AUT - Spatial Design major: Bachelor of Design
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Spatial Design major: Bachelor of Design
Spatial design is the design of human environments. It incorporates aspects of interior design, architecture, urban design, performance, art and visual technologies. Many spatial designers work in the field of interior architecture. Others pursue work in scenography or performance design, the creation of exhibitions and events, furniture design or virtual environments.
The Spatial Design major in the Bachelor of Design degree (BDes) involves studying the relationships between people and their environments, and designing ways to improve those environments.
- Hands-on, studio-based learning and experimentation with models, full-sized prototypes, installations, moving images, emergent technologies, and a range of graphic and computer skills
- Active engagement with other professionals, practitioners, groups and communities
- A design approach that is strongly driven by ideas and theoretical insights, particularly about the city, time and detail
- Emphasis on bypassing clichés and creatively questioning conventions about living, working and playing
- Research active staff (often with many years in design practice) who help you develop not just vital industry skills, but the creative capacity to thrive in the changing world of spatial design
- At the end of Year 3, you have the opportunity to exhibit your work to media and industry through the AUT School of Art and Design festival
- A career path in spatial design starts with this major, and continues in postgraduate study with a 1-year honours degree or 2-year masters degree where you can specialise in particular areas of practice or research
More information about the Bachelor of Design
Entry requirements
- University Entrance
- Portfolio Guidelines
- Interview may be required
Structure
Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. You must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree).Year 1 papers - 120 points in total
In studio papers, beginning with Core Studio, students learn conceptual and design development, and communication. After the first semester, students can choose from a number of studio units, each working with a specific design problem.
Core papers investigate the ideas of others with students developing skills in critical analysis.
Technology papers, beginning with Creative Process and Introduction to Computing, focus on the tools designers use, beginning with fundamental skills in drawing and computing.
CORE PAPERS
Level 5:
115002 Introduction to Spatial Computing (15)
115003 Spatial Design Studio I (30)
115024 Creative Process (15)
115100 Core Studio Art and Design (30)
115101 Core Theory Art and Design (15)
115141 Spatial Design Theory I (15)
Year 2 papers - 120 points in total
CORE PAPERS
Level 6:
116017 Spatial Design Studio IIB (30)
116018 Advanced Spatial Computing (15)
116019 Contemporary Spatial Design Practice (15)
116105 Spatial Design Studio IIA (30)
116106 Spatial Design Theory II (15)
116200 Elective Project (15)
Year 3 papers - 120 points in total
CORE PAPERS
Level 7:
117011 Spatial Design Studio IIIB (30)
117012 Contextual Research (15)
117013 Construction Technology (15)
117301 Professional Practice (15)
117341 Spatial Design Theory III (15)
117342 Spatial Design Studio IIIA (30)
Click here to view programme structure and paper outlines.
Additional course information can also be found here.
Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers.
Please contact the Programme Administrator, Margaret Moala for programme information.
Career opportunities
Spatial designer working in:
- Interior/building design
- Design for theatre, film, television or digital environments
- Urban design
- Event design
- Furniture and object design
Visit the AUT Spatial Design Facebook page