Undergraduate Courses
FURN 200 Materials and Techniques I
This course focuses on the integration of design and fabrication skills necessary to complete an original project. The course covers the properties and working characteristics of hand tool use, joinery techniques and safe machine operations in the use of materials appropriate to furniture design. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 201 Design Studio: Introduction to Furniture
This course introduces students to the field of furniture design. Through lectures, class discussions and exercises, students develop and apply creative problem-solving skills as well as formulate, communicate and present a sound basis for their ideas. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 232 Visual Communication for Furniture Design
In this course students are expected to develop the drawing skills and 2-D presentation techniques used to convey design ideas required in the furniture design profession. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 115 or DRAW 230.
FURN 236 Materials and Techniques II
In this course, students synthesize their design and fabrication skills. The course explores the conceptual, aesthetic and structural issues involved with the design and construction of a project utilizing a range of techniques and commonly used furniture materials. Prerequisite(s): FURN 200.
FURN 238 Design Studio: Furniture and Spatial Composition
Understanding the composition and quality of spaces in which humans work, interact, play, live and utilize their furniture is the basis of this course. Lectures, exercises and case studies provide students an appreciation of the complexities and nuances of the built environment towards a more meaningful and responsible furniture design process. Prerequisite(s): FURN 201, FURN 232.
FURN 301 Furniture Practices: Metal
This course explores the material and fabrication properties of metals. Metal manipulation, machine safety, proper use of hand tools, metal identification and cold assembly techniques are discussed. Students design and fabricate projects integrating the information and techniques covered. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 302 Materials and Processes
Through lectures, studio assignments and research, students explore traditional and contemporary materials and manufacturing methods unique to the furnishings industry as well as those common in other fields. Students are introduced to the technical and practical considerations that influence the choices of material and production. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the designer and manufacturer. Prerequisite(s): FURN 201.
FURN 303 Design Studio: Market Context and Furniture Design
Through a series of lectures and seminars, this course enables students to identify, challenge and explore new concepts and design competencies within the parameters of markets and opportunities. The course also addresses trends and forecasting, patterns of domestic competition, practices in international import and export, packaging and transport of products. Students are exposed to case studies covering customer buying systems and hierarchies of needs, behavioral tendencies, cultural diversities, price determinants and market cost factors. Prerequisite(s): FIBR 201 or FURN 201 or IDUS 250 or INDS 210 or MTJW 255.
FURN 304 Solutions for Storage and Organization
Through directed assignments or a project, students explore their creativity to develop design solutions that pertain to storage and organization. An emphasis is placed on original concepts and solutions and the importance of effective design communication. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236 or FURN 238.
FURN 305 Design Studio: Furniture Design for the Market
The complex process of furniture design for the market is examined and explored, addressing issues of function, structure, aesthetics, context and culture. The use of 2-D and 3-D visualization tools is instrumental as students develop and resolve their design solutions. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236 or FURN 238.
FURN 306 Furniture Practices: Methods in Plastics
This course is an introduction to plastics as a material for design and manufacture. Through lectures, demonstrations and small-scale exercises and projects, students become familiar with the vocabulary of plastics and plastics design. The course covers basic design principles, issues in plastics, design protocols, key manufacturing processes and fabrication techniques specific to designing for plastics. Prerequisite(s): ACCE 205 or FIBR 101 or FURN 200 or IDUS 212 or MTJW 102.
FURN 307 History of Furniture Design
This course gives the students an understanding of specific design proponents, movements and historical trajectories relevant to furniture design, in a manner that informs and complements their design process. The course draws upon historical lineage and identifies the predominant civilizations throughout history and the contribution they have made to furniture design. This course seeks to trace the dominant furniture paradigms and historical shifts that have occurred from prehistory up to the 21st century. Specific emphasis is placed on theoretical and ideological developments surrounding the age or era in which such developments occurred, and study is focused on the effects of such historical events, shifts and consequences. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 123.
FURN 308 Electronic Furniture Design
This course focuses on advanced modeling and production. Through industry-standard software, students develop design ideas and execute prototypes using tech based machinery. Students explore techniques for visualization through modeling and rendering, integrating these creative images within presentations. Prerequisite(s): FURN 309 or IDUS 213.
