This course investigates aspects of being human in a range of contexts. Structured projects address conceptual, formal, contextual and presentation issues. Through projects and activities, students will explore ideas, methods, and contexts that are applicable to a wide range of creative practices. This series of projects are intended to help students to gain the skills and understanding necessary for the initiation, organization and development of an individual program of study. The projects are designed to develop an increasingly critical and analytical approach to students' work and place particular stress on the importance of contextual understanding in their development as a creative practitioner. Students are expected to take increased responsibility for their own area of practice and begin to adopt a reflexive, critical position to their work. They are asked to develop skills in observing and recording what they see, hear, think and feel. They are also encouraged to recognize how media and materials can be used in relating theory to practice.

Post-Optimal Objects is an advanced studio involving the exploration of designed objects and their cultural contexts. Post-Optimal Objects focuses on ideas rather the development of mass-market products. The usual constraints of practicality and conventional functionality are not applicable and participants are liberated to pursue their self-determined goals rather than those of a ‘client’. This studio explores the territory between fine art and design and addresses approaches for developing the aesthetic and critical possibilities of objects outside a commercial context. Students will investigate various ways of creatively communicating ideas about objects, such as making appearance models, mock-ups and storyboards.

The progress seminar will support participants in building and maintaining momentum in the creative work and research for their thesis. It will set standards and expectations for the scope and rigor of your research, creative work, and thesis.
This seminar provides a forum to explore creative work, fueled by the discourse between participants. Students are encouraged to explore and challenge established preconceptions and to anticipate and initiate change. The seminar is structured to accommodate individual programs of research and independent lines of inquiry.

This year-long course allows students to synthesize their academic and studio work, beginning with an individually developed project proposal and culminating in a thoughtful, public presentation that demonstrates knowledge of particularized issues, methods and materials.

‘Smartsurfaces’ concentrates on complex, problem solving and system design through a project-based approach. From basic skill building to advanced forms of critique and inquiry the course will endeavor to make transparent the collaborative design process. The University will be used as a practical laboratory as well as a catalyst for furthering dialogue, collaboration and research. The course provides the framework for the development of new projects, fueled by discourse between the three Schools of Art & Design, Architecture, and Engineering. Students will benefit from constructing projects and will be encouraged to explore and challenge established methods of design and to anticipate and initiate change.