COURSES TAUGHT

ARCHITECTURE:

Design Fundamentals I / Architectonics studies the nature of architectural and design ideas directly through medium of space. Mass-void modeling explores part transformation, figure-ground, etc. and is the basis of planimetric, axonometric, perspective and graphic studies. 
Design Fundamentals II /  Dynamics continues study of architectural ideas directly through space. Volume modeling explores spatial intersections, tartan grid, light, circulation, materials and structure, as aspects of plastic design at human scale. Animation and color also studied.  
Architectural Design I / Design problems are given that deal with specific issues as they pertain to the generation and making of architectural form/space, i.e. program, site, structure, material, light, geometry; all of which are understood as sources and reference for spacial intervention/solution. Emphasis is on the generation and evaluation of the architectural part. 
Architectural Design II / Design problems are structured so as to necessitate the resolution of multiple issues simultaneously and interdependently. Emphasis is on the translation and development of a part into spaces capable of being inhabited and constructed. 
Architectural Design III / Investigation of the public realm in our communities through the design of a public building. The semester-long problem encompasses analysis of precedent and site, and development of a design project from initial part through large-sale presentation models and drawings. Emphasis is placed on the unique capacity of architecture to convey meaning through purely spatial and plastic means. 
Architectural Design IV / Study of housing. Design problems examine housing prototypes and the mutual impact the design solutions and neighborhood contexts exert on one another. Emphasis on exploring the interface between the large scale of city public spaces and the intimate scale of private individual spaces. 
Architectural Design VII / The first half of a two-semester thesis sequence providing the student with an opportunity to carry out an architectural design at a highly realistic and professional level. This semester is devoted to research, programming, and presentation of alternative schematic proposals. The student may choose either a studio or independent study. Emphasis is placed on a thorough definition of the project and its physical, social, and conceptual parameters. 
Visualization I & II / These courses focus on three areas simultaneously: technical drawing, graphic and fine arts, and computer applications in architecture and design. It includes descriptive geometry, art composition, mediums and techniques, analysis and theory of fine art, and computer software application. The course assists the production of the required Design Studio portfolio. 
Computer Aided Design I  & II / AutoCAD as used to prepare 2D and 3D drawings for architecture and interior design.
Special Studies I & II / Creating photo-realistic renderings of still and animated images utilizing 3D Studio MAX and Maya on both beginning and intermediate levels. Topics included: overview of user interface; terms, concepts and navigation in 3D space; creating 3D objects, lighting, creating and modifying materials; rendering the scenes. The course also introduces animation techniques.
Computer Aided Construction Drawings / Modern methods of construction drawing development, purpose, and organization through the use of computer-aided design and drawing. Study is directed and guided in the preparation of a complete set of drawings: plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, and an introduction to specifications through digital media.

ANIMATION:

Introduction to Animation / Projects in animation techniques including flip book, cutout/collage, stop-motion such as claymation, pixilation, and puppet animation, rotoscoping, and time-lapse. Films. The course does not cover computer-generated animation, computers used as post-production tools.
3D Modeling   / Utilization of basic design principles to the solution of visual problems using elements of 3D design. Students conceptualize 3D coordinate systems, construct 3D models, and apply them to geometric construction.  Software used: 3D MAX, Maya, Blender.
Advanced Lighting & Texturing/ Exploration of materials, textures, lighting and rendering techniques to add detail and realism to objects without adding complexity to the model. Students will simulate real world surfaces and textures. Software used: 3D MAX, Maya, Blender.
Visual Storytelling   / Introduction to the elements of visual storytelling. Exploration of and practice with the basic concepts of cinematic narrative and visual storytelling, language of filmmaking and the conventions (and innovations) of film history, animation, and sequential art. Topics include shot types, continuity, pacing, transitions and sequencing in visual narrative design. Emphasis will be placed on planning and pre-visualization and the exploration and development of a cinematic vocabulary and storytelling technique.