FURN 309 Electronic Design and Visualization
Through this course, students become proficient in industry-standard modeling software applications, and how they allow for quick, accurate and transformable visualization of designs to provide a tool to facilitate communication between designer, engineer and client. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 115.
FURN 311 Methods of Wood Bending
In this course, students synthesize their design and fabrication skills. The course explores the conceptual, aesthetic and structural issues involved with the design and construction of a project utilizing various wood bending techniques. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236.
FURN 320 Accessories for Living
This course explores design, construction and packaging issues associated with the production of accessories for the living environment. Students design, develop and fabricate a product with a focus on efficient production strategies and appropriate integration of assembly processes, including the potential use of various rapid prototyping technologies. Prerequisite(s): FURN 302 or permission of the department chair.
FURN 321 Universal Design
Through lectures, readings, discussions and exercises, students explore universal design as an integrated process. Students examine the sphere of human activity and its impact on design. The synthesis of contextual research, user needs and technical and functional requirements in the design development is stressed. Students develop and execute design solutions based on the fundamental principles of universal design. Prerequisite(s): ELDS 205 or ELDS 225 or FURN 309.
FURN 323 Prototype Fabrication
Students practice the appropriate fabrication techniques necessary to complete a previously designed original project. The course covers the properties and working characteristics of materials appropriate to the projects and emphasizes hand tool use, joinery techniques and safe machine operations. Prerequisite(s): FURN 200.
FURN 324 Visual Presentation
This course focuses on advanced presentation techniques using creative problem-solving, concept building, visualization and research. Through lectures, discussions and exercises, students develop, document and present professional quality project materials that broaden their portfolios. Prerequisite(s): FURN 232.
FURN 330 Exploration in Soft Furnishings
Through a series of lectures, demonstrations, assignments and projects, students gain knowledge and experience with the materials, equipment and techniques involved in the production of soft furnishings for a variety of functional and aesthetic purposes. The students are exposed to sewing technology, patternmaking, structural design and upholstery techniques that provide the parameters for students to conceptualize, explore, design and produce a full scale prototype. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236.
FURN 331 Hot Metal Forming
This course explores the history, modern manufacturing significance and practical application of hot metal fabrication techniques. Through discussion of the evolution of metals as used in human society, as well as hands-on experience with forging and forming techniques, students gain a broad understanding of the role of metal in society and design. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 333 Furniture Practices: Welding
This course introduces the theory and technique required to perform welding and joining operations on various common metal alloys. Students are expected to develop a working knowledge of specific alloys and their relevance to furniture design and manufacturing industry standards. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 335 Creative Furnishings Development
Through semi-open ended assignments, students explore and develop creative solutions to functional and aesthetic design problems in furnishings. Students identify, refine and communicate the conceptual underpinnings of their projects as expressed in the discipline of furniture design. Emphasis is placed on original concepts, identifying personal aesthetic, providing solutions and the importance of effective self-direction. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236 or FURN 238.
FURN 360 Professional Practices in Furniture Design
This course prepares students to enter the career field of furniture design. Topics include developing professional contacts, interviewing skills, portfolios and refined résumés. Prerequisite(s): FURN 303, FURN 309.
FURN 370 Site-specific Furniture Design
Through a series of studio work, lectures, demonstrations, assignments and field trips, students examine the role of furniture within the context of its surroundings, its intended function and its relationship to the environment. Students then apply that knowledge, along with appropriate tools and technology, to develop and implement site-specific furniture. Prerequisite(s): ARCH 301 or FURN 201 or IDUS 250 or INDS 210.
FURN 405 Design Studio: Directed Project
Research, design and preparation for prototyping are the focus of this course. It is intended to provide students with the opportunity to create the necessary documents and visual communication, making prototype execution feasible. Students generate concepts within the context of a directed project and prepare the necessary documents for execution of a prototype in later courses. Prerequisite(s): FURN 303, FURN 305.
