Course

Module 1

Introduction to Basic Design Theory

•  Definition and scope of design, the relationship between design and architecture, importance of theory in practice.

Module 2

Elements of Design

• Dot: Illusion of roundness.
• Line: Types, Direction, Gesture, Contour, Quality &Value.
• Planes: Depth, Thickness, Boundary, Levels
• Shape/Volume/Mass: Positive & Negative, Naturalism, Idealism, Abstraction, Distortion & Illusion.
• Operations: Detached, Within, Overlapping, Intersecting.
• Texture: Tactile, Visual, Actual & Implied, Pattern, Homogeneity.
• Color: Color theory, Psychology, Characteristics, Schemes., Properties of Color, Symbolism and Psychology.
• Value: Light & Dark, Variations: Movement, Pause, Control, Focus.
• Motion: Anticipated, Suggestive, Actual and Illusion.
• Perception of spaces: Elements of spatial definition, Depth, Density, Opening, Juxtaposition and interpenetration, Spatial Characteristics of elemental shapes, Perspectives and projections.

Module 3

Principles of Design

• Unity: Gestalt Laws, Harmony, Variety, Factors of Coherence, Order in disorder, Gradation.
• Emphasis and Focal point: Axis, Datum, Hierarchy, Contrast, Complexity, Contradiction, Presence and Absence, Regularity and irregularity.
•  Scale and proportion: The notion of scale, Ergonomics
• Anthropology and proxemics: Proxemics and Space bubbles, Commensurate and Incommensurate proportions, Vitruvian man, The Modulor, Golden ratio and the Fibonacci series.
• Rhythm and Balance: Symmetry, Asymmetry, Interaction of design elements, Radial and crystallographic balance.
• Rhythm: Movement and Sensation, Shapes and Repetition, Pattern and Sequence, Progressive Rhythm and Gradation

Module 4

Evolution of Design as a Discipline

• Built Environment, human condition and Social Relevance of Design Solutions: Abraham Maslow and built environment – needs vs wants and deficiency vs growth; Irvin Altman and behavioral concepts: Privacy, Territoriality, Crowding and Personal Space, understanding of different contexts to ascertain perception of meanings.
•  Evolution of design discipline: Definition of design- physical, conceptual, Design since1700s
• Design Process: Different maps of design process: Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation.
• Design Thinking: Different Types and styles of thinking, Design strategies, Tactics and Guiding principles, Design as a communication.

Module 5

Nature as Primary Reference in Design

• Evolution of natural forms and Natural growth patterns: Golden spiral, Fractals.
• Emergent Designs: Self -similarity, Self-organization, Indeterminacy
• Nature-inspired design: Biomimicry, Janine Benyus and ideas from Biology, Contributions of Michael Pawlyn
• Bio-inspired Design: Material ecology, Explorations of Nerioxman.
• Works of Ross Lovegrove, Concept of Maximum with minimum: Works of Buckminster fuller and Frei Otto.

Module 6

Human Perception and Spatial Design

• The psychology of space, human experience of architecture, spatial organization, ergonomics.

Module 7

Application of Design Theory in Architecture

• Case studies of iconic architectural works where design theory played a critical role (e.g., Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier).

Module 8

Future Trends in Design Thinking

• Emerging technologies, sustainability in design, adaptive and responsive architecture, speculative design.

1. To introduce students to the foundational elements and principles of design and their application in architecture.

2. To explore the evolution of design as a discipline, including its historical, cultural, and social contexts.

3. To develop a critical understanding of how nature serves as a primary reference in architectural design.

4. To apply design theory in architectural projects, emphasizing aesthetics, functionality, and innovation.

Outcomes:

1. Understanding of Design Fundamentals: Students will be able to identify and apply the key elements and principles of design in architectural projects.

2. Contextual Knowledge of Design Evolution: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the historical and cultural development of design and its impact on contemporary architecture.

3. Nature-Inspired Design: Students will develop skills to integrate natural forms, processes, and systems into design thinking.

4. Practical Application of Design Theory in the Studio: Students will apply theoretical concepts to real-world architectural design challenges, creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.

References:

1. Architecture: Form, Space, and Order by Francis D.K. Ching

Introduces students to the elements and principles of design in the context of architecture.

Topics Covered: Elements of design, principles of design, spatial organization.

2. The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander

Focuses on how architecture reflects timeless patterns and principles.

Topics Covered: Nature as primary reference, human perception of space.

3. Design with Nature by Ian McHarg

Explores the relationship between design, nature, and sustainability.

Topics Covered: Nature as primary reference, biomimicry in architecture.

4. The Bauhaus: Weimar, Dessau, Berlin, Chicago by Hans Wingler

Explores the Bauhaus movement and its influence on modern design thinking.

Topics Covered: Evolution of design discipline, principles of design.

5. Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine Benyus

Explains how nature’s patterns and processes can be applied to design innovation.

Topics Covered: Nature as primary reference, biomimicry, sustainability.

6. Towards a New Architecture by Le Corbusier

A manifesto on modern architecture that connects theory to design practice.

Topics Covered: Application of design theory, evolution of design discipline.

7. The Evolution of Design: A Handbook by M.P. Ranjan

Provides insights into the development of design thinking and its applications.

Topics Covered: Evolution of design, design theory applications.

8. A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander

Discusses recurring design patterns in architecture and urban planning that resonate across cultures.

Topics Covered: Principles of design, human perception and spatial design.

9. Movie: The Fountainhead (1949) directed by King Vidor

Explores the philosophy of design through the story of an architect’s uncompromising vision.

Topics Covered: Application of design theory, principles of design.

10. Documentary: Objectified by Gary Hustwit

Explores the design process behind everyday objects and how design shapes our lives.

Topics Covered: Elements of design, design thinking.