2023

Theory and History of Design I

Name: Theory and History of Design I
Code: VIS12839L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area: Design

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

This course aims to convey information about the principal authors, movements and reference works of international and national Design from Second World War to our days. This subject means to contribute to substantial and critical understanding of the Design phenomena’s. It is expected that students develop the
spirit of research analyzing texts, objects and images and it is presumed that they integrate the knowledge imparted, developing personal analysis and synthesis, enabling them to develop their projects in a more creative and informed way.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

In terms of knowledge, this course aims to convey information about the main authors, movements and reference works of international and national Design since the Second World War up to the present and has a substantial concern to contribute to the understanding and critical reflection of the phenomena. In terms of learning, students are expected to assimilate the contents, develop the spirit of research, reading texts, objects and images and, by integrating the knowledge transmitted, develop personal, creative and well-founded analyzes and syntheses that allow them to elaborate their projects in a more creative and informed way.

Contents

1. Illustration and graphics in Portugal between the decade of 20 and 40.
2. The visibility of the Designer (1930/1950).
2.1. The USA case: styling and streamlining;
2.2. International Exhibitions;
2.3. 1941: the contest organic design in home furnishings.
3. Max Bill: reflections of the Ulm school.
4. Paul Rand and the IBM.
5. New materials and new technologies in post-world war II.
5.1. The example of the Habitat Store;
5.2. Joe Colombo and Verner Panton;
5.3. Mutual influences between Fine Arts and Design.
6. Modern “burning out”? – From Pop to Postmodernism:
6.1. Psychedelic posters;
6.2. The magazines Rolling Stone and Oz;
6.3. The Push Pin Studio;
6.4. Robert Venturi - Learning from Las Vegas;
6.5. Cranbrook Academy of Art;
6.6. Gert Dumbar and Neville Brody;
6.7. Tibor Kalman and M. & Co.;
6.8. The experimental Emigre Graphic Design;
6.9. Post-modernism.
7. Eclectic types:
7.1. Grunge Design;
7.2. MTV influencing;
7.3. Techno type.
8. Fashion Design in the twentieth century.

Teaching Methods

The classes take place through a theoretical process, using the media to facilitate and streamline the learning procedure. It will be constantly required the participation of students and it will be promoted reading, reflection and analysis of texts selected and updated. Note that the readings and individual research are essential for the assimilation of knowledge transmitted.
The evaluation will be continuous through the critical analysis of the following elements: a 30 minute oral presentation, 3 reports, 2 frequencies and the work and participation during the lessons. The evaluation criteria are: quality of work, ability to evolve through the development of specific capacities and the integration of acquired knowledge; student attendance as collateral learning. The percentages for calculating the assessment are organized as follows: 50% final results, 30% partial results, 20% attendance. The evaluation could be carried out through a final exam.

Teaching Staff