FURN 410 Design Studio: Advanced Furniture Design
While applying their accumulated experience, knowledge and skills in a directed design project, students demonstrate their command of the design process, process documentation and presentation of a design project. Prerequisite(s): FURN 305, FURN 360.
FURN 425 Design Studio: Senior Focus
This course provides the student the opportunity to propose and manage a faculty approved self-initiated design project with appropriate focus, inquiry, documentation, execution and presentation. Prerequisite(s): FURN 410.
FURN 430 Prototype Methods and Material
Students in this course integrate advanced fabrication techniques and a broad range of materials during the execution of a previously designed original project. Emphasis is placed on the development of high-level craftsmanship. Prerequisite(s): FURN 200, FURN 236.
FURN 440 Advanced Metal Prototyping
This course is an opportunity for students to expand and apply skills learned in introductory metal-related courses. Using machining and welding skills, students develop and fabricate a fully functional and finely fashioned furniture prototype. The course focuses on efficient engineering construction decisions, precise and appropriate fabrication methods and the production of professional quality metal furniture prototypes. Prerequisite(s): FURN 301, FURN 333.
FURN 495 Experiential Furniture Design
This course focuses on sponsored projects with the SCAD furniture design program and various industry partners. Students are exposed to the challenges of working for real clients to solve current problems in the furniture design field. Students employ both traditional and digital tools while working within a team environment to create solutions to meet the client's needs within this project-driven studio. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.
FURN 499 Special Topics in Furniture Design
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of furniture design and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisite(s): Vary according to topic.
This course focuses on the integration of design and fabrication skills necessary to complete an original project. The course covers the properties and working characteristics of hand tool use, joinery techniques and safe machine operations in the use of materials appropriate to furniture design. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 201 Design Studio: Introduction to Furniture
This course introduces students to the field of furniture design. Through lectures, class discussions and exercises, students develop and apply creative problem-solving skills as well as formulate, communicate and present a sound basis for their ideas. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 232 Visual Communication for Furniture Design
In this course students are expected to develop the drawing skills and 2-D presentation techniques used to convey design ideas required in the furniture design profession. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 115 or DRAW 230.
FURN 236 Materials and Techniques II
In this course, students synthesize their design and fabrication skills. The course explores the conceptual, aesthetic and structural issues involved with the design and construction of a project utilizing a range of techniques and commonly used furniture materials. Prerequisite(s): FURN 200.
FURN 238 Design Studio: Furniture and Spatial Composition
Understanding the composition and quality of spaces in which humans work, interact, play, live and utilize their furniture is the basis of this course. Lectures, exercises and case studies provide students an appreciation of the complexities and nuances of the built environment towards a more meaningful and responsible furniture design process. Prerequisite(s): FURN 201, FURN 232.
FURN 301 Furniture Practices: Metal
This course explores the material and fabrication properties of metals. Metal manipulation, machine safety, proper use of hand tools, metal identification and cold assembly techniques are discussed. Students design and fabricate projects integrating the information and techniques covered. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 302 Materials and Processes
Through lectures, studio assignments and research, students explore traditional and contemporary materials and manufacturing methods unique to the furnishings industry as well as those common in other fields. Students are introduced to the technical and practical considerations that influence the choices of material and production. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the designer and manufacturer. Prerequisite(s): FURN 201.
FURN 303 Design Studio: Market Context and Furniture Design
Through a series of lectures and seminars, this course enables students to identify, challenge and explore new concepts and design competencies within the parameters of markets and opportunities. The course also addresses trends and forecasting, patterns of domestic competition, practices in international import and export, packaging and transport of products. Students are exposed to case studies covering customer buying systems and hierarchies of needs, behavioral tendencies, cultural diversities, price determinants and market cost factors. Prerequisite(s): FIBR 201 or FURN 201 or IDUS 250 or INDS 210 or MTJW 255.
FURN 304 Solutions for Storage and Organization
Through directed assignments or a project, students explore their creativity to develop design solutions that pertain to storage and organization. An emphasis is placed on original concepts and solutions and the importance of effective design communication. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236 or FURN 238.
