blog assignment 6: selected posts

from Daniel Blaschke

Modern Design Education – Bauhaus and FYD

I can see similarities in two aspects:

1. The Bauhaus idea of the “Vorkurs “

The Vorkurs was a non-specialized general course that was attended by all students prior to the “actual” study. From my experience so far in the FYD programme, I believe to see the practical use in this, which is, most importantly, learning about oneself. One may discover new interests or become disillusioned, in a positive sense, about old interests. This helps one later on to find the right place when one needs to specialize.

2. Developing the professional eye

Much of what is done in both the Bauhaus’ Vorkurs and FYD is learning how to see as a designer. In FYD we break down and pull apart materials/objects and draw/construct with given material challenges. This leads to a very curious and conscious exploration of the world. During the programme one starts to see things that did not come to one’s attention before. A good example of this is how one can start to distinguish good and bad photography, or even before that, one becomes aware that there is such a thing.

from Alannah Cate

Technology+Progress:

Victoria University of Wellington’s Design School shares many curriculum characteristics of that of the Bauhaus.  A key aspect in the curriculum of study at the Bauhaus permits students to select specialised courses or workshops rather than taking compulsory ones that have no relevance to future courses of study. This allows students to refine and build on their experience in areas they are already passionate about. This is a major aspect of our own first year course in which we are able to pick and chose the subjects that most interest us, and best fit the skills we already possess or the skills we want to develop.

There is also a heavy influence on the collaboration of artist and craftsman, overcoming the void between the fine arts and applied arts. I feel there is also a strong influence on good craft within the first year program, allowing students to improve and develop the original design ideas, and be able to create them, themselves. There is a great emphasis on being able to make and design, creating well rounded students who have the ability and understanding to do both.

A major difference in the Bauhaus curriculum is the bias there is for females and the preference there is for them to take more ‘womanly,’ courses, such as weaving and textiles. This may be more of a sign of the times type situation rather than an actual issue, but in comparison to our first year course, females have just as much freedom to actively use the workshop and participate in any aspect of design they most enjoy.

The appointments and changes of faculty members at the Bauhaus meant there were many changes within the curriculum, depending on what the masters felt most necessary in design. It will always be that people carry different opinions on the importance of teachings within design, but the parallels between our first year design courses and the Bauhaus is evident in my experience.