Teaching Practicum Final Project
An imaginary design school
An imaginary design school
About
The Communications Design program is a two-year program leading to an MFA degree in Communications Design, and is structured as two opposite schools, each with a different emphasis and approach to design. The goal is to facilitate students to develop holistic knowledge of the design discipline, understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and the ability to look at things from different perspectives.
Students will be placed into one school upon admission, based on their backgrounds, previous works and statements. By letting students take a standpoint from the beginning, the program helps students understand their own bias, and foster the formation of their own opinions. Admission in one school does not limit the design philosophy, since the multiple curricular events in the program guarantee exposure to both sides. Students will be able to learn by comparing and contrasting these philosophies.
The dialogue between the two schools is encouraged and supported by the curriculum and physical infrastructure of the institute. Events like The Debate and Design Contest are part of the strategy of building a stimulative learning environment. Shared studio spaces generate casual daily interactions, while meeting rooms facilitate group studies.
The first year serves as the Concept Year. Students will be introduced to historical context and contemporary issues of design, and practice critical thinking through working on studio projects under instructions of their respective faculty. Students will utilize theories and tools from both schools as they move to the second year to work on their theses. Eventually, they will form their own philosophy as a mixture of both schools and graduated with an articulate body of work and critical frameworks.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the institute is based on dualism. Each side in a dualism has equal power and importance. The ultimate goal of the institute is to educate a philosophy of balance, where two opposites coexist in harmony and are able to transmute into each other.
Vision
To empower people to develop an understanding of the opposition and combination of principles, and successfully apply the principles of design across disciplines.
Mission
The program strives to prepare individuals to develop a holistic understanding of design and the ability to share knowledge with others; are masters of technique and technology of design; understand the psychological, social, cultural and economical factors that affect design; have the critical thinking skills of conceptualizing, analyzing, synthesizing; and are able to apply design process and research methodology across disciplines.
The Communications Design program is a two-year program leading to an MFA degree in Communications Design, and is structured as two opposite schools, each with a different emphasis and approach to design. The goal is to facilitate students to develop holistic knowledge of the design discipline, understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each, and the ability to look at things from different perspectives.
Students will be placed into one school upon admission, based on their backgrounds, previous works and statements. By letting students take a standpoint from the beginning, the program helps students understand their own bias, and foster the formation of their own opinions. Admission in one school does not limit the design philosophy, since the multiple curricular events in the program guarantee exposure to both sides. Students will be able to learn by comparing and contrasting these philosophies.
The dialogue between the two schools is encouraged and supported by the curriculum and physical infrastructure of the institute. Events like The Debate and Design Contest are part of the strategy of building a stimulative learning environment. Shared studio spaces generate casual daily interactions, while meeting rooms facilitate group studies.
The first year serves as the Concept Year. Students will be introduced to historical context and contemporary issues of design, and practice critical thinking through working on studio projects under instructions of their respective faculty. Students will utilize theories and tools from both schools as they move to the second year to work on their theses. Eventually, they will form their own philosophy as a mixture of both schools and graduated with an articulate body of work and critical frameworks.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the institute is based on dualism. Each side in a dualism has equal power and importance. The ultimate goal of the institute is to educate a philosophy of balance, where two opposites coexist in harmony and are able to transmute into each other.
Vision
To empower people to develop an understanding of the opposition and combination of principles, and successfully apply the principles of design across disciplines.
Mission
The program strives to prepare individuals to develop a holistic understanding of design and the ability to share knowledge with others; are masters of technique and technology of design; understand the psychological, social, cultural and economical factors that affect design; have the critical thinking skills of conceptualizing, analyzing, synthesizing; and are able to apply design process and research methodology across disciplines.
Nova School
The Nova School focuses on the critical theory of design, and encourages designers to produce content in addition to the original information the author and co-own the authorship.
Avon School
The Avon School focuses on the form aspect of design, takes a rational approach to design, and values the transparency of information.
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