FURN 305 Design Studio: Furniture Design for the Market
The complex process of furniture design for the market is examined and explored, addressing issues of function, structure, aesthetics, context and culture. The use of 2-D and 3-D visualization tools is instrumental as students develop and resolve their design solutions. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236 or FURN 238.
FURN 306 Furniture Practices: Methods in Plastics
This course is an introduction to plastics as a material for design and manufacture. Through lectures, demonstrations and small-scale exercises and projects, students become familiar with the vocabulary of plastics and plastics design. The course covers basic design principles, issues in plastics, design protocols, key manufacturing processes and fabrication techniques specific to designing for plastics. Prerequisite(s): ACCE 205 or FIBR 101 or FURN 200 or IDUS 212 or MTJW 102.
FURN 307 History of Furniture Design
This course gives the students an understanding of specific design proponents, movements and historical trajectories relevant to furniture design, in a manner that informs and complements their design process. The course draws upon historical lineage and identifies the predominant civilizations throughout history and the contribution they have made to furniture design. This course seeks to trace the dominant furniture paradigms and historical shifts that have occurred from prehistory up to the 21st century. Specific emphasis is placed on theoretical and ideological developments surrounding the age or era in which such developments occurred, and study is focused on the effects of such historical events, shifts and consequences. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 123.
FURN 308 Electronic Furniture Design
This course focuses on advanced modeling and production. Through industry-standard software, students develop design ideas and execute prototypes using tech based machinery. Students explore techniques for visualization through modeling and rendering, integrating these creative images within presentations. Prerequisite(s): FURN 309 or IDUS 213.
FURN 309 Electronic Design and Visualization
Through this course, students become proficient in industry-standard modeling software applications, and how they allow for quick, accurate and transformable visualization of designs to provide a tool to facilitate communication between designer, engineer and client. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 115.
FURN 311 Methods of Wood Bending
In this course, students synthesize their design and fabrication skills. The course explores the conceptual, aesthetic and structural issues involved with the design and construction of a project utilizing various wood bending techniques. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236.
FURN 320 Accessories for Living
This course explores design, construction and packaging issues associated with the production of accessories for the living environment. Students design, develop and fabricate a product with a focus on efficient production strategies and appropriate integration of assembly processes, including the potential use of various rapid prototyping technologies. Prerequisite(s): FURN 302 or permission of the department chair.
FURN 321 Universal Design
Through lectures, readings, discussions and exercises, students explore universal design as an integrated process. Students examine the sphere of human activity and its impact on design. The synthesis of contextual research, user needs and technical and functional requirements in the design development is stressed. Students develop and execute design solutions based on the fundamental principles of universal design. Prerequisite(s): ELDS 205 or ELDS 225 or FURN 309.
FURN 323 Prototype Fabrication
Students practice the appropriate fabrication techniques necessary to complete a previously designed original project. The course covers the properties and working characteristics of materials appropriate to the projects and emphasizes hand tool use, joinery techniques and safe machine operations. Prerequisite(s): FURN 200.
FURN 324 Visual Presentation
This course focuses on advanced presentation techniques using creative problem-solving, concept building, visualization and research. Through lectures, discussions and exercises, students develop, document and present professional quality project materials that broaden their portfolios. Prerequisite(s): FURN 232.
FURN 330 Exploration in Soft Furnishings
Through a series of lectures, demonstrations, assignments and projects, students gain knowledge and experience with the materials, equipment and techniques involved in the production of soft furnishings for a variety of functional and aesthetic purposes. The students are exposed to sewing technology, patternmaking, structural design and upholstery techniques that provide the parameters for students to conceptualize, explore, design and produce a full scale prototype. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236.
FURN 331 Hot Metal Forming
This course explores the history, modern manufacturing significance and practical application of hot metal fabrication techniques. Through discussion of the evolution of metals as used in human society, as well as hands-on experience with forging and forming techniques, students gain a broad understanding of the role of metal in society and design. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 333 Furniture Practices: Welding
This course introduces the theory and technique required to perform welding and joining operations on various common metal alloys. Students are expected to develop a working knowledge of specific alloys and their relevance to furniture design and manufacturing industry standards. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 102.
