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1. 1
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Research Unit for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
Foundation of Natural Build Environment (FNBE)
INTRO TO DESIGN - ARC30205
Prerequisite: None
Lecturers: Ms Delliya Zain, Ms Sufina Abu Bakar & Mr Paul Nickson
PROJECT ONE 30%
Exploration of Design Elements & Principles, Compositions and Pattern
Part A - 15% Individual + Part B 15% Group Work (out of the 100% overall marks)
Individual Component Submission: Week 6 Monday - 7th March 2016 – before 12noon
Group Component Presentation: Week 9 Friday – 1st April 2016 8AM – 1PM
WARNING
- AS THIS IS A 30% PROJECT, STUDENTS MUST ATTEMPT TO DO AND SUBMIT THIS PROJECT
TO PASS THIS MODULE
- SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OF TUTORIAL PROGRESS IS CRUCIAL. WORK SUBMITTED WITHOUT
ANY TUTORIAL PROGRESS MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED OR COULD BE GRANTED A VERY LOW
GRADE
Introduction
This project is an exercise to understand the basic elements and principles of design, compositions,
pattern and shapes through photography, simple geometric manipulation drawings and simple
implementation task.
Objectives of Project
The objectives of this project;
1. To learn the design process and design components such as sketching, drawing conventions,
observation, investigation and production of presentation.
2. To form a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles, elements and design process at an
appropriate level.
Learning Outcomes of this Project
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. To recognize and identify design elements and design principles.
2. To apply the design elements and design principles in simple projects.
Any time one or more
things are consciously put together
in a way that they can accomplish something better
than they could have accomplished individually,
this is an act of design.
(Charles Eames)

2. 2
Tasks - Methodology
PROJECT ONE A (DESIGN TOOLS EXPLORATION) - Through 4 set of tasks, Students are required
to identify, understand and explore design elements, principles, composition, geometric shapes
manipulation and patterns by;
i. Taking photographs (all - 7x5” inch size)
- 10 photos for elements (Set A)
- 10 photos for principles (Set B)
- 5 photos composition (Set C)
ii. Drawing motives and patterns using basic geometric patterns – all A4 size
- 10 different drawings and art work (Set D)
iii. All photos and artwork must be supported with a layer of diagrammatic description and
annotation to explain about the topic content
SET A – 10 ELEMENTS – Photos + Diagrammatic Descriptions
Students are required to take “straight on” or “elevation” photos of objects that shows the elements
below. The photo could be the whole object or a zoom in area of the object to explain about the
elements. Photo of “FORM” may be in “perspective” if required to show the form of the object. You may
use the same object for all elements for nature or manmade. However each photo for each element
should be different to explain the different elements. All photos should be black & white except for
“COLOR” - the photo should be in color.
5 Elements of Design - Nature
1. Line
2. Shape
3. Form
4. Texture
5. Color*
5 Elements of Design - Manmade
1. Line
2. Shape
3. Form
4. Texture
5. Color*
SET B – 10 PRINCIPLES – Photos + Diagrammatic Descriptions
Students are required to take “straight on” or “elevation” photos of the built environment (buildings,
bridges, lamp post, steps, and balustrade and park bench) and may compose the followings principles
by framing it in the camera viewer. Students may use the same object or subject to be used for all the
principles; however you must not use the same photo to explain the different principles. All photos must
be black and white except three photos of your choice that will be best to explain any three principles of
your choice in color.
1. Variety 2. Hierarchy 3. Dynamic 4. Rhythm 5. Repetition
6. Balance –
Symmetrical
7. Balance -
Asymmetrical 8. Emphasis 9. Unity 10. Harmony

3. 3
SET C – 5 Composition – Photos + Diagrammatic Descriptions
Students are required to take photos to of the following items and scenarios. Students must consider
the overall composition of the photo in terms of the content, background, foreground, lighting, visual
interest etc. Photo must be pleasing and artistically composed. All photos must be black and white
except one photos of your choice that will be best to explain one of the “compositions” in color.
1. Rules of Thirds – 3 or more
friends in a room posing
2. Rules of Thirds - One friend
in a room posing
3. Golden Ratio - Portrait of a
friend
4. Golden Ratio - Full body
photo of a friend in action
5. Gridded – Rearrange any
items to show the
composition
SET D – 10 Geometric Manipulation – Drawings + Diagrammatic Descriptions for each artwork
Students are required to explore and manipulate the basic geometric shapes to create motives into
pattern and to explore color theory. All drawings are hand drawn and must use ruler and protector. You
may use pencil and colored pen to draw these drawings. To color you may use any medium of your
choice. For item 1 the motives must derived from SET A – Shape - Manmade. Do not color item 1-4
however you may use one colored pen or pencil only to draw. Artwork must be drawn on A4 drawing art
block paper.
1. Motive – One type of
regular geometric shape
(derived or inspired by SET
A – Shape - manmade
2. Motive – 2 types of regular
geometric (must use the
shape from “1” and add a
new shape)
3. Motive – 3 types regular
geometric shape - (must
use the shape from “1” & “2”
and add a new shape)
4. Select one of the motive
from “1-3” to make three
different set of full page
pattern (each on different
A4 paper)
5. Select one pattern in “4” and
reproduce three sets and
colour each set with 3
different colour schemes.
One must be
monochromatic.
(each set A4 size)
6. Geometric art composition.
From item “3”, use the
shapes and make an
abstract geometric art. Must
be coloured. It must reflect
your positive character.
PROJECT ONE B (REINVENTING THE TSHIRT “DESIGN”) – As a team you are now young
designers in the fashion and design industry. You are given a task to design 3/4 pieces of t-shirts to
represents a new fashion brand. As a team you are require to create and come up with the brand name,
logo, tagline and design philosophy for this new brand. The task is to create a set of geometric
designed t-shirt for 3/4 t-shirts only to reflect the given words in Box “X”. Choose one to three items from
Box “Y” to make the geometric design embellishment. Each group will then need to prepare ALL of the
items in Box “Z” for the final presentation and submission. To make the geometric embellishment on to
the t-shirts; students are not allowed to use any form of glue or tape. T-shirt form should remain the
same as a t-shirt.

