Pre College Programs

"Designing spaces for people is an art! We create artful spaces, delightful and unusual experiences for the inhabitants, and innovative products and furniture. We also make environments that are eco-friendly and help our planet - a true contribution to bettering people's lives. It is a very rewarding and exciting career choice!" Dr. Carol Bentel, Chair (architect and interior designer) Weeks 1, 2 & 3: The course is divided into three components: the innovative design studio, drawing class, and tours of exciting NYC landmarks and famous designer showrooms, plus students will see presentations by top designers and can ask them questions about the actual design field. The course will focus on basic design principles that will be introduced through two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects. For example, students could study an existing 2D artwork and reinterpret it as a 3-dimensional space. Or students might study a physical activity, such as making ice cream or spaghetti, and will make a product design (in drawings and a model) that supports that activity, such as a unique table. A larger final project might be the analysis of an iconic object (Bauhaus chair or famous shoe for example) which inspires the student to design a real space, such as a small shop or gallery based on the "ideas" they discover in their analysis of the object. No prior drawing or drafting skills are necessary for this course, just creative thinking! Students will study hand sketching and will learn orthographic and perspective drawing. Computer tutorials will be given to introduce students to some preliminary computer skills. Investigations about sustainability and how to create an eco-friendly environment will be part of our activities. The projects students design in this course- almost all 3D - can serve as portfolio pieces for students applying to colleges with majors in interior design, environmental design, or architecture. 3D projects are rarely seen in most high school portfolios and can give you an edge!

Course Number: IDP-0201-A