ART:

Art Fundamentals / This introductory course explores the principles of design, and introduces the creative process. Design elements and relationships are identified and employed to establish a basis for aesthetic sensitivity and critical analysis. Design is presented as a tool of communication.
Observational Drawing / Technical foundation on how to accurately translate information from the eye to the hand. Line, value, and form are employed to render a range of materials, surfaces, and objects. As the quarter progresses, students create drawings that distort or juxtapose elements, views, or multiple scenes inside and outside the classroom. Through personal invention, the narrative elements of time and affect will be explored. Historical precedents will be discussed, giving attention to one-point and two-point perspective, Cubism, as well as other traditions and methods of organizing pictorial space. Materials will include graphite pencil, charcoal, and ink. Lectures alternate with studio work.
Color / Hands-on study of color to develop color sensitivity and the ability to manipulate color to exploit its expressive potential. Guided experimentation and observation. Topics include color relativity, color and light, color mixing, color harmony, and color and content.
Concept Sketching  / Application of drawing techniques to investigate design concepts and represent manufactured objects. One-point and two-point perspective methods are enhanced. Students use a variety of media such as pencil, ink, and markers to simulate a variety of natural and man-made materials in their drawings. 
Introduction to Abstract Art  / Through a series of prompts and exercises, students strengthen their understanding of composition, color, line, form, and material. Studio-based projects draw upon the history of abstraction, as well as incorporate found objects and imagery to ground exploration in the immediate environment.  Through technical exercises developed by Walter Gropius and Joseph Albers of the Bauhaus, students develop foundational skills in composition and color theory. Experimentation, intuitive decision making, and developing one’s own approach is encouraged throughout.                                                             Interdisciplinary Art  / Development of diversity of concepts and strategies within the student’s artistic practice. The course includes a survey of artists using different media taught in the department’s studio program such as drawing, video and digital art, photography, and sculpture. Expanding the artistic practice outside of traditional media boundaries and focusing on the translation of concepts across various media.  

INTERIOR DESIGN:

CAD I & II /  Introduction & intermediate levels to the principles and operation of computer-aided drafting to produce floor plans, elevations and other components of construction drawings using AutoCAD. Students enhance their CAD skills while increasing their speed and problem solving capabilities and proficiency in computer-assisted drafting through progressively complex applications. 2D and 3D CAD introduced on both introduction as well as intermediate levels of the subject.
Commercial Design II / This course is the design and presentation of a complex commercial project with emphasis on universal and barrier free design. 
Institutional Design /  Design and presentation of an Institutional Project with emphasis on anthropometrics, human factors, and human behavior. 
Modeling II / Introduction to various 3D modeling software widely used in the field of interior design. Creating and utilization of volumetric data as an essential component of the design process at all stages of its development. Software used: AutoCAD, 3D Studio MAX and SketchUp. Rendering tools such as Podium and V-Ray are introduced among others.
Presentation Techniques / Utilization of alternate methods for creating and producing interior design presentations. Combining a variety of software, reproduction techniques, and digital rendering tools, students explore ways to  create, enhance and arrange images into a cohesive graphic presentation.   
Residential Design II / Contract document process for interior spaces.  

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Digital Color Theory /  Introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to media. 
Digital Sketching / Sketching techniques for Industrial and Product Design are transferred to the digital world. Focus on sketching and drawing 2D content while incorporating traditional design rendering skills utilizing digital Wacom and Apple tablets. 
Graphic Package Design /  Creative workflow in package design and the challenges of adapting 2D designs to 3D forms, both simple and complex. Projects explore materials, structure, aesthetics, production methods, marketing objectives and budgetary constraints. 
Image Manipulation / Introduction to raster-based digital image manipulation. Topics of study include key concepts, hardware and software related to digital image acquisition, image editing, manipulation, color management basics, masking, layering, retouching, scanning and output. Programs used: Adobe Suite.

WEB DESIGN:

Web Design Fundamentals /  Design, creation and upload of basic mobile-responsive web pages using text editors, Bootstrap and WordPress.org. HTML5 and CSS introduced.
Intermediate Web Design  / Define and apply various methods for creation and styling professional mobile-responsive web pages. Demonstrate file management and utilization FTP client. Implement design solutions through common information architecture principles.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Survey of Digital Photography /  Students learn to use a DSLR camera and to operate manual settings (focus, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, color temp/white balance). Subjects include introduction to basic scanning techniques, and basic color digital printing, file management as well as the use of Adobe Lightroom. Students acquire an essential knowledge of contemporary art photography, including standards of quality and image sequencing. Basic sense of aesthetics and of the critical discourse that exists around the cultural significance of images.
Photographic Post-Production / Research, development and execution of digital montage to produce creative and surrealistic imagery not possible in the camera moment. Application of channels, masks, blending modes, vector tools, selections, filters and layers to photographs. Post-production techniques include photo retouching and compositing.