Kickoff Presentation
Due: Week 1 (Standard Brief)
Objective
Establish your project direction through comprehensive research and clear presentation of your chosen design focus, demonstrating the connection between research insights and initial design thinking.
Choose Your Project Track:
Standard Brief: Contemporary Seating Design Project
Broyhill Brief: Japanese Garden-Inspired Park Bench Project
Presentation Components (12-15 minutes):
Current Portfolio (2-3 minutes)
Overview of relevant previous work and skills
Design philosophy and aesthetic interests
Technical competencies and areas for growth
Project Selection Rationale (2-3 minutes)
Why you chose this track and specific focus area
Personal connection to the project direction
Initial goals and expectations
User Group & Context Definition (3-4 minutes)
Specific target users you'll design for
Detailed context description (residential, commercial, public, gallery, collectors, etc.)
User needs analysis and pain points identification
Initial Research Findings (4-5 minutes)
Standard Brief: Contemporary seating trends, materials, construction methods
Broyhill Brief: Japanese garden principles, cultural considerations, site analysis
Design precedent analysis (minimum 8 examples)
Material and construction research relevant to your approach
Initial Design Direction (2-3 minutes)
Key design principles emerging from research
Preliminary aesthetic direction
Construction approach considerations
Submission Requirements:
Professional presentation slides (PDF format) addressing all of the above including precedent analysis imagery with specific identification (model, designer, design date, manufacturer/maker)
Kickoff Presentation Assessment Criteria
Depth and relevance of research to chosen project track
Clear articulation of user needs and design context
Professional presentation delivery and visual communication
Evidence of critical thinking in research analysis
Quality of precedent analysis and insights drawn
Phase 1: Concept Development
Due: Weeks 2-4 (Progressive deliverables)
Objective
Transform research insights into viable design concepts through systematic ideation, iteration, and refinement, culminating in a proposed design ready for development.
Progressive Deliverables
Week 2: Research Analysis + 8 Concept Inspiration Images
8 targeted concept inspiration images focused on Japanese Garden design principles and park seating (can be sourced, sketched, or AI-generated) with explanatory annotations
Research analysis - clear connections drawn between research findings and inspiration sources, including cultural research and sensitivity considerations
Week 3: 6 Concept Sketches + Site Selection
6 concept sketches with detailed annotations
Process documentation showing design evolution
Preliminary site selection with justification
Note: Field trip to Broyhill Walking Park will inform final site selection
Week 4: 3 Refined Design Concepts + Proposed Design + Site Integration
3 fully developed concept presentations
1 proposed design selected from concepts
1/12 scale 3D printed model of proposed design
Site integration plan showing bench placement and installation considerations
Concept selection rationale
Submission Requirements
1/12 scale 3D resin printed model of proposed design
Design process documentation (PDF presentation) showing clear evolution from research to proposed design (including visual research portfolio, design development, material tests, rationale, feedback, etc.)
Assignment 1: Concept Development Assessment Criteria
Quality of research synthesis and application to design
Creativity and innovation in concept generation
Systematic approach to design iteration and refinement
Cultural sensitivity in design interpretation and application
Technical competency in modeling and visualization
Professional documentation and process communication
Phase 2: Design Development
Due: Weeks 5-8 (Culminating in Jury Presentation)
Objective
Develop your proposed design into a fully resolved solution through CAD modeling, technical documentation, full-scale mockup construction, and validation testing, culminating in a formal presentation to the Broyhill Walking Park Jury/Committee.
Progressive Deliverables
Construction Drawings and CAD (Weeks 5-7)
Fully resolved CAD model with high resolution rendering indicating CMF
Dimensioned orthographic projections (generated from CAD model) with installation specifications
Design details and construction sequence documentation
Weather resistance specifications and outdoor installation requirements
Full-Scale Mockup Construction (Weeks 5-8)
Full-scale functional prototype using mockup materials
Demonstrates final proportions, ergonomics, and user interaction for outdoor public seating
Professional construction quality appropriate for testing and jury evaluation
Integration of landscape design considerations and site-specific elements
Jury Presentation (Week 8)
Formal presentation to Broyhill Walking Park Jury/Committee (duration TBD)
Physical mockup demonstration with structural integrity documentation
Submission Requirements
Dimensioned orthographic drawing set including design details, construction sequence documentation, and installation specifications
Completed full-scale mockup with weather resistance testing documentation
Professional jury presentation materials suitable for client approval process
Assessment Criteria
Technical competency in CAD and documentation for outdoor installation
Quality and functionality of physical mockup with public seating considerations
Evidence of cultural sensitivity and site-specific design validation
Professional presentation and client communication skills
Readiness for fabrication phase with jury-approved design
Phase 3: Fabrication
Due: Week 16
Objective
Execute high-quality fabrication of your jury-approved design while maintaining comprehensive process documentation for permanent outdoor installation.
Fabrication Planning (Week 9)
Fabrication plan with timeline and weather-resistant material specifications
Material procurement for outdoor durability requirements
Cut list finalization and material breakdown with installation hardware
Completed Bench Artifact (Week 15)
Full-scale, fully functional bench suitable for permanent outdoor installation
Professional weather-resistant finishing and secure installation hardware
Construction quality appropriate for public art and community use
Weather testing documentation demonstrating durability
Submission Requirements
Completed fabricated bench with weather testing documentation, installation documentation, and maintenance guidelines
Assessment Criteria
Quality of fabrication execution and craftsmanship for outdoor installation
Evidence of problem-solving and technical competency with weather-resistant construction
Meeting quality standards appropriate for permanent public art installation
Demonstration of advanced construction skills and cultural design sensitivity
Phase 4: Professional Documentation & Presentation
Due: Finals Week
Objective
Create comprehensive professional presentation and documentation suitable for portfolio inclusion, demonstrating design process, and personal learning outcomes.
Professional Presentation (Finals Week)
Professional presentation (time TBD)
Design process and decision-making documentation
Articulation of design decisions and process insights
Installation procedures and technical specifications
Portfolio Documentation Package (Finals Week)
Complete project case study suitable for portfolio presentation
Documentation of design development process and fabrication stages
Professional documentation of final piece
Installation instructions and specifications for City of Lenoir Parks crew
Self-reflection on entire project and learning journey
Submission Requirements
Professional presentation delivered to Jury
Complete portfolio documentation package including written reflection on learning outcomes and professional development (full InDesign Package)
Assessment Criteria
Portfolio quality presentation
Professional presentation delivery and communication skills
Portfolio quality documentation package including all stages of development
Quality and completeness of installation instructions and technical documentation
Happy Holidays!