APA1702

Wood practice and theory 2

6 points - 6 studio hours and 6 independent study hours per week - Second semester - Caulfield - Prerequisites: APA1701 - Corequisites: Wood materials and technology 2 (proposed for introduction in 1999)

Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to nurture an appreciation and understanding of principles related to early century design practices which utilised wood as a core medium; source technical information and theoretical knowledge relevant to design and manipulation principles with the medium; operate selected equipment and machines correctly and safely within the workshop; understand basic relationships between form and function and the implications for the structural properties of an object; have an appreciation of the ornamental role and the decorative appeal of functional joints; demonstrate an understanding of further techniques associated with the manipulation of wood and appropriate surface finishes.

Synopsis Students develop an appreciation of the theories of the early 'Bauhaus' and 'de Stijl' movements with emphasis on wood design to provide practical opportunities to demonstrate wood turning and more advanced fabrication processes in joinery and construction. Supervision and training in the correct use of machinery supplement hand tool skills. Set projects deal specifically with concepts, techniques and processes related to the creative potential of wood in fundamental fashion and determine practical conclusions. Topics such as economy, scale, and proportion in design, are discussed. In addition to the acquisition of working skills, formal and informal sessions including slide/lecture presentations and technical demonstrations complete this subject.

Assessment Assigned projects: 70% - Practical work: 30%

Recommended texts

Carsten Warnoke P de Stijl 1917-1931 Taschen, 1991
The Bauhaus, masters and students Friedman, 1988
Nelson R Expressions of purpose in Australian design Monash College of Art and Design, 1993
Nelson R Frameworks of furniture Monash College of Art and Design, 1996
Nelson R Ornament - An essay concerning the meaning of decorative design Craft Victoria, 1993
Overy P The Rietveld Schroder House Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1988
Woodham J Twentieth-century ornament Calman and King, 1990

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