4. 4
BOX X – You will randomly receive these pair of words below. Research and explore these words and
the elements or anything associated with it. The design of your brand and t-shirt must be associated to
these words.
1.Extravagant & Flamboyant 2. Sensual & Allure 3. Rage & Vicious
4.Melancholy & Eccentric 5. Complexity & Chaotic 6. Confident & Precision
BOX Y – You may choose 1 to 3 materials only from this box to create the geometric embellishment
on the t-shirts. It must be just one type of the selected materials unless the 3 materials are all made of
the same items but different types. Examples; if you were to choose three different types of wires then
you are not allowed to use any other materials. The same material with different colors is allowed and
considered as one type. Re-coloring the materials is not allowed. Gluing or sticking tape is not allowed
unless the material is listed below. The aim of using the masking tape and duct tape should be to
explore the possibility of the material as a design material and not just to stick things together. You may
only sew/tie/pin/slit the materials onto the t-shirts. No painting, writing, printing or tie die is allowed on
the t-shirts. The form of the t-shirt should maintain as it is but you may cut holes.
1.Jute strings 2.Yarn/ knitting threads/ threads 3. Rafia strings
4.Wires 5.Shoe lace 6.Masking tape
7.Wire or plastic mesh 8.Plastic bags 9.Plastic Sheets
10.Canvas Fabric 11.Foam or sponge sheet 12.Netting fabric
13.Washer 14.Safety Pins 15.Straws
16.Wall plugs/curtain plastic
hook
17.Water hose (1-2cm dia) 18.Duct tape
All 3 or 4 t-shirt must be the same type but could be in different plain colours. Designers must consider
how the overall style of the t-shirts and to consider hairstyle, make up, shoes, skirts or jeans or
something different and perhaps with accessories. You may choose one of the followings types of t-
shirt;
a) Men t-shirts – loose or slim fit
b) Female baby-t t-shirts
c) Long sleeves t-shirts
BOX Z – For presentation and submission purposes all designers must submit and prepare the
followings;
1. Design Process
Scrapbook
A4 size booklet of 10-30 pages to show compilation of sketches and
design process as evidence of understanding and depth of exploration.
To include brand information and process of formation of the brand.
(Brand name, brand logo, brand tag like, brand philosophy, inspiration
and design approach of the t-shirt design)
2. Fashion Video A 2-3 min video presentation to present the brand and the design of the t-
shirt etc. – a combination of a “lookbook”, fashion add campaign and
fashion film (ould just be a video slide). Must be brief, comprehensive,
and elegantly produced to explain about the design.
3. Perform a Catwalk
wearing the t-shirts
A fashion catwalk – organized with all group followed by a short
feedback session (5 min each group). Group members must wear the
t-shirts for presentation.
In the design process scrapbook must include the followings;
a. Research, exploration and elaboration about the words given in relation to design elements
and principles etc. and how it will be applied to the t-shirts design.
b. Research and exploration about the materials and techniques to be applied.
c. Research on fashion, brand names, logo design, fashion videos and designers philosophy etc
d. Research on two renowned fashion designer on his or her design philosophy etc.
e. Record, sketch and arrange the design process of all items above and the t-shirt design

