Model Making for Furniture Design

About

Monday 18th July 2022 - Friday 29th July 2022| 10 am - 4 pm | ttwo weeks
Nottingham Trent University
£990 earli-bird discount until 31 March, usual fee £1,100

On this course you'll discover how model making can allow you to explore the potential of a project, helping you to think in 3D and ignite your imagination.

It's an engaging and creative opportunity to extend your practical skills through a variety of drawing and modelling techniques.

You'll explore the rich and varied history of furniture design from around the world, practice drawing and model making and examine the construction methods and materials used to inspire designs.

The course is ideal for beginners to the more experienced.

With access to the latest technology as well as more traditional resources, you'll learn to make models using an extensive array of materials, tools and techniques.

Models will be made to scale; you'll learn how to move from a real measure to a scale using examples and demonstrations by your tutor.

You'll be introduced to drawing and model making as tools for recording, reflecting and communicating ideas for the design and production of furniture.

At the beginning of the course, you'll complete a series of observational drawing projects with visits to museums and showrooms to inspire and inform your understanding of how materials and technologies have developed different design styles.

You'll engage with a variety of activities to give you an in-depth understanding of the vital role model making plays in the conceptual and developmental stages of design work and get an insight into the materials and tools used.

You'll be set a short 3D design brief to respond to and, as the course and your personal project develops, you will plan a structure that combines hand-building and fabrication techniques.

During the course you will:

learn why model making is the appropriate method used in the product and design industries compared to other presentation methods
discuss the importance of furniture throughout history and how it remains relevant
learn how drawing and scale is applied in the design world
practice drawing techniques used by professionals to convey 3D objects and spaces
discuss how models are best placed to represent detail and context
complete hands-on exercises that experiment with tools, materials, and finishes
understand how scale models allow designers to assess their ideas and make cost effective changes
discuss the model making process, from interim sketches through to the final presentation
learn how models can be made using a variety of materials and techniques, and which ones are suitable for each stage of the project and budget
use model making to help problem solve areas of your design work.
Throughout the course, practical assignments will be underpinned by lectures and group work, as well as group critiques to communicate your artistic understanding of drawing.

You'll also be introduced to the practical techniques through studio workshops, technical demonstrations and handling samples.

This course is also part of the NTU Global Summer School which attracts undergraduate students from colleges around the world.

What will I gain?

By the end of the course you'll have a series of sketches and drawings in development, completed a scale model, and have lots of unique content to add to your portfolio.

You'll have developed the making skills required for a rewarding career in design, and a greater understanding of what it takes to be an independent thinker who is capable of problem solving and taking imaginative leaps.

You'll also have the skills and knowledge to develop your work further.

Level: Open to all

Entry requirement: No previous experience of model making is necessary.

Where you'll learn: You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment on the City Campus.

You'll find bright drawing and design studio and workshop spaces to develop your ideas and create exciting work.

You'll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can't reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Tutor Profile: Alunn Cutt is a lecturer on the product design courses in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University.

Need accommodation?

You can book a self-catered, single room with private bathroom on our city campus, right next door to our studios and classrooms.