Syllabus
Furniture Studio III
IND 4100-101 T/TH 2-5:50, RM 170, CRN 11502
Sam Ladwig
Office: Katherine Harper Hall Room 208
Mobile: (405)301-3513
Office Hours: Tu/Th 10:00am - 12:30pm
ladwigsr@appstate.edu
Mobile: (405)301-3513
Office Hours: Tu/Th 10:00am - 12:30pm
ladwigsr@appstate.edu
Mission of the Department of Applied Design: The Department of Applied Design is dedicated to fostering excellence in design education, design research, and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of the impact of design decisions on the global community. Sustainability and ethical responsibility are integrated as part of a holistic approach to creative problem-solving.
Course Description: This course is an advanced investigation into designing with new materials and techniques for furniture. Discussions will focus on contemporary issues affecting the furniture design industry. Topics covered may include green design, trend materials, ready-to-assemble or knock-down, and packaging.
Studio - eight hours per week
Prerequisites: IND 3200, and a declared major in Industrial Design.
Prerequisites: IND 3200, and a declared major in Industrial Design.
Course Learning Objectives: Students will develop comprehensive skills in contemporary furniture design practice, including research-driven design processes, advanced technical execution, and professional presentation abilities appropriate to their chosen career pathway. Students will demonstrate critical design thinking while creating functional, aesthetically considered seating that reflects contemporary design discourse and professional standards.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The students who succeed in this course will be able to:
- Apply ergonomic principles and human factors to create comfortable and functional seating designs.
- Critically analyze historical and contemporary seating designs, articulating their influences and relevance.
- Produce a range of seating concept sketches and iterate on ideas effectively.
- Create accurate technical drawings and 3D models of their seating designs using appropriate software.
- Execute various joinery techniques specific to furniture construction with proficiency.
- Safely and effectively operate woodworking tools and machinery to fabricate seating components.
- Implement basic upholstery techniques and select appropriate materials for seating comfort and aesthetics.
- Apply suitable finishing methods to wood and other materials used in their seating designs.
- Design structurally sound seating that meets safety and durability requirements.
- Engage in prototyping and iterative design processes to refine and improve seating designs.
- Incorporate sustainable materials and practices in their furniture design and production processes.
- Present and constructively critique seating designs, articulate design decisions, and receive feedback.
- Critically analyze historical and contemporary seating designs, articulating their influences and relevance.
- Produce a range of seating concept sketches and iterate on ideas effectively.
- Create accurate technical drawings and 3D models of their seating designs using appropriate software.
- Execute various joinery techniques specific to furniture construction with proficiency.
- Safely and effectively operate woodworking tools and machinery to fabricate seating components.
- Implement basic upholstery techniques and select appropriate materials for seating comfort and aesthetics.
- Apply suitable finishing methods to wood and other materials used in their seating designs.
- Design structurally sound seating that meets safety and durability requirements.
- Engage in prototyping and iterative design processes to refine and improve seating designs.
- Incorporate sustainable materials and practices in their furniture design and production processes.
- Present and constructively critique seating designs, articulate design decisions, and receive feedback.
Professionalism: Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times during class time and when representing the university and department out of class. Learning to behave as a professional is an important part of your education and is therefore an aspect of your assessment for this course. One of the most important elements of professionalism is safety. General guidelines for shop safety are detailed below. It is also critical to be present. I take attendance before class starts and then begin the class with important information, demonstrations, and discussion. Please be prompt out of respect for the other students and so that you do not miss the information. Absences and tardiness are both codified in the attendance policy below.
Essential tools and materials: Students will provide their own tools and materials in response to the needs of the particular projects that they will be designing and fabricating.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is required in all classes and will be a factor in your final grade. The accumulation of more than 3 absences will result in a 10-point grade reduction on your final grade for the 4th and each additional absence. The accumulation of more than 6 absences will result in the student’s failure of the class. As most demonstrations and discussions will occur in the first part of the class missing more than 15 minutes of class without consent of the professor is considered an absence.
Late Work: No late work will be accepted except by consent of the Professor after a meeting is held to decide the terms of the late submittal.
