First year
By studying a progression of basic design techniques from two to three dimensions, and then to spatial design, students gain an understanding of the methodology of three-dimensional expression.
Second year
As well as touching on the conception of images and the many different aspects of expression, students undertake exercises in skills for video/film/digital media and physical expression, and study the specialized areas of scenography, display (space planning/lighting) and fashion media.
Third and Fourth years
From the third year studies in the Department split broadly into three courses: Scenography, where students create virtual spaces for the stage and screen; Space Planning Design/Lighting Design, which examines the creation of the spaces in our everyday lives that act as mechanisms for communicating social messages; and Fashion Design, which explores culture and environment within the context of clothing. These courses seek to develop students' level of expertise in their respective areas.
The second half of the third year and the fourth year have a seminar formats, but in the third year, presentations by the teaching staff help students to select the direction they want to take in the fourth year according to a theme of their choice. These courses open a window on our society and seek to provide students with the ideas and the training for a broad-minded approach to the creation of spaces to enable them to demonstrate practical yet creative power in today's changing world. The results of their success can be seen in their graduation projects.
Scenography
Scenography is the spatial expression of imaginary narrative worlds, for example in stage art, and art for film and television (e.g. set design). Scenography refers to the design of scenes. Here we create spaces that express narrative worlds effectively, while ensuring that the physical expression of the performers remains pivotal. This domain therefore encompasses the design of a wide range of spaces for the presentation of human expressive activity, including the production of commercials and the planning and running of various types of events.
Space Planning Design/Lighting Design
Space Planning Design/Lighting Design provide forms not only for large-scale spaces such as cities, but also for the exteriors and interiors of cultural facilities and shopping complexes, and various exhibition spaces. Here we look at the different relationships between people and objects from the perspective of space, and think about the roles that spaces play in society, and what kind of spaces society will require in future. In particular, in "Lighting Design" students focus on light, which has a major impact on spaces, and learn about the spaces formed by natural and artificial light, by exploring the gradation of light. Meanwhile in "Space Planning Design" we explore the forms, materials and qualities of spaces, extending our study to store, exhibition, showroom and residential spaces.
Fashion Design
In Fashion Design we study the planning and display operations involved in invigorating and passing on clothing culture in its broader sense, and the media used in presentation, e.g. for the planning and production of products. Fashion goods in particular demand a comprehensive array of knowledge and skills, from designing and launching a brand to the actual production processes, the distribution structure, and promotional activities utilizing media such as fashion shows and photographic presentation, plus the organizational capabilities required to successfully build teamwork combining various domains and talents. Students find their own roles as cultural creators, interpreting "fashion design" to mean not only the act of producing clothing to envelop the human body, but also enveloping our communication with each other, the urban environment, and information-related activities.