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 Mohd Zain, Miss Norma Sulaiman, Miss Anna Kamelia Kamarudin
Project 1
Getting To Know Elements & Principles of Design
10% Individual + 20% Group Work (out of the 100% overall marks)
Site Visit: 10th – 12th October 2014 at Tanjung Bidara Beach Resort, Melaka
Project 1A - Pin Up Submission Date: 5th November 2014
Project 1B - Presentation & Submission Date: 26th November 2014 – at CODA
Introduction
This project is divided into 2 important parts. The first part is about getting to know the basic design
elements through observing nature and by sketching the apparent and concealed design elements in
nature. The second part will concentrate on familiarising design principles through composing simple art
work using simple daily items. Both parts are basically dealing with 2D artwork.
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.

2. 2
Tasks - Methodology
PART 1A – Sketching Elements of Design in Nature and The Build Environment
Individually students are required to observe nature and the build environment and capture design
elements apparent or unseen with their bare eyes. Students are required to sketch their findings,
understanding and interpretation of basic design elements on white A5 art block paper. In total 10 A5
sketches. In addition students are to produce 1 piece of A4 size artworks to explore further the basic
elements of design inspired by nature. Students are required to sketch the followings and to include an
explanation page(s) for each item behind the artwork to further explain and identify the required
elements of design through simple diagrams;
A. NATURE - Lines B. NATURE - Shape: Organic C. NATURE - Texture
D. NATURE - FORM: Organic E. NATURE - Hue F. BUILT – Lines
G. BUILT – Shape: Geometric H. BUILT – Texture I. BUILT – Form
J. BUILT – Value K. Any Abstract Art – Colour- Hue or Value (nature)
Students are required to further understand and research each design elements to help them see,
understand, record, sketch and explain in the explanation page.
 For all item, students are required to sketch using 2B pencil or felt pen / art line pen for these
sketches. For each sketch, it should not be all 2B pencil or all felt pen.
 For E, J and K, students are may use water colour, pastel, markers and pencil colour.
 For K students may use any medium and paper.
 Students are required to prepare it according to Fig 1.0 Project One A – Submission Layout.
Fig 1.0 Project One A – Submission Layout.
A B
C D
E F
G H
I K
J

3. 3
PART 1B –Daily Items Artwork Exploring Principles of Design
In groups students are required to create nine simple art work using daily materials to show their
understanding of design principles on 9 different A4 size base. As a final submission and presentation,
students are required to display all nine artwork as one artwork and to include 2 A2 presentation boards
explaining about the design principles, concept and ideas that is on each of the artwork. The “presentation
boards” must be all hand written and hand drawn.
Please follow these instructions;
1. Firstly students will randomly accept one of the following items to create the artwork; (only choose
one type and one colour – at it simple original form DO NOT deform it- esp paper clip)
A. Masking Tape B. PVC coated wires C. Yarn (not thread)
D. Buttons E. Paper Clips F. Paper Fastener
G. Any type Rubber Bands H. Uncooked Spaghetti I. Double Wire Plastic
Twist
2. For the base or background of the artwork students may choose just one of the following for all the
nine artworks. (Students will need to make sure that the base is A4 size and some may need to be
supported by having a frame) – All material should be used as it is. Do not paint or wrap it with and
any other materials.
1. Box board 2. Wire/Plastic
mesh
3. Canvas 4. Aluminium
Sheet
5. Cork Sheet 6. Ply wood 7. Clear
Perspex/Acrylic
8. Thick Rubber
Sheet

4. 4
3. Students are required to select nine different design principles from the followings and express
their understanding of the selected design principles on to the art work and then explain further on
the 2 A2 boards; (one A4 artwork one design principles)
asymmetry symmetrical contrast harmony/unity pattern
dynamic/movement random radial clustered emphasis
rhythm centralised variety hierarchy repetition
For the final presentation, students are required to prepare the artworks according to the diagram below;
Fig 2.0 Project One B – Layout Presentation
OR
Fig 3.0 Project One B – Layout Presentation
Students are required to plan how to display their art works and the presentation boards.
A4 size base
A2 size Presentation Boards
A4 size base
A2 size Presentation Boards

5. 5
Submission Requirement
This is a group work project with individual component.
PART 1A – Submission Week 6 – 5th of November 2014, Wednesday 8AM
 The orientation of the drawings should be all the same. Please refer to Fig O1.
 Students are required to paste the explanation page(s) behind the sketches beautifully.
 The explanation page should include diagram(s) and key words to explain further about the design
elements that you are emphasising on the sketch. Please provide a small photo of the subject/item
drawn and it must be from the site – Bandar Melaka or Tanjung Bidara, Melaka. Do not use the
photo for explanation. All explanation must be hand drawn and hand written. (Architecture
handwriting)
 The subject/item A-E, should be all natural elements.
 The subject/item F-J, should be about the build environment. (not people -example portrait)
 The abstract art for K, should be original. You may get inspiration from other sources but you need
to make it your own style. But it is best if it was you own idea.
 Please write the labels and title using white pencil and it has to be architecture hand writing.
 The A2 mounting board must be black.
 Please take pictures of the process of making this artwork to be placed in the e-portfolio.
 Please SCAN your work before submission and keep the art work save until the end of semester.
PART 1B – Presentation, Exhibition & Submission Week 9 – 26th November 2014, Wednesday 8AM
 Students are given 5 minute for verbal presentation.
 To arrange the daily item together and to attach it to the base, students are only allowed to use any
type of glue and one of the following;
a. White transparent string (tali tangsi)
b. Thread that is similar to the colour of your items.
c. Simple welding.
d. Very thin wires.
e. Using the same materials.
(These supporting items should be less obvious in the art work)
 You will need to think of a way how to display your art work. But it should be like Fig 2.0 & Fig 3.0.
And maybe a frame behind the artwork.
 Please do not change the nature or physical of the object and the base. Please do not recolour the
base or object.
 Please keep the art work save until the end of semester. Please take pictures of the process of
making this artwork to be placed in the e-portfolio.
All sketches, doodles, research, planning, discussion to be place in the e-portfolio. It’s the
responsibility of every student to make sure they record the process and final product of
their work.

6. 6
Assessment criteria
The assessment for this assignment will be based on your
 Demonstrated understanding of design element and design principles and composition on the artwork.
 Originality, creativity, theme/concept, appropriate technique and workmanship quality of the artwork to
enhance the design elements and principles.
 Clarity and content of the explanations of elements and principles of design.
Marking criteria
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
PART 1A -
 Demonstrated understanding of design element on the artwork. 2%
 Clarity and content of the explanations of elements of design. 3%
 Originality, appropriate technique, creativity and workmanship quality of the artwork. 5%
Total 10%
PART 1B -
 Demonstrated understanding of design principles on the artwork and boards. 5%
 Clarity and strength of the content of the explanations for the principles of design. 5%
 Originality, creativity, theme/concept, appropriate technique and workmanship quality
of the artwork. (+ composition) 10%
Total 20%
NOTE: PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT INVIDUAL COMPONENTS IN GROUP WORKS IS EVALUATED BASED ON PEER
EVALUATION AND INSTRUCTUR’S EVALUATION ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OF A GROUP MEMBER.
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.pinterest.com/kezza50/design-elements-found-in-nature/
2. http://naturesketchers.blogspot.com/
3. http://www.j6design.com.au/ClientArea/6fundamentalprincipleofdesign