FURN 335 Creative Furnishings Development
Through semi-open ended assignments, students explore and develop creative solutions to functional and aesthetic design problems in furnishings. Students identify, refine and communicate the conceptual underpinnings of their projects as expressed in the discipline of furniture design. Emphasis is placed on original concepts, identifying personal aesthetic, providing solutions and the importance of effective self-direction. Prerequisite(s): FURN 236 or FURN 238.
FURN 360 Professional Practices in Furniture Design
This course prepares students to enter the career field of furniture design. Topics include developing professional contacts, interviewing skills, portfolios and refined résumés. Prerequisite(s): FURN 303, FURN 309.
FURN 370 Site-specific Furniture Design
Through a series of studio work, lectures, demonstrations, assignments and field trips, students examine the role of furniture within the context of its surroundings, its intended function and its relationship to the environment. Students then apply that knowledge, along with appropriate tools and technology, to develop and implement site-specific furniture. Prerequisite(s): ARCH 301 or FURN 201 or IDUS 250 or INDS 210.
FURN 405 Design Studio: Directed Project
Research, design and preparation for prototyping are the focus of this course. It is intended to provide students with the opportunity to create the necessary documents and visual communication, making prototype execution feasible. Students generate concepts within the context of a directed project and prepare the necessary documents for execution of a prototype in later courses. Prerequisite(s): FURN 303, FURN 305.
FURN 410 Design Studio: Advanced Furniture Design
While applying their accumulated experience, knowledge and skills in a directed design project, students demonstrate their command of the design process, process documentation and presentation of a design project. Prerequisite(s): FURN 305, FURN 360.
FURN 425 Design Studio: Senior Focus
This course provides the student the opportunity to propose and manage a faculty approved self-initiated design project with appropriate focus, inquiry, documentation, execution and presentation. Prerequisite(s): FURN 410.
FURN 430 Prototype Methods and Material
Students in this course integrate advanced fabrication techniques and a broad range of materials during the execution of a previously designed original project. Emphasis is placed on the development of high-level craftsmanship. Prerequisite(s): FURN 200, FURN 236.
FURN 440 Advanced Metal Prototyping
This course is an opportunity for students to expand and apply skills learned in introductory metal-related courses. Using machining and welding skills, students develop and fabricate a fully functional and finely fashioned furniture prototype. The course focuses on efficient engineering construction decisions, precise and appropriate fabrication methods and the production of professional quality metal furniture prototypes. Prerequisite(s): FURN 301, FURN 333.
FURN 495 Experiential Furniture Design
This course focuses on sponsored projects with the SCAD furniture design program and various industry partners. Students are exposed to the challenges of working for real clients to solve current problems in the furniture design field. Students employ both traditional and digital tools while working within a team environment to create solutions to meet the client's needs within this project-driven studio. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.
FURN 499 Special Topics in Furniture Design
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of furniture design and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisite(s): Vary according to topic.
Graduate Courses
FURN 706 Exploration in Plastics
Plastics and plastics processes are covered in the context of a wide range of applications and within a variety of industries. Through lectures, case studies, demonstrations and small-scale exercises and projects, students become familiar with the vocabulary of plastics and plastics design. Criteria for the design of plastic components and identification of processing methods are discussed and applied.
FURN 708 3-D Computer-aided Design for Furniture
Through this course, students become proficient in industry-standard modeling software applications and how they allow for quick, accurate and transformable visualization of designs as a tool to facilitate communication between designer, engineer and client.
FURN 709 Materials, Processes and Application
A broad familiarity of furniture and accessory materials, processes and application is important for the designer. Materials and manufacturing methods unique to the furnishings industry as well as those common in other fields are covered in this course. Students learn and apply technical and practical considerations influencing the choice of material and production methods for furnishings. The role and influence of the designer is examined in the context of manufactured products.
FURN 710 Issues in Furniture Design
Through reading, writing and discussion students explore the value of design and the role of furniture in our culture. With sub topics approaching sustainability, design methodology and ethics, among others, students examine contemporary discourse and establish their own design philosophy.
