Course Plan: Design and Technology - Furnishing (Year 11)
Introduction
Welcome to the Year 11 Design and Technology course focusing on Furnishing. This course aims to explore the principles and practices of interior furnishing, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Through a combination of lessons, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning experiences, students will gain an understanding of the aesthetics, materials, and techniques used in modern furnishing design.
Students will engage with the design process, develop critical thinking skills, and express their creativity by crafting functional and artistic pieces. By the end of this course, learners will produce a practical project—a Shadow Box—demonstrating their acquired knowledge and skills.
Course Goals:
- Develop an understanding of interior furnishing principles and aesthetics.
- Engage in practical design and make processes.
- Cultivate problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
- Create a portfolio showcasing the Shadow Box project and other assignments.
Course Aims:
- To introduce students to the history and evolution of interior furnishing.
- To enhance students’ ability to design and make functional and aesthetically pleasing items.
- To foster teamwork and collaboration through specific group tasks.
- To encourage reflection and self-assessment of designs and finished projects.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Furnishing
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Design and Technology
- Overview of the course structure and assessments.
- Lesson 2: Understanding Interior Furnishing
- Definition and purpose of interior furnishing.
- Lesson 3: Historical Context and Evolution
- The impact of social, economic and cultural factors on furnishing styles.
Module 2: Design Principles
- Lesson 4: The Elements of Design
- Line, shape, form, color, texture, and space.
- Lesson 5: The Principles of Design
- Balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity.
- Lesson 6: Functionality vs. Aesthetics
- How functionality influences design decisions.
Module 3: Materials and Techniques
- Lesson 7: Overview of Furnishing Materials
- Wood, metal, textiles, and polymers.
- Lesson 8: Techniques in Furnishing
- Cutting, joining, upholstering, and finishing techniques.
- Lesson 9: Sustainability in Furnishing
- Eco-friendly materials and practices.
Module 4: Ergonomics and Safety
- Lesson 10: Ergonomics in Design
- Importance of comfort and human dimensions in design.
- Lesson 11: Health and Safety Considerations
- Safe practices in handling tools and materials.
Module 5: The Design Process
- Lesson 12: Understanding the Design Cycle
- Steps from problem identification to prototype development.
- Lesson 13: Sketching and Visualization Techniques
- Techniques for communicating ideas visually.
- Lesson 14: Creating Design Briefs
- How to develop a clear project outline and objectives.
Module 6: Project Management
- Lesson 15: Planning and Scheduling
- Time management and resource allocation for projects.
- Lesson 16: Collaboration and Communication
- Effective teamwork and communication strategies.
Module 7: Introduce the Practical Project - Shadow Box
- Lesson 17: Project Overview
- Introduction to the Shadow Box and its significance.
- Lesson 18: Research for Project
- Investigate themes, inspirations, and concepts for personal designs.
- Lesson 19: Initial Design Ideas
- Brainstorming and conceptual development.
Module 8: Developing the Shadow Box
- Lesson 20: Material Selection
- Choosing appropriate materials for the project.
- Lesson 21: Prototyping Techniques
- Creating a rough prototype to assess design feasibility.
- Lesson 22: Final Design Documentation
- Documenting design decisions and processes.
Module 9: Constructing the Shadow Box
- Lesson 23: Tool and Equipment Familiarization
- Hands-on with tools needed for construction.
- Lesson 24: Building the Base Structure
- Step-by-step construction guidelines.
- Lesson 25: Adding Details and Finishing Touches
- Techniques for decoration and embellishment.
Module 10: Presentation and Reflection
- Lesson 26: Final Assembly and Quality Control
- Review and refine the final product.
- Lesson 27: Preparing for Presentation
- How to present your project effectively.
- Lesson 28: Project Presentations
- Students present their Shadow Boxes to the class.
- Lesson 29: Peer Reviews and Feedback
- Engaging in constructive critique of classmates' work.
- Lesson 30: Course Reflection and Evaluation
- Reflecting on learning experiences and skills gained.
References
- Dunne, D., & Bennett, S. (2019). The Fundamentals of Interior Design. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Heskett, J. (2005). Design: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Mela, C. (2016). Furnish: A Complete Guide to Interior Decorating. Melbourne: Thames & Hudson.
- Pile, J. F. (2014). Interior Design. New Jersey: Pearson Education.
- Smith, H. (2020). Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide. Sydney: Crows Nest Press.
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the exciting field of furnishing while nurturing essential skills in design and technology.