Furniture Design: Degree Information

A prerequisite to all other furniture courses, this course examines both wood and metal as primary elements in traditional and sculptural furniture construction. Students learn to design and construct furniture through basic to advanced instruction in a wide range of techniques, from plasma cutting and welding to metal and wood lathes, other power tools, and floor machinery. Advanced hand tools are explored. Each project includes a drawing component to allow conceptual exploration and refinement of presentation skills. Demonstrations, lectures, and field trips to local lumber and steel yards are important components of the course.

This course investigates furniture construction by examining and deconstructing the design process through drawing, computer rendering, and model making. Critiques take place at all stages of the design process. The class also examines current designers and their processes through reading assignments, in-class discussions, and lectures by visiting design professionals.

This course introduces students to functional illumination and illuminated objects and addresses accessories that are commonly associated with the experience of furniture. The class includes studio experiments with light (including lamps and atypical light sources), wiring, and electrical safety. Lighting concepts include task lighting and environmental and architectural uses of light. Accessories may include divider screens, trays, non-fabric window treatments, furniture hardware, office helpers, shelving, and other items that complete the furniture experience. Students are encouraged to incorporate a broad spectrum of materials such as plastics, metals, woods, castables, glass, and stone. Lectures and demonstrations support class activities.

Furniture has been defined as functional art. This class investigates the boundaries of functionality, furniture, and art using traditional methods of furniture design and construction to sustain or dispute this definition. Lectures covering crossover furniture artists and sculptors initiate a conversation about the role of function in art.

This class conceptualizes textiles and furniture surfaces as skin or wrapped objects and delves into the ergonomic relationship of furniture with the human body. Students explore industrial sewing machines, sewing from temporary patterns, applying adhesives, and weaving, as well as traditional and nontraditional methods. Topics include a range of materials, as well as mining conservation and environmental concerns. Each project incorporates lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Off-campus professional networking opportunities are also immersed within the semester. 

This studio course examines the many human factors that create a system relationship through exploration of the human scale as it relates to furniture, interior, and exterior space. In a studio setting, designs in furniture are created with an understanding of anthropometrics, social responsibilities, and environmentally responsible design. Projects focus on critical ideation and are evaluated by faculty and peers through group discussions and critiques.

This course focuses on the design of limited- and mass-production furniture. Students examine flat-pack, sustainable materials, and local and global outsourcing. The differences and similarities of each type of production model are explored through studio assignments utilizing computer modeling and full-scale prototyping. Group critiques and discussions focus on the relationship of craftsmanship and technology in each student’s work.

This course explores the expanding creative possibilities of digital fabrication with computer-generated, found (appropriated), and scanned digital objects. Students learn advanced three-dimensional modeling techniques in formZ Pro to create ideation, form development, presentation, and fabrication models in addition to techniques for capturing existing objects with MCAD’s 3D Laser Scanners. Objects are digitally fabricated from various materials and incorporated into finished works using MCAD’s 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC router systems while outsourcing is explored as an effective practice in digital making. Instruction includes post-digital techniques in fabrication along with modeling-based presentation techniques and the review of other professional level software packages.

This course is an exploration of furniture/objects created using a variety of materials, including fiberglass, carbon fiber, solid surface(s), and injection molding. Projects range from handmade studio works to production-ready designs. Techniques and tools include mold-making, epoxy resins, gel coat, vacuum bag, hand and machine shaping, and CNC routing. Students examine conservation and environmental concerns throughout the production and function of each creation. Each project consists of lectures and demonstrations with group and individual critiques throughout each assignment.

This course explores the shared concerns of furniture and sculpture; their similarities in making and their contrasts in concept, enabling students to individually pursue ideas within both disciplines. This hands-on studio course focuses on learning and applying techniques in making contemporary furniture and sculpture beyond the 3D Foundation experience. Students create objects that lead to a new aesthetic and creative possibilities through expanded processes and new material options.

This course addresses the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the contemporary art world. Topics include writing for professional opportunities, exhibitions, the documenting and marketing of work, website development, residencies and graduate schools, copyright and tax issues, jobs in education, and studio/business startup concerns. Students engage in a variety of individual and group projects, including curating an off-campus exhibition. Course faculty, guest lecturers, and visiting artist presentations connect abstract information with real-world experience.

Choose to pursue an internship or an additional studio elective

This course is for the advanced student who is interested in developing a self-motivated, sustained body of work through an understanding of the relationships between the formal, conceptual, and contextual aspects of sculptural form. Examining their own studio practice in relation to current topics in the field, students expand their perspectives while developing their work. Studio practice is supported by development of critical thinking skills, individual and group critiques, guest critiques, writing exercises, and readings covering artists, criticism, and theory.

During their senior year, every furniture design major is required to develop and complete a substantial body of work in a specific field. This course provides a forum for the critical evaluation of this work and curatorial guidance in preparation for the Commencement Exhibition. Course content includes critical readings, position paper, individual and group discussion, and informational meetings. Required for all seniors.