Brett Tippey

This studio introduces students to the design process, studio culture and the organizational principles and tools designers use. It provides students with an understanding of the foundational skills and vocabulary necessary to communicate design ideas both visually and verbally. Students learn the architectural drawing conventions and explore ways to use, manipulate and even break these conventions. They learn to use color and media in 2D compositions, and they explore 3D form through model making. This course includes field trips to study urban places and artistic production in cities with significant design culture, and it teaches reading and writing as crucial components of the design process through out-of-class readings, in-class discussions and written reflections.

Celicia Chaves

Transition zones and their relationship to the sense of depth and dynamism

The projects were initially developed unconsciously around the idea of creating transition zones. However, throughout the semester, I engaged with Itten's work, which prompted me to intentionally reflect on the importance of transition zones and the concept of missing color. Using different media—such as digital tools, watercolor, paper collage, and charcoal—each artifact showcased distinct characteristics, ranging from fluidity to solidity.

Also, the readings of Itten's The Elements of Color and Jackson's The Path of the Strange significantly influenced the development of transition zones, as the goal was to create unity. The different shades of gray added a sense of depth and dynamism, while the contrast between white and black further amplified this effect.

Finally, I worked with both 2D and 3D, which gave me a broader perspective on creating connections through transition zones. This made my design process dynamic, deep, and distinctive.