European design 1915-1935: designing utopia
Time: 14:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VB123
- Dates: 01/03/25 - 15/03/25
- Time: 14:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Rachel Sanders
Course Code: VB123
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
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What is the course about?
This short, three session course will study key European Early Modernist design movements that emerged as a response to the devastation of WW1. We will consider the contribution of each to the international design aesthetic that dominated the mid-twentieth century, and chart the aims of the group in relation to iconic works such as Le Corbusier's Villa Savoy.
What will we cover?
• Design movements including Russian Constructivism, De Stijl, the Bauhaus, Purism and Scandinavian Modern.
• Materials, visual characteristics, and design principles, such as standardisation and longevity
• Design practices including furniture and graphic design.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• List key visual characteristics and the design principles of the modernist movements.
• Discuss the historic context, motivations, and rationale of the European Early Modernist design movements.
• Assess the successes and failings of International Modernism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
19th century fashion: colour, design and revolution
20th century fashion: from Chanel to McQueen.
Dr Rachel Sanders received her MA and PhD in History of Art from University College, London. She has taught at a number of institutions and currently lectures on the history of art and design at City Lit and Oxford Brookes University. Her research interest is early twentieth-century American political paintings and cartoons. She has published a number of articles on her research specialism and is currently writing a book on New Masses magazine.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.