, GA5, GA9, GA10)

Graduate attributes

GA3 - Apply ethical perspectives in informed decision making

GA4 - Think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - Demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA8 - Locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

GA9 - Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

GA10 - Utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively

Content

This unit will introduce students to the concepts, processes and techniques of contemporary object design. Project based exercises will enable students to relate processes and techniques to the analysis and interpretation of contemporary design. It is expected that the students will work towards developing a personal style of object design, reflecting sensitivity to, and appreciation of the use of media and materials, and the interpretation of subject matter in an aesthetic and conceptual context.

Occupation Health & Safety concerns related to object design will be emphasised throughout the unit.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The learning and teaching strategy for this unit focuses on fostering studio-led research and developing assessments that have real-world applications. This strategy is implemented by combining professional practice approaches that responds to relevant, contemporary object design briefs like National Sculpture Prizes, with designing sculptures for the public sphere. This rationale empowers student’s to not only demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession but apply ethical perspectives to their design concepts. Hence, this unit introduces students to a variety of art mediums and their artistic skills are applied to a variety of creative platforms.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The rationale for this unit is based in developing both a core conceptual and a technical understanding of creating a variety of three-dimensional forms. The assessment tasks are designed as creative responses to briefs. These briefs will emphasise both the technical and conceptual aspects of working in sculptural practice. The research documentation demonstrates process, reflective thinking and contextualises the relationship between the creative outcome and relevant contemporary practices.

Overview of assessments

Equivalent tasks may also be used

Representative texts and references

Alesina, I. & Lupton, E., (2010). Exploring Materials Creative design for Everyday Objects, New York: Princeton Architectural Press

Australian Council for the Arts. (2008) Visual arts: protocols for producing Indigenous Australian visual arts. Canberra: Australian Council for the Arts.

Burdek, B., (2005). Design: History, Theory and Practice of Product Design, Boston: Birkhauser.

Cochrane, G., (2007). Smart Works, Design and the Handmade, Sydney: Powerhouse.

Ehmann, S. Huebner, M. & Klanten, R., (2009). Tangible: High Touch Visuals, Gestalten.

Foreshew, N., & Parkes, B. (2009) Menagerie: Contemporary Indigenous Sculpture, N.S.W.: Australian Centre for Craft and Design

Hudson, J., (2008). Process 50 Product Designs from Concept to Manufacture, London: Laurence King Publishing.

McCulloch, S. (2010) McCulloch's Contemporary Aboriginal Art: The Complete Guide, Australia: McCulloch & McCulloch Australian Art Books

Parsons, T. (2009). Thinking: Objects Contemporary Approaches to Product Design, Switzerland: AVA Publishing.

Schmidt, P. & Stattmann, N., (2009). Unfolden Paper in Design, Art, Architecture and Industry, Basel, Switzerland: Birkhäuser.