Foundation Studies Courses

FND201 Drawing for Foundation

[2–2, 3 cr.]

The purpose of this course is to discover the exploratory potential of visualizing thinking through hand drawing. Students’ skills in drawing as mimesis and as perception are emphasized. The course delves into traditional and conceptual transcription, using drawing as a primary mode of inquiry and perception. Through different drawing exercises, students will be introduced to the study of chiaroscuro, perspective, nature, object, materials, textures and principles of composition. Each student will be expected to complete a black book series that demonstrates their mastery of basic drawing skills.

FND231 Studio I-A

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio emphasizes visual perception through an initiation into the different modes of two-dimensional representation and formal analysis of the basic elements of visual language, such as point, line, shape and figure/ground structure, color, and the effects of light on forms. Exercises in this studio are intended to sharpen the student’s perception of shapes and forms, and to train the eye and the hand in the process of interpretation and representation of two dimensional visuals. Supplemented by the analysis of major artworks, this studio introduces a variety of techniques, exploring their possibilities and application.

FND232 Studio I-B

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio explores the basics of plastic modeling and initiates students to critical thinking through exercises that address three-dimensional formal analysis / volumetric studies and evolve from soft materials to hard materials, with an emphasis on learning wood craftsmanship. Projects explore the syntax of 3D forms and investigate the properties of materials, structure, mass, and scale, as well as the effects of light on forms. This studio stresses the importance of craftsmanship and the different techniques of modeling requiring an active use of the workshop. 

FND235 Shop Techniques

[0–2, 1 cr.]

This course is a foundational course that initiates the student to the craft of woodworking and wood joinery, metal work, molding and casting. It is co-requisite to DES I-B, and will be taught by a staff member in coordination with faculty teaching DES I-B.

Co-requisite: FND232 Design Studio I-B

FND236 Studio II Formal Tectonics

[3–6, 6 cr.]

This studio will introduce basic architectural concepts, exploring the relationship between spatial constructs and human scale, through critical investigations of small-scale, single-function projects. The studio will foster the exploration of the relationship between Structure, Form and Space through specific projects that mediate between the conceptual and the functional dimensions. The projects should lead to well-articulated constructs demonstrating innovative spatial explorations, realized through a set of models and drawings. This studio will emphasize manually constructed models and hand-drafted drawings, as a means to engage design-thinking through making.

Prerequisites: FND231 Studio I-A, FND232 Studio I-B, and FND235 Shop Techniques

FND237 Studio II Visual Dynamics

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio investigates the conceptual dimensions of visual representation, expanding on the perceptual manifestations of two-dimensional forms. Projects focus on composition, semantics, aesthetics, and image making leading to the formulation of visual language. Projects also address the conceptualization and representation of ideas in different media. Visual expression is explored through the assimilation of a broad spectrum of visual imagery and experimental media. The studio intends to enhance the students’ aptitude to synthesize ideas and produce two-dimensional representations that lead to the development of a personal expression.

Prerequisites: FND231 Studio I-A, FND232 Studio I-B, and FND235 Shop Techniques

FND251 Digital Media

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio course is composed of two parts, starting with a basic exposure to computer platforms and the primary software used in computer graphics application. The first part addresses the basics of generating and manipulating images using digital media, and covers monochrome patterns, control and mix of colors, raster images, scanning, pixel and vector graphics. The second part introduces the basic concepts of four-dimensional design, in which properties of time and movement are explored. A range of time-based media are addressed from computer-driven technologies and digital photography to interactive media. A workshop on video editing and post production is offered as integral part of this studio.

FND281 Design Culture

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the interrelationship between art and design, through the exploration of different contemporary topics. The first part of the course will be a survey of major artistic movements in the 20th century, and the second part will be a theoretical exploration of the cultural and aesthetic underpinnings of the various manifestations of contemporary design developments in the applied arts from spatial design to furniture, product, graphics, fashion and cinema.