Transport Design (Auckland School of Design)

Transport design at the Auckland School of Design is not just about cars. The course covers everything from four-wheeled and two-wheeled modes of transport, to marine design where there is emphasis on both power and sail. We are seeking innovative designers and thinkers who are also aware of the social, economic and environmental impact their creations will make.
The transport design major of the Bachelor of Design was created to enhance design input into transportation and people-carrying industries. The programme will enable students to design better transport products and systems that really make a difference to the world.

During the course you will build a strong understanding of art, aesthetics, engineering, naval architecture technology, structures, materials and construction. A transport designer, much like a building architect, will also learn how to collaborate, combine and cooperate with all facets of the industry to design and produce the best possible solution to any given problem. Students will also learn how to humanize rapidly developing technology and make innovative design and construction that is responsive to human needs.

First Year: You’ll make the transition to tertiary education in this year. In design studios you are introduced to generic art and design knowledge and skills and develop core competencies and practices. You explore a range of design specialisations so that you can make an informed decision about your future pathway.

Second Year: At this stage specialist subject material is introduced including transport design studio practice. Model making, materials and structure, history, construction and manufacturing processes, ergonomics and visual communication, including drawing and rendering are introduced at this stage.

Third Year: In your third year you will encounter more advanced learning and design. Elective papers in advanced marine computer applications for design and automotive design are introduced.

Fourth Year: You are required to develop and undertake individual research assignments, study professional practice and complete a major design project. Entry into national and international design competitions is strongly encouraged. The outcomes of your research project are displayed in a public exhibition at a central Auckland location in November of each year.