Electronic Devices and Earbuds: Phones should be silent during class. Because active project discussion is encouraged in class the use of earbuds is not permitted. The use of cell phones, tablets, or laptops during class time is not permitted without specific permission from the instructor.
Breaks: We will typically take a short break about halfway through each class. Leaving a class while it is in process is not permitted.
Project Critiques: Only students with completed assignments will be permitted to participate in classroom critiques. Critiques are clearly marked on the schedule. All students are required to attend final project critiques.
Office Hours: Students are encouraged to come to office hours for additional help. To ensure adequate time, it is a good idea to make an appointment.
Schedule: The schedule for the semester is detailed on AsUlearn. The schedule is for planning purposes and is subject to change. Therefore, students should be aware of its contents and come to classes prepared to do the work itemized. This includes having materials that afford moving forward with your designs.
Assessment: All assignments will be assessed using the same criteria, but your overall course grade will be computed according to the weights matching your pathway selection. The range of weights and project phases are listed below.
Assignment Weight
Kickoff Presentation 5-10%
Concept Development and Ideation 10-35%
Design Development and Testing 15-35%
Fabrication 20-50%
Documentation and Presentation 10-35%
Grading Standards
A – Superior: Accurate and complete work exceeding the requirements. It is consistently innovative, creative, and shows self-motivation by the student.
B - Very Good: Accurate and complete work that exceeds the requirements. The work is often innovative, creative, and shows self-motivation.
C – Average: Complete work requiring minimal corrections and meeting the class requirements. The work is satisfactory but could use improvement.
D – Unsatisfactory: Work that is often inaccurate or incomplete, not meeting the class requirements. The work is rarely innovative, creative, or showing self-motivation.
F – Unacceptable: The level of performance and conformance to the requirements is unacceptable.
Range
Letter grade: A 93-100%
Letter grade: A- 90-92.99%
Letter grade: B+ 87-89.99%
Letter grade: B 83-86.99%
Letter grade: B- 80-82.99%
Letter grade: C+ 77-79.99%
Letter grade: C 73 -76.99%
Letter grade: C- 70-72.99%
Letter grade: D 60-69.99%
Letter grade: F Below 60
Incomplete: A grade of incomplete may be granted to students who have suffered serious personal illness or critical, emergency circumstances during the academic term, preventing the student from completing all assignments by the end of the semester. This is extremely rare. Inconsistent attendance, poor time management, or lack of effort are not considered adequate grounds.
Student Financial Responsibility for Obtaining Adequate Health and Accident Insurance Coverage:
As an Appalachian State University student, you have access to the University's Student Health Services in the event of illness or injury. However, you should be aware that the University does not provide students health care insurance to cover the costs of medical treatment or other expenses related to the treatment of injuries or illnesses. Consequently, if you were to be injured or contract an illness while participating in this course, including working in the Applied Design Department’s studios, shops, or laboratories, you or your parents or guardians would be financially responsible for the costs of any medical care not provided by Student Health Services, and for obtaining appropriate insurance to protect you and/or them against the risks identified above.
Right to Use Artwork:
The Department reserves the right to use student work and photographs or videos of students and their work for display, documentation, instruction and in publications or other materials about the
Department and University. The student has the right to opt out of this policy by submitting a request in writing.
Syllabus Changes
The instructor will make every attempt to adhere to the course syllabus; however, the instructor reserves the right to modify and/or change the course syllabus to meet the needs of the class. The instructor will inform the class if modifications are needed or made to this contract during the semester.
Appalachian State University Wide Academic Policies.
http://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/syllabi
Academic Integrity Code
Disability Services
Attendance Policy
Statement on Student Engagement with Courses
Disability Services
Attendance Policy
Statement on Student Engagement with Courses
Appalachian State University’s additional statements
https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/optional-syllabi-policy-and-statement-information
Academic Freedom
Academic Success
Artificial Intelligence
Food Insecurity
Public Sharing of Course Materials
Academic Success
Artificial Intelligence
Food Insecurity
Public Sharing of Course Materials
Classroom, Building Security:
The outside entrances to Katherine Harper Hall/Kerr Scott Hall will be locked from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am Monday through Thursday, and from Friday at 6:00 pm through Monday morning. Students currently registered in classes can gain entrance to the building via the swipe card point at the main entrance and at the east door of the Kerr Scott wing. Please check posted signs for those hours.
To ensure the safety of our students and labs, we ask that students keep doors closed after hours; refrain from propping open exterior doors; and lock windows and doors when exiting a classroom or lab after hours. Please help us to monitor the facility, and report any situations of concern to your professor, to the Applied Design main office staff rm 189, or to University Police (828.262.2150 for after-hours non-emergencies; or 828.262.8000 for emergencies).
Lab Safety:
Your safety and the safety of those around you are paramount. Students are expected to know and follow safety guidelines at all times, and to make use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in the lab. Safety violations can result in revocation of lab privileges. No equipment may be operated until you have received safety instruction and passed the required safety test(s).
Shop laboratories are inherently dangerous. Using hand or power tools improperly or ignoring standard safety practices can lead to permanent injury. You have three responsibilities in the shop: One to yourself, one to your fellow students, and one to the shop equipment. Safety demonstrations and tests will be given on all machinery. You may not use a piece of machinery until you have seen its safe operation demonstrated and your safety tests are on file (100% passing grade required).
General Shop Safety:
- Only enter the wood shop through the door for Room 148, the bench room
- Only students who are currently enrolled in Applied Design or STBE courses are allowed to enter any of the shops.
- No guests from outside of these programs are allowed in the shop at any time.
- Only students who have completed tool orientation and safety testing (through M&P 1 or Intro to Fabrication) may use any machinery in the wood or metal shops
- Report any accidents or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately
- Students are expected to keep their work area clean and to clean up after each tool operation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:
- Safety glasses or goggles must be worn at all times
- Hearing protection should be used when operating loud machinery
- Dust masks are recommended for certain operations (sanding in particular)
- Certain processes may have additional PPE requirements (e.g., welding). Check with shop staff or instructors if you are unsure of PPE requirements.
Note: Eyeglasses are not safety glasses. If you use glasses your eye protection will need to fit over them. Ear Buds or headphones are not hearing protection and are not permitted in the machine room.
Clothing and Accessories:
- No loose clothing
- Roll up long sleeves, tuck in hoodie drawstrings, and remove ties
- Remove jewelry and tie back long hair that could get caught in machinery
- Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Machine Operation:
- Never leave running machines unattended
- Use appropriate guards and safety devices on all machinery
- Check that all tools and equipment are in good working condition before use
Chemical Safety:
- Be aware of the hazards associated with material dust, finishes, and adhesives
- Use proper ventilation (spray booth) when working with volatile chemicals
- Store flammable materials in approved containers and locations
Emergency Procedures:
- Know the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits
- Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Know how to shut off power to machinery in case of an emergency
Behavior:
- No disruptive antics or distractions while working
- Stay alert and focused on your task
- Do not talk to someone while they are operating machinery
- Do not operate machinery if you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Authorization:
- Only authorized students, faculty, and staff may use the shops
- Lab assistant or instructor must be present in order to use the lab
Promoting a Safe Working Environment
The safety policies and procedures outlined in this document are intended to promote a safe working environment in the Applied Design shops. However, they are not exhaustive and do not guarantee complete safety. Adherence to these guidelines does not eliminate all risks associated with the use of shop equipment and materials. By using the shop facilities, you acknowledge that you:
- Have read, understood, and agree to follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Understand the inherent risks involved in using wood shop equipment and materials.
- Accept personal responsibility for your safety and the safety of others around you.
- Will use sound judgment and exercise caution at all times while in the wood shop.
- Will immediately report any unsafe conditions or practices to shop supervisors.
Material Safety Data Sheets:
The University is committed to providing a safe environment for students and staff. This commitment is reflected in the development of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on file in each building. Chemicals and solvents utilized in the building must have an MSDS on file. Please consult the MSDS log before using any chemicals or solvents. The departmental administrative assistant can advise students of the location of the building log. Students and staff who wish to use chemicals and solvents not currently in the MSDS log, must provide appropriate MSDS information to the departmental administrative assistant and receive approval for use.