Master of Design Fine Arts in Studio
Designed Objects saic.edu/desob The Master of Design in Designed Objects program encourages practitioners to challenge the boundaries of design and explore new territory. Students gain the critical skills to translate novel ideas into meaningful objects, systems, environments, and experiences. Exploration and experimentation The carefully sequenced, course-based curriculum immerses students in both critical and technical skills, challenging them to invent, experiment and reimagine as they develop their individual voices as designers. By providing open platforms for rigorous thinking and making, the program presents students with a creative and intellectual context in which the materiality, agency, utility, and poetic potential of objects are studied and explored. A series of core studios, supported by seminars and technical labs, conclude with the public presentation of a year-long thesis project.
Multi-dimensional approach Throughout the program, the focus is on reimagining the objects and systems that populate our daily lives. The program fosters an expansive understanding of an object, borrowing across domestic, industrial, experience, systems and futures design. Students are encouraged to pursue classes in other disciplines across SAIC, as well as Designed Objects external partnerships.
Jackson Schorer, MER weighted blanket (photo by Jonathan Allen)
Professional experience and outcomes External partnerships and course offerings like Whatnot Studio, SAIC Design & Homan Square, and Emerging Worlds Studio—year-long thematic courses in which students design, prototype and bring relevant work for public exhibition to venues such as SxSW, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), and public engagements in Chicago— provide extensive professional experience. Program alums have attained success in a diverse range of careers, including industrial and furniture design, user experience design, design futures, design research and strategy, design education, emerging technologies, and independent design practice.
For more information on requirements, please visit:
saic.edu/desob
Fine arts alternative Students may opt to pursue the Master of Fine Arts in Studio, Designed Objects. This program is intended for students with previous experience and a strong portfolio in three-dimensional design. The tutorial structure of the MFA in Designed Objects allows students to pursue independently directed projects while working one-to-one with faculty advisors.
The Sullivan Fabrication Studio This dedicated fabrication workshop has a full range of hand tools and industrial wood- and metalworking machines. • Material sales center with sheet goods, hardwoods, plastics, foam, etc. • 2 CNC routers (4’× 8’ Highspeed) • Vacuum thermo-former • Power tools, including a jointer, planer, mortiser, drill press, lathe, table saws, band saws, and sanders • Tools for soft construction, including sewing machines, plastic casting, and interactive electronics • Mold-making facility with dust collection, fume extractor, and vacuum chamber • Large, high-flow paint and finishing hood • On-site materials library • Dedicated workspace in large, open-plan communal studios
Faculty GIONATA GATTO ERIC HOTCHKISS TIM PARSONS JIM TERMEER For complete faculty listing visit: saic.edu/desob
Application Deadline: January 10
Satori Ishihara, Fumi-yume (photo by Jonathan Allen)
Curriculum Requirements First Summer Intensive
6
› DESOB 5050 Refresh: Summer Intensive (6) First Year Fall
15
› DESOB 5150 Studio 1: Reset (3) › DESOB 5152 Research Methods Lab (3) › DESOB 5164 Material Intelligence Studio Seminar (3) › ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Arch. and Design (3) › Elective (3) First Year Spring
15
› DESOB 5160 Studio 2: Discover (6) › DESOB 5162 Prototyping Methods Lab (3) › ARTHI 6120 Critical Issues in Designed Objects (3) › Elective (3) Second Year Fall
15
› DESOB 6150 Thesis Studio 1: Initiate (6) › DESOB 6152 Material Futures Studio Seminar (3) › Art History Elective (3) › Elective or Internship (3) Second Year Spring › › › ›
Omer Alraee, Confers
15
DESOB 6160 Thesis Studio 2: Manifest (6) DESOB 6162 Positioning Methods Lab (3) Elective (3) Elective (3)
› Participation in four Graduate Critiques › Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition Total Credit Hours
66
Application Process Submit: › Online application › Application fee › Official college transcripts › Statement of purpose › Letters of recommendation › ePortfolio › Résumé
Haoran Yu, whatwater (photo by Jonathan Allen)
The Advanced Output Center Students have access to a fully equipped printing and prototyping lab, including:
• 120w laser cutters • 3D printers, including machines that use PLA, ASA, and acrylic-like resin as building material • 3D scanners, including Artec Eva, Handyscan, and NextEngine • Flatbed and large format scanners
Abdullah Al Salem Essence, 2023
Graduate Admissions 36 South Wabash Avenue, suite 1201 Chicago, IL 60603 Phone 312.629.6100 / 800.232.7242 gradmiss@saic.edu
For application requirements, visit saic.edu/desob