This document outlines the requirements for Project 1 of an introductory design course. It is divided into two parts. Part 1A asks students to individually sketch 10 examples of design elements found in nature and the built environment, along with one abstract artwork exploring elements of design. Students must paste explanation pages identifying the elements behind each sketch. Part 1B will focus on familiarizing design principles through composing simple artworks using everyday items. The project aims to help students recognize and apply design elements and principles. It will be assessed based on demonstrated understanding of elements, quality of artwork, and clarity of explanations. The individual components contribute 10% to the overall course grade.

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
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.
Ms Delliya, Ms Sufina & Mr Paul

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
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.
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.
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%
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.

4. 4
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