FURN 715 Methods in Furniture Fabrication
Safe and proper use of studio fabrication equipment specific to and essential in the construction of furniture is covered in this course. Skills acquired in this course are instrumental to the effective production of furniture forms whether for testing, evaluation, presentation or exhibition. Students become familiar with and experience key processes involved in fabricating furniture artifacts large or small, providing the foundation for success in subsequent studios.
FURN 718 Furniture Studio I: Conceptual Studies
Through a series of proposals and design briefs, students exercise their conceptual skills in solving complex, open-ended design problems that challenge their imaginative capabilities. By developing an awareness of the higher-order of cognitive processes and connecting to their individual creative spark, students are encouraged to enhance their potential to substantially contribute to the field of furniture design.
FURN 721 Wood Bending Methods
In this course, students acquire and integrate the knowledge and practice of bending wood as it applies to furniture and accessories. Prerequisite(s): FURN 715.
FURN 732 Evolution of Furniture Design
Presented in a manner that informs and complements their design intentions, innovative interventions and creative intelligence, this course provides students an understanding of major design proponents, movements and historical trajectories relevant to furniture design. The course draws upon the historical lineage of furniture design and identifies the predominant breakthroughs, materials and techniques throughout history, with specific emphasis on theoretical and ideological developments and the effects of such historical events.
FURN 738 Furniture Studio: Design and Implementation
Students focus on a design project that considers the human experience with furniture in the built environment. The student applies acquired skills and knowledge toward solving a multifaceted furniture design problem of either a predetermined or proposed context. Students develop comprehensive documentation of sources, analysis and synthesis that supports the intended design solution and demonstrate an understanding of material, functional and aesthetic requirements in the execution of the course project. Prerequisite(s): FURN 715.
FURN 742 Directed Research in Furniture Design
As the result of extensive research, students demonstrate the ability to pursue an inclusive concept development process, including the core components of research methodology, analysis and material integration. The process culminates in a written statement for presentation to the M.F.A. 45-hour review and a narrative draft to accompany a body of work. Prerequisite(s): FURN 738.
FURN 748 Furniture Studio: Process and Prototype
Students focus on a design project integrating research, content and the iterative process as applied toward the furniture form and its role in the built environment and market. Students create thorough documentation supporting and advancing design solutions and their feasibility relative to established design goals. Considerations of function and the material and technical requirements suggested by the design are addressed. Prerequisite(s): FURN 715.
FURN 749 Furniture Design M.A. Final Project
All M.A. students in furniture design are required to complete a final portfolio project that represents the culmination of their academic program. Prerequisite(s): FURN 738 and completion of the review for candidacy.
FURN 754 Directed Studies I
Application of learned research methodologies and demonstration of in-depth knowledge on furniture design form the basis for this course. The student plans and undertakes the first phase of the intended body of work for their graduate project, leading to fully realized forms and the accompanying support documentation. Prerequisite(s): FURN 742 and completion of the review for candidacy.
FURN 760 Experimental Metal Fabrication
This course teaches advanced procedures in the exploration of metal manipulation, machine safety and fabrication. Proper use of hand tools, metal identification and cold assembly techniques are addressed.
FURN 762 Experimental Wood Fabrication
This course is an intensive learning exploration centered on woodworking techniques where the ideation process and fabrication method examines the intrinsic properties of wood and the challenges extended by the variety of wood-working tools and machines. Students enrolled in the program also develop research and critical thinking skills, learn the effective use of visual and verbal presentation medium and understand the integration of concept, human dimension requirements, technical considerations and necessary safety procedures in fabrication.
FURN 764 Directed Studies II
Evaluation, refinement and focus of the topic investigation provide opportunities for the student to build on the first phase of the graduate thesis project. Deeper analysis, investigation and understanding is reflected in the execution, presentation and documentation of the second phase of the graduate project and exhibit planning. Prerequisite(s): FURN 754.
