FURNITURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Course Description

This course aims to enable students to develop furniture designs based on function, ergonomics, materials, construction techniques, and aesthetic criteria. Within the scope of the course, user requirements, design processes, material selection, structural systems, production techniques, and detail solutions are examined. Students develop original furniture designs by applying creative thinking methods throughout the process from conceptual design to prototype development. Design decisions are evaluated according to principles of ergonomics, sustainability, manufacturability, and ethics. The course aims to enable students to create user-centered, technically applicable, and aesthetically qualified furniture designs.

FURNITURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

Course outcomes

1. 01 1. Explain(3) important aspects of furniture design process.
2. 02 2. Analyze(4) and describe(3) creative thinking in regarding to furniture design.
3. 03 3. Research(3) and explain(3) innovative furniture design.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Hedge, A., & Morimoto, S. Ergonomics and Design: A Reference Guide. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2020. (Covers updated ergonomics principles, human factors, posture analysis, and user-centered design—directly supporting LO1 & LO4.)
2. 02 Baker, J., & Albin, S. Furniture Design: From Concept to Construction. Chronicle Books, 2017. (A contemporary, practice-oriented guide on materials, joinery, detailing, and fabrication—supports LO2 & LO3.)
3. 03 Fuad-Luke, A. The Eco-Design Handbook: A Complete Sourcebook for the Home and Office. Thames & Hudson, 2019. (Provides updated sustainability criteria, material impact evaluation, and eco‑design strategies—supports LO3 & sustainability outcomes.)
4. 04 Lawson, Stuart. Furniture design : an introduction to development, materials and manufacturing . 2013 (library location number: 749.3 LAW 2013)

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Relate the relationships between function, ergonomics, and material selection in furniture design. SOLO 4
2. L02 Develop furniture designs by applying appropriate materials and construction techniques. SOLO 4
3. L03 Evaluate furniture designs according to aesthetic, manufacturability, and sustainability criteria. SOLO 5
4. L04 Design an original furniture solution that responds to user requirements SOLO 5

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Integrate knowledge of interior architecture principles, spatial organization, and visual perception to develop user-centered, functional, aesthetically enriching, and innovative spatial solutions.
2. P02 Analyze and evaluate the relationships among user needs, functional constraints, ergonomics, accessibility, and universal design principles to develop interior architecture solutions across different design scales and contexts.
3. P03 Research, analyze, and relate historical, cultural, and theoretical knowledge to justify design decisions that respect local values while responding to global cultural diversity.
4. P04 Communicate design ideas effectively by integrating visