3D Design

Ceramics

Students working within the Ceramics specialism must demonstrate the use of this material in either a decorative or functional context which may include one-off experimental pieces, traditional crafts, small batch production or industrial design for mass consumption. You must also demonstrate your use of space, form and volume in your handling of the material. You should work in a range of different constructional and finishing methods such as:

• hand making through slab and coil;

• casting including the construction and use of moulds;

• modelling;

• application of colour and glaze

You must also demonstrate your understanding of the processes involved in drying, firing and glazing.

Product Design

Within this specialism students should demonstrate how they can problem-solve by designing or creating products, which have a decorative or functional role.

You should work with a range of materials such as:

• clay;

• wood;

• metal;

• plastic

‘Product’ refers to a range of consumer goods, which have either a decorative or functional role such as toys or apparatus for children, sports equipment, and handheld electrical appliances, industrial ceramics or glass and furniture, whether public or domestic.

You will be required to demonstrate problem-solving skills in three dimensions by defining role, function, material and audience by the use of a brief which sets the context and parameters of your work. You must show the design process with a variety of possible solutions in which the use of maquettes is acceptable.

Finished designs and models are also acceptable – it is not necessary for you to produce final pieces but an understanding of manufacturing processes and constraints must be shown in the design process. You should consider the relationship of the designer within a society based on limitless consumption of limited resources. You should offer alternative solutions, which favour ‘design for need’.

Design briefs should be attached to all projects.

Environmental Design & Architectural Design

Within this specialism students demonstrate their understanding of Three Dimensional Design though the use of spatial design in an environmental context. The environmental context is the use of either public or private space. Students define the nature, role, function and audience/users of this space within a design brief. Public space could include exhibitions, piazzas, landscape and leisure parks, whilst private interiors can be domestic or for advertising, film and television.

You may work in a variety of materials either discreetly or in combination such as:

• metal;

• glass;

• mosaic;

• ceramic;

• fibre;

• wood

Through the design process you should offer a range of spatial solutions to the various constraints presented by a particular environment. Your work must also consider the practical constraints of materials, estimates and costing as well as any environmental impact.

You will work on either live or simulated projects, as an understanding of the needs of the audience and users is a key element of the design process. The work will usually be presented in model form in the case of simulated projects or additionally by photographs, video and drawings in the case of a live project.