Spatial Design
Spatial design is the practice of imagining, forming and constructing spatial environments in which the element of time is also considered. It requires an architectural understanding and a feel for materials and details, as well as knowledge of how space is inhabited and experienced. As an exploration of the embodied and theoretical conditions that shape architectural and virtual spaces, our programme requires an interdisciplinary approach. At Massey University's College of Creative Arts our students have access to a wide range of design and fine arts courses and resources, providing the best environment for you to explore this practice.
Spatial design students are encouraged to be equally at home in the studio, workshop and computer environments, and to become self-motivated learners, critical thinkers and innovative designers. The programme includes a series of design studio experiences integrated with intensive core papers to focus on developing your skills in manipulating built and imagined spaces. Studio projects range from proposals for real and speculative clients; to installations, full-scale constructions, exhibitions, furnishings and furniture; to performance events, multimedia projections, large-scale interior building renovations, theatrical environments, and historic conservation/renovation. A series of elective papers are available to craft specialisations in the areas of interior architecture, performance design, exhibition design and digital spatial design.
Our students are involved in a range of design projects, often gaining national and international awards. They participate in competitions and have their work exhibited in galleries and performed in theatres. Through our trans-disciplinary approach spatial design graduates have access to a wide range of employment choices that include architecture, film, multi-media, exhibition, interior and event design. Spatial Design
First Year Students across the BFA (Hons) and BDes (Hons) share a core suite of papers in their first year.
Second Year: This year provides you with an introduction to the fundamental principles of spatial design, where the studio is treated as a laboratory for developing ideas and visual skills. The human experience - in relation to body, space, time and materiality - is central.
Third Year: The third year requires you to integrate theory and practice into your creative work and to experiment with a range of media in its representation. Technology is considered a poetic tool for shaping spatial experiences as social, cultural and political realities - from the big picture to the detail.
Fourth Year: Here the threads from previous years are drawn together and you can focus on honing your skills in areas that are of personal interest. Thinking-through-making is central (whether you undertake the research-driven honours path or the more practically focused non-honours route) with the goal to create a compelling final project.
Performance Design
Performance design - now internationally recognised as a cutting-edge interdisciplinary field - first emerged from Massey’s College of Creative Arts. Encompassing the theatrical, spatial, performing and visual arts, performance design asserts the dynamic and highly creative role of artists/designers in the conception and realisation of spatiotemporal events.
Performance occurs when an activity or a scenario momentarily becomes the focus of attention - occurring in the theatre, in front of the camera, or on the many ‘stages’ of everyday social environments. Performance design therefore considers how design artifacts - whether objects, materials, images, actions, garments or environments - are an active part of the event in which stories are told, forces are harnessed and roles are played out.
From 2010 this exciting field of study will be delivered within the Spatial Design programme and in the MDes programme as a postgraduate specialisation.