This course introduces the students to the principles, elements and history of design. Students will examine and begin to work with the physical and psychological relationships that exist in the environment. Emphasis will be placed on visual literacy and problem solving methodology, building a strong foundation for the design process itself. Various types and progressive levels of design problems will be engaged, all in preparation for subsequent studio courses. Computers will be integrated into this studio. Notes: Workload per week: two hours of lecture, four hours of studio and eight hours of homework.

Study of furniture and interiors from the earliest known examples to present-day. The course will be presented in philosophical, political, and economic contexts, with cross-references to architecture and other applied arts, enabling students to understand the factors which influence design.

Selection of a specific type of design for thesis based on accumulated knowledge and design maturity. This course is devoted to original research programming and documentation. This is a writing-intensive course with each student producing a written program documenting their findings, analysis and recommendations in preparation for Thesis Studio.