5. 5
Submission Requirement
PART 1A – SUBMISSION ONLY - Week 6 Monday - 7th March 2016 – before 12noon
 All photos must be printed on photographic paper at 7x5” (size) – only for the final photos for
submissions. All photos must be your own photo.
 “PHOTO PAGE” - Each photo to be pasted in the middle of a black A4 size paper. The photo
must be place at the centre of the page. The photo could be landscape or portrait layout as
long as it is in the centre.
 “DISCRIPTION PAGE” - The tracing paper for the diagrammatic description will be placed in
front of each “photo page”. Descriptions must be hand written and must use art line pen of any
colour.
 The “description page” should include diagram(s) and the right terms to explain further about
the design elements, design principles, composition, geometric and shapes, colour theory etc.
that you are emphasising on the photo or drawing. You must label each “description page” with
the correct numbering and tittle. All explanation must be hand drawn and hand written.
(Architecture handwriting) – Except the cover and the information page.
 All items to be arrange according to the SETS, to use the cover and information page template
provided and to be “spiral binded” for submission.
 Students MUST bring and fill in the individual tutorial sheet for every tutorial session.
This will be progress marks. This tutorial sheet to be placed on the last page of the submission.
PART 1B– PRESENTATION & SUBMISSION - Week 9 Friday – 1st April 2016
 The design of the t-shirts must be geometric and must not be a representation of any object or
animal or place or number or alphabet or symbol etc.
 All members must participate in the process and presentation. There will be a peer evaluation
at the end of the assignment.
 The design process book is an A4 size booklet (A3 must be folded). Any type of paper is
allowed. Photographs are allowed. 40% of digitally produced printed work is allowed. Spring
wire binding. Please design the cover and to include a profile page of the company and group
members.
 The fashion video or slide must explain about the design of the t-shirt in relation to the
materials, techniques and how it represents the given words. It will need to have the brand
name, logo and a brief explanation of the philosophy inserted elegantly in to the video or slide.
The visuals, background, sound, text, graphic in the video plays an important role.
 The t-shirt design is for the group members to wear. It has to be designed to fit the person who
is wearing it in the group. It is compulsory for the group member to wear it. Do not hire another
person to be your model for the catwalk or in the video. “Additional” people are allowed in the
video.
 You may add accessories and fashion items in the video and during the catwalk performance.
 There will be a 2-5 minute verbal presentation and feedback session.
 Do name each t-shirt design and the sets of t-shirt.
 Each group MUST bring and fill in the individual tutorial sheet for every tutorial session.
This will be progress marks. This tutorial sheet to be placed on the last page of the submission.
 The t-shirt is the canvas. Do not alter the form of the t-shirt. It should remain as a t-shirt. You
may cut it, poke it, add items to it but it must still look as a t-shirt.
 The t-shirt, presentation, video, logo or brand name should not expose any nudity, racial
content or vulgar content.
 The t-shirt design must explore different techniques of making the pattern and how it will be
attached to the t-shirt.
 You are allowed to poke or cut out holes of the t-shirt and attached materials any 3 materials
that you choose.

6. 6
Assessment criteria
The assessment for Project 1A will be based on;
 Demonstrated understanding of design element and design principles, composition of the art
work – photo and art work. (the taking the appropriate object and subject)
 Clarity and depth of the explanations of topic on the “description page”.
 Originality, creativity and visual aesthetic quality of the photos and artwork produced.
The assessment for Project 1B will be based on;
 Demonstrated understanding of transforming the given words and implementation of design
elements, principles composition on the t-shirt and the creation of the brand and concept for
the t-shirt (the Fashion Video and overall presentation and outcome)
 Depth design exploration and design process *(the Design Process Scrapbook)
 Originality, craftsmanship, workmanship and aesthetic quality of the t-shit design. *(the t-shirt)
Marking criteria
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
PART 1A – (for each art work we look at the followings)
Demonstrated understanding of the topic through the photos and artwork.
(How well the students understand & express the topic and MEETING the requirements through the photos and
artwork - the appropriate subject and position of the subject photographed or the subject of the artwork)
30%
Clarity and depth of the explanations of the topic on the “description page”.
(How well the students explains through diagrams and annotations, the use of design vocabularies,
appropriateness of content and depth of knowledge of the topic)
30%
Originality, creativity and visual aesthetic quality of the photos and geometric artwork.
(How well the students produce the artwork aesthetically {composition etc.} to convey the specific design element,
design principles, composition etc., the appropriate technique and arrangements, and the quality and
workmanship of the photos and artwork) + 10% is allocated for progress and process during tutorials
40%
Total 100% (15% final marks)
PART 1B–
Demonstrated understanding of implementation of design elements, principles, composition and
design awareness.
(How well the students create the brand, logo, design philosophy, the concept/theme for the t-shirt, the materials
used, the techniques applied and the visual outcome that reflect the given words and relates to the design element
and principles) - The Fashion Video, overall presentation and outcome of the t-shirt design (the content)
40%
Depth of design exploration and design process
(Evidence of the design process, exploration, development of the t-shirts design and research ideas of the brand
and the 2 designers etc) - The Design Process Scrapbook (+ 10% is allocated for progress and process
during tutorials) (the process)
30%
Originality, aesthetic, craftsmanship and workmanship quality of the t-shirt design.
(How well the students produce the artwork on the t-shirt aesthetically using the right material and techniques that
best suit the material and the word given) – The 3 T-shirt (the outcome)
30%
Total 100% (15% final marks)
Total for both projects is 30%

7. 7
Suggested References
These are just some links that should start you with your independent learning through research. Please
don’t just refer to these links. There are books on the module outline as well.
1. http://www.makart.com/resources/artclass/simple.html
2. http://www.art21.org/teach/on-contemporary-art/contemporary-art-in-context
3. http://nwrain.net/~tersiisky/design/principles.html
4. http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/community/vlo/index.html
5. http://www.slideshare.net/jaeger33/carp-design-principles (CRAP)
6. http://lookbook.tv/