This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module aims to teach fundamental skills needed for the development of designs (visual and more thematic) for events. While the field of events is wide this module considers some of the core skills that will be needed in many projects from Brand Experiences to Interpretive Environments, from design for Theatre to Public Art. In essence this module proposes that a fundamental skill of the designer is an ability to ‘articulate’ their vision (though drawing, collage, models and description) as this is a primary method of being able to investigate, improve and eventually ‘sell’ the idea. The term will end with an exhibition of your work.
In essence the module will introduce skills of research for design, drafting, making models with card and computers, measuring to scale, and presenting design idea. You will further develop and enhance you skills in visual communications. As importantly it will introduce the more conceptual processes of design development.
A project (or projects) will be set, which will vary year by year (the module handbook will provide details) but it will always be a project that reflects an aspect of the experience, events or performance industry - inflected by the degree programme for which you are registered.
The skills taught on this module will be required, developed and deployed on many other modules through the programme, and should be considered essential core skills.
Learning and teaching will primarily be delivered through workshop classes which will include demonstrations, supervisions, discussions and student presentations.
There will normally be 3 or 4 contact hours per week. You will be expected to undertake a further 17 – 18 hours of independent study and project work each week - contributing to a total of 20 hours per week (on this module).
Total study hours 300 including vacation work.
UoA1. Interim (weekly) presentation of work in progress, often known as 'crits' details in the module handbook. 20%.
UoA2. 'preliminary visualisation' This presentation will be clearly identified as distinct from UoA1 Module handbook will specify details. 20%
UoA 3. A final exhibition / project. 50%
UoA4. A written summary, 2000 words, in critique of the project exhibition (UoA3) and proposals for further development. 10%
Carver, G & Christine White Computer Visualisation for the Theatre, Oxford: Focal Press, 2003
Woodbridge, P., Designer Drafting for the Entertainment Industry, Focal Press, 2001
Mackintosh, I, Architecture, actor & audience, London: Routledge, 1993
Carlson, M., Places of Performance, New York: Cornell UP, 1993
Payne, D, R., The Scenographic Imagination, Illinois UP, 1993
Blokland, T; editors, Sarah Schultz and Marlous Willems. Happening: Design for Events Basel : Birkhauser, 2006.
Keith Orton Model Making for the Stage: A Practical Guide Crowood Press
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
After successfully completing this module you will:
• have created a design for an event, the brief for which will be given by the module convener, exercising creative imagination (this is likely to be studio design, i.e. unrealised beyond model stage) C1, C3, D1
• have become familiar with the 'language' of event design, and the artistic choices open to the designer when responding to a brief (including, but not limited to: concept, tone, mood, atmosphere, spatial arrangement, composition, image, metaphor, juxtaposition) A3, C1, C3
• have undertaken research (visual research, library research and site-visits) and thus gathered appropriate and necessary information to support and inform design and production decisions, and provided the material in such a way as to facilitate graphic representation (introducing B4, C7, A9)
• have surveyed a site, created scale ground plans, card models and computer models of a chosen venue / design, and understood the role of drafting and modelling as a means of interrogating sites for creative events production, assessing opportunities and challenges, solving design and production problems, and communicating your Ideas; (A3, C1, C4, C5, C7, D4, D7)
• have begun to develop an understanding of the significance and impact of design choices (in context) from pragmatic, creative and semiotic perspectives (this outcome is also developed in the parallel module 'Realising the Creative Idea' and in stage 2 modules) (A3);
• have made a public presentations of design work (in process, and in conclusion) which may include the use of: IT presentation, an exhibition of models or graphic material (mood board), a verbal presentation in order to communicate both the process and the outcome of design, and to develop critical analysis and confidence in communication. You will also have participated in the critique and evaluation of the work of others. (B3, D2)
The intended generic learning outcomes.
After successful completion of this module you will:
• have identified and solved problems of a practical and logistical nature (KS Problem solving - level 3) (D4)
• have communicated your creative and logistical intentions clearly and accurately using appropriate language and graphics (KS Communication - level 3/4) (D2)
• have used computers to retrieve and share information including e-mail, the world wide web, 2D & 3Dgraphics. (KS Information Technology level 3) (D6)
• have used numbers in measuring space and objects, and converting scales (KS numeracy - level 2) (D7)
• have evaluated your own performance and learning as a creative event producer (KS evaluated ones own learning - level 3) (B3, C6, D5)
• have exercised personal responsibility and initiative (D1).
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