FURN 767 Furniture Design Merchandising
Through a series of lectures and seminars, this course enables students to identify, challenge and explore new concepts and design competencies within the parameters of markets and opportunities. The course also addresses trends and forecasting, patterns of domestic competition, practices in international import and export, packaging and transport of products. Students are exposed to case studies covering customer buying systems and hierarchies of needs, behavioral tendencies and cultural diversities, price determinants and market cost factors.
FURN 769 Soft Furnishings
Students acquire knowledge of sewing technology, patternmaking, structural design and upholstery techniques. Students conceptualize, develop, design and execute a soft furnishing ensemble constructed from available and alternative materials applicable to varied aesthetic and functional purpose.
FURN 770 Professional Practices in Furniture Design
In this course, students prepare to enter their career field. Topics include developing professional contacts, interviewing skills, portfolio and refined résumés. Graduate students develop a comprehensive package to prepare for employment, based on improved skill sets and capabilities. In-class learning is augmented by visiting furniture manufacture and design facilities in the area.
FURN 779F Graduate Field Internship
Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
FURN 779T Graduate Teaching Internship
Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
FURN 783 Furniture Design Experiences
This course focuses on sponsored projects with the SCAD furniture design program and various industry partners. Graduate students are exposed to the challenges of working for real clients to solve current problems in the furniture design field. Students employ both traditional and digital tools while working within a team environment to create solutions to meet the client's needs within this project driven studio. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.
FURN 790 Furniture Design M.F.A. Thesis
All furniture design M.F.A. students are required to develop and prepare an exhibition of an original, cohesive body of work. Students must showcase four to six pieces supported by a written component. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
Plastics and plastics processes are covered in the context of a wide range of applications and within a variety of industries. Through lectures, case studies, demonstrations and small-scale exercises and projects, students become familiar with the vocabulary of plastics and plastics design. Criteria for the design of plastic components and identification of processing methods are discussed and applied.
FURN 708 3-D Computer-aided Design for Furniture
Through this course, students become proficient in industry-standard modeling software applications and how they allow for quick, accurate and transformable visualization of designs as a tool to facilitate communication between designer, engineer and client.
FURN 709 Materials, Processes and Application
A broad familiarity of furniture and accessory materials, processes and application is important for the designer. Materials and manufacturing methods unique to the furnishings industry as well as those common in other fields are covered in this course. Students learn and apply technical and practical considerations influencing the choice of material and production methods for furnishings. The role and influence of the designer is examined in the context of manufactured products.
FURN 710 Issues in Furniture Design
Through reading, writing and discussion students explore the value of design and the role of furniture in our culture. With sub topics approaching sustainability, design methodology and ethics, among others, students examine contemporary discourse and establish their own design philosophy.
FURN 715 Methods in Furniture Fabrication
Safe and proper use of studio fabrication equipment specific to and essential in the construction of furniture is covered in this course. Skills acquired in this course are instrumental to the effective production of furniture forms whether for testing, evaluation, presentation or exhibition. Students become familiar with and experience key processes involved in fabricating furniture artifacts large or small, providing the foundation for success in subsequent studios.
FURN 718 Furniture Studio I: Conceptual Studies
Through a series of proposals and design briefs, students exercise their conceptual skills in solving complex, open-ended design problems that challenge their imaginative capabilities. By developing an awareness of the higher-order of cognitive processes and connecting to their individual creative spark, students are encouraged to enhance their potential to substantially contribute to the field of furniture design.
FURN 721 Wood Bending Methods
In this course, students acquire and integrate the knowledge and practice of bending wood as it applies to furniture and accessories. Prerequisite(s): FURN 715.
FURN 732 Evolution of Furniture Design
Presented in a manner that informs and complements their design intentions, innovative interventions and creative intelligence, this course provides students an understanding of major design proponents, movements and historical trajectories relevant to furniture design. The course draws upon the historical lineage of furniture design and identifies the predominant breakthroughs, materials and techniques throughout history, with specific emphasis on theoretical and ideological developments and the effects of such historical events.
FURN 738 Furniture Studio: Design and Implementation
Students focus on a design project that considers the human experience with furniture in the built environment. The student applies acquired skills and knowledge toward solving a multifaceted furniture design problem of either a predetermined or proposed context. Students develop comprehensive documentation of sources, analysis and synthesis that supports the intended design solution and demonstrate an understanding of material, functional and aesthetic requirements in the execution of the course project. Prerequisite(s): FURN 715.
FURN 742 Directed Research in Furniture Design
As the result of extensive research, students demonstrate the ability to pursue an inclusive concept development process, including the core components of research methodology, analysis and material integration. The process culminates in a written statement for presentation to the M.F.A. 45-hour review and a narrative draft to accompany a body of work. Prerequisite(s): FURN 738.
FURN 748 Furniture Studio: Process and Prototype
Students focus on a design project integrating research, content and the iterative process as applied toward the furniture form and its role in the built environment and market. Students create thorough documentation supporting and advancing design solutions and their feasibility relative to established design goals. Considerations of function and the material and technical requirements suggested by the design are addressed. Prerequisite(s): FURN 715.
FURN 749 Furniture Design M.A. Final Project
All M.A. students in furniture design are required to complete a final portfolio project that represents the culmination of their academic program. Prerequisite(s): FURN 738 and completion of the review for candidacy.
FURN 754 Directed Studies I
Application of learned research methodologies and demonstration of in-depth knowledge on furniture design form the basis for this course. The student plans and undertakes the first phase of the intended body of work for their graduate project, leading to fully realized forms and the accompanying support documentation. Prerequisite(s): FURN 742 and completion of the review for candidacy.
FURN 760 Experimental Metal Fabrication
This course teaches advanced procedures in the exploration of metal manipulation, machine safety and fabrication. Proper use of hand tools, metal identification and cold assembly techniques are addressed.
FURN 762 Experimental Wood Fabrication
This course is an intensive learning exploration centered on woodworking techniques where the ideation process and fabrication method examines the intrinsic properties of wood and the challenges extended by the variety of wood-working tools and machines. Students enrolled in the program also develop research and critical thinking skills, learn the effective use of visual and verbal presentation medium and understand the integration of concept, human dimension requirements, technical considerations and necessary safety procedures in fabrication.
FURN 764 Directed Studies II
Evaluation, refinement and focus of the topic investigation provide opportunities for the student to build on the first phase of the graduate thesis project. Deeper analysis, investigation and understanding is reflected in the execution, presentation and documentation of the second phase of the graduate project and exhibit planning. Prerequisite(s): FURN 754.
FURN 767 Furniture Design Merchandising
Through a series of lectures and seminars, this course enables students to identify, challenge and explore new concepts and design competencies within the parameters of markets and opportunities. The course also addresses trends and forecasting, patterns of domestic competition, practices in international import and export, packaging and transport of products. Students are exposed to case studies covering customer buying systems and hierarchies of needs, behavioral tendencies and cultural diversities, price determinants and market cost factors.
FURN 769 Soft Furnishings
Students acquire knowledge of sewing technology, patternmaking, structural design and upholstery techniques. Students conceptualize, develop, design and execute a soft furnishing ensemble constructed from available and alternative materials applicable to varied aesthetic and functional purpose.
FURN 770 Professional Practices in Furniture Design
In this course, students prepare to enter their career field. Topics include developing professional contacts, interviewing skills, portfolio and refined résumés. Graduate students develop a comprehensive package to prepare for employment, based on improved skill sets and capabilities. In-class learning is augmented by visiting furniture manufacture and design facilities in the area.
FURN 779F Graduate Field Internship
Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
FURN 779T Graduate Teaching Internship
Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): 15 graduate credit hours, good academic standing.
FURN 783 Furniture Design Experiences
This course focuses on sponsored projects with the SCAD furniture design program and various industry partners. Graduate students are exposed to the challenges of working for real clients to solve current problems in the furniture design field. Students employ both traditional and digital tools while working within a team environment to create solutions to meet the client's needs within this project driven studio. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.
FURN 790 Furniture Design M.F.A. Thesis
All furniture design M.F.A. students are required to develop and prepare an exhibition of an original, cohesive body of work. Students must showcase four to six pieces supported by a written component. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
