The MFA in Design prepares students with an emphasis in Spatial Design to tackle spatial issues in society via Design. The main objective of the program is preparing students to actively improve experiences of everyday life as it relates to the built environment across scales. Students will conduct interdisciplinary research to expand the scope and nature of design theory and practice. Students will tackle diverse expressions of space intersecting with technology, culture, and politics. While potential research topics are limitless, a few areas of focus include building design, speculative spatial narratives, affordable housing,healthy environments, climate and comfort, energy use, and wayfinding, prioritizing issues of sustainability, equity, universal design, and technology integration.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
MFA students take classes in design theory, research methodology and writing, professional practice and ethics, and studio practice. The faculty assumes that spatial design students possess the design and graphic skills to develop and represent ideas visually. For those lacking these skills, undergraduate courses are available on a remedial or elective basis (see below). The faculty values work that is innovative and creative, especially in the application of design to improve people’s lives and advance the common good. Through the thesis, students can delve deeply into a subject area of personal interest and social relevance. The thesis encompasses two related components: research that culminates in a publication-quality paper, and an architectural design project that is based on that research. Consistent with the emphasis on interdisciplinarity, students are expected to reach out to scholars, activists and peers, both within design and beyond, as possible sources of knowledge, feedback and collaboration.
DES 156, Graphitecture: Architecture in the Age of New Media
DES 166, Human-Centered Design
DES 167, Prototyping: From Objects to Systems
DES 180A & DES 180B, Advanced Interior Architecture Studio
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Department of Design recently completed a phase of improvements to its facilities and equipment for model making, prototyping and object creation. In addition to a well-appointed wood shop and multimedia computer print lab, the Department offers laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC machine. Other resources include the Jo Ann C. Stabb Design Collection, which consists of 5,000 design artifacts; the Shrem Museum of Art, a new building with advanced facilities for viewing and studying art and design; and, the California Lighting and Technology Center (CLTC), a renowned facility for research into energy savings through electric and natural lighting. With the completion of the new addition to Cruess Hall in 2021, the Department anticipates further expansion and enhancements of its “maker-spaces.”
