THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS

GD213 DESIGN SYSTEMS

An intensive laboratory where the formal aspects of composition, organic and geometric form, color, symbolic drawing, craftsmanship, and processes of conceptualizing are investigated. Assignments are founded on directed goals and playful investigation to train the student in areas of selection, selfcriticism, set theory, and visual logic. Prerequisite: Completion of the Foundation program, or permission of the instructor by portfolio review and interview.

For this assignment, students were asked explore organic language using simple black and white. Concepts learned include convex/concave structure, pacing, system analysis and design, composition, and figure/ground relationships.

On the right, students were asked to develop a series of compositions using geometric shapes that demonstrate a systems approach to composition. Concepts learned include visual pacing, system analysis and design, composition, simplicity/complexity, and figure/ground relationships.