81905 - Product Morphology

Learning outcomes

The module collects the stimuli offered by the teaching of Architectural Design and inserts them into a design process referring to a component or product of adequate complexity to explore its peculiarities. At the end of the course, the student:  will know how to design an object by experimenting with parametric applications that make it possible to create new forms through traditional representation processes;  will know how to use parametric design and 3D printing as study tools and as tools for the final representation of the designed artifact.

Course contents

The Advanced Design Lab 3A C.I. (11 CFU) is an integrated course consisting of the teaching modules of Industrial Design 6 (6 CFU) and Product Morphology (5 CFU).

The "Product Morphology" modules (Module 1 and 2) - through the contribution of the architectural and urban composition -  aims at developing a project that explores, experiments and defines the systemic relationship between space / object / interface. 

Starting from a case study, the analysis of the context of reference and the conditions of use of the urban and architectural space (in terms of perception, morphology, access, flows, routes, uses, etc.), combined to the design of the devices that - at different levels - define, modify and enable the interaction experience between user and built environment / artefact, in an integrated and smart way.

More details on the specific project theme and the schedule of activities will be provided at the beginning of the module.

The aim of the course is the critical understanding - through the experimentation of the design activity and the comparison with the design process of interactive systems and products - of how the architectural space and the elements / objects that characterize it are able to produce forms of interaction and relationship.

Readings/Bibliography

A specific bibliography will be provided at the beginning and during the course.

Teaching methods

The course will be developed through practical activities aimed at developing a project on a selected theme.

The practical exercises will be supplemented by theoretical lessons to support the design activity.

The theoretical contributions will focus on methodologies and tools useful for the analysis and the project, in addition to the presentation of case studies and significant references.

Assessment methods

Presentation and discussion seminars on the progress of the project activities, during the development of the module and at the final exam.

The final exam of the two  teachings(Industrial Design 6 and Product Morphology) will be taken jointly and the final evaluation will take into account the results achieved in both modules.

The final exam will combine the evaluation of the design exercises developed within the individual teaching modules and an oral discussion on the contents of the activities carried out during the year.

Further specifications will be provided as the course progresses.

Teaching tools

Lessons with slide show, audio and / or video reproductions; practical design exercises directly linked to the theme of the exercise.

The teaching materials will be made available in digital format on the UNIBO platform of VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Office hours

See the website of Serena Orlandi

See the website of Massimo Brignoni