Bachelor’s Degree in Design

Graduate Profile

After completing the first degree (BA) Design course at the Institute of Architecture of Textiles graduates have acquired practice-related knowledge of art, humanities and technology necessary for their future career as product designers. They are prepared to work in design teams or individually as artists or freelance designers. Graduates have command of foreign language at the level B2 of The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and should be able to communicate easily in design-related matters. Graduates are also prepared to enter the second degree course (MA) in Art and Design.

Programme Contents and Objectives

A. Basic Contents

1. History of Art, Design and Cultural Theory (the most important phenomena and processes in the history of art and culture: epochs, styles, objects, artworks and artists)
   Objectives: understanding of the chain of processes and changes in art and culture and of the specific role of design within the theory and practice of art; observing the specific cultural and historical context of artworks and design objects; applying cultural similarities and differences in the creation of one’s own artistic identity
2. Art Practice (observation, interpretation and composition in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and new media)
   Objectives: ability to use tools and techniques of various artistic media, enhancing visual sensibility and awareness, creativity and manual skills
3. Techniques supportive in design process (forms and methods of presentation, drawing, modelling, prototyping, computer-aided design)
   Objectives: recording and communicating design ideas in writing, verbal and visual presentations, using computer programmes
4. Human Factors (man-object ergonomic system, elements of anthropometry, anatomy, physiology and psychology)
   Objectives: understanding and applying information about human factors in design coming from ergonomics, anthropometry, anatomy, physiology and psychology
5. Design Theory (methods and techniques of problem solving in design; historical context; role of the designer in economy; team building)
   Objectives: formulating, analysing and methodical solving design problems and tasks; applying supportive techniques in design; estimating and verifying design solutions; ability to work in teams (including interdisciplinary teams)
6. Technical Knowledge (constructions; production technologies; materials science; economics of products and materials production)
   Objectives: applying technical knowledge in design practice

B. Specialisation Contents

1. Basic Design (form and function in relation to aesthetic values; scientific methodology and intuition in design; innovation)
   Objectives: efficient and innovative application of basic design methods and tools
2. Multiaspect Design (analysis and synthesis of functional, ergonomic, construction, technological, aesthetic and economic issues in design)
   Objectives: using methods and procedures combining functional, ergonomic, construction, technological, aesthetic and economic aspects of design; ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and projects

External training
External training as a part of the study programme should last minimum 6 weeks, consisting of 2 week artistic open-air workshop and of 4 week work placement in design industry.

Specialisations

- Architecture of Textiles
Students of this specialisation acquire and develop knowledge and skills indispensable for their future career as designers of textile objects and can work in many branches of textile industry. The most vital aspects of the curriculum include:

• Creation of expressive visual forms in various media
• Observing and creating connections between properties of fabric materials and functions of design objects
• Analysis of market trends
• Introduction to problems and tasks within the field of architecture of textiles with reference to form and function of products and sociocultural aspects of design
• Creative assignments regarding function, structure and construction, form and decoration, fabrics, patterns and textures in architecture of textiles
• Creative design problems solving
• Integration of the scientific, technical and aesthetic approaches to design process, taking into consideration needs and expectations of the target group of users
• Analysis of the existing and emerging textile design trends based on the acquired visual sensibility and technical/technological knowledge
• Application of traditional and new technologies and tools in search for the best design solutions
• Project realisations (models, prototypes)

Acquired knowledge and skills enable graduates of this specialisation to link creatively artistic, technical and technological aspects of textile design. Graduates are prepared to address correctly needs and expectations of different markets but also to suggest innovative solutions based on their technical and technological knowledge.

- Fashion Design
Students of this specialisation acquire and develop knowledge and skills indispensable for their future career as fashion designers, stylists, designers in the textile sector of industry. The most vital aspects of the curriculum include:

• Creation of expressive visual forms in various media
• Introduction to problems and tasks within the field of fashion design with reference to form and function of products and sociocultural aspects of design
• Creative assignments regarding function, structure and construction, form and decoration, fabrics, patterns and textures in fashion design
• Integration of the scientific, technical and aesthetic approaches to design process, taking into consideration needs and expectations of the target group of users
• Analysis of the existing and emerging fashion trends based on the acquired visual sensibility and technical/technological knowledge
• Application of traditional and new technologies in search for the best design solutions
• Project realisations

Acquired knowledge and skills enable graduates of this specialisation to link creatively artistic, technical and technological aspects of fashion design. Graduates are prepared to address correctly needs and expectations of different markets but also to suggest innovative solutions based on their technical and technological knowledge.

- Visual Communication and Printing Techniques
Students of this specialisation acquire and develop knowledge and skills indispensable for their future career as designers of visual communication in various contexts of social life. The most vital aspects of the curriculum include:

• Creation of expressive visual forms in various media
• Introduction to problems and tasks within the field of visual communication with reference to form and function of products and sociocultural aspects of design
• Creative assignments regarding function, structure and construction, form and decoration of the items of visual communication
• Integration of the scientific, technical and aesthetic approaches to design process, taking into consideration needs and expectations of the target group of consumers/users
• Analysis of the existing and emerging trends in visual communication based on the acquired visual sensibility and technical/technological knowledge
• Application of traditional and new technologies in search for the best design solutions

Graduates of this specialisation are prepared to pursue careers in the creative industry, not necessarily connected with textile or fashion design, as art directors, graphic designers, illustrators or digital artists.