PSCE
5011

The Luminous Object

Parsons School of Design: Constructed Environments

Non-Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
The Luminous Object
Fall 2023
Taught By: Derek Porter
Section: A

CRN: 15845

Credits: 3

Interior environments are rendered visible through light and shadow. Luminaires used to illuminate these spaces possess specific characteristics that contribute significantly to the totality of interior experience. This course examines how these design variables, including color, tone, material, scale, form, and gesture, establish the perceived identity of the luminous object and how its physical presence and luminous output impact the greater interior environment. We will actively use Design Thinking methodologies to interrogate design propositions and explore Circular Economies to better understand the long-term impacts of our design decisions. Our research expands beyond an object-focus to include Environmental Psychology, which offers an understanding of how and why humans respond to specific spatial conditions. Students will work empirically, conducting full-scale maquettes that use selected light sources and materials to explore form in relation to a specific interior condition. The final project will be the fabrication of a full-scale working prototype that is designed in response to a self-written brief. Knowledge of the Making Center, tool use, and fabrication processes is beneficial but not required. Similarly, there are no prerequisites for lighting or electrical systems.

Open to: All university graduate degree students and upper level undergraduate students by permission only. Pre-requisite(s): none.

College: Parsons School of Design (PS)

Department: Constructed Environments (PSCE)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 16

Add/Drop Deadline: September 11, 2023 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 19, 2023 (Sunday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 1:56am EDT 3/22/2023

Meeting Info:
Days: TBD
Times: TBD
Building: TBD
Room: TBD
Date Range: 8/28/2023 - 12/11/2023
The Luminous Object
Spring 2023
Taught By: Derek Porter
Section: A

CRN: 13831

Credits: 3

Interior environments are rendered visible through light and shadow. Luminaires used to illuminate these spaces possess specific characteristics that contribute significantly to the totality of interior experience. This course examines how these design variables, including color, tone, material, scale, form, and gesture, establish the perceived identity of the luminous object and how its physical presence and luminous output impact the greater interior environment. We will actively use Design Thinking methodologies to interrogate design propositions and explore Circular Economies to better understand the long-term impacts of our design decisions. Our research expands beyond an object-focus to include Environmental Psychology, which offers an understanding of how and why humans respond to specific spatial conditions. Students will work empirically, conducting full-scale maquettes that use selected light sources and materials to explore form in relation to a specific interior condition. The final project will be the fabrication of a full-scale working prototype that is designed in response to a self-written brief. Knowledge of the Making Center, tool use, and fabrication processes is beneficial but not required. Similarly, there are no prerequisites for lighting or electrical systems.

Open to: All university graduate degree students and upper level undergraduate students by permission only. Pre-requisite(s): none.

College: Parsons School of Design (PS)

Department: Constructed Environments (PSCE)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 16

Add/Drop Deadline: February 5, 2023 (Sunday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 16, 2023 (Sunday)

Seats Available: No

Status: Closed*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 1:56am EDT 3/22/2023

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:40pm
Building: Parsons East 25 E13th
Room: 302
Date Range: 1/23/2023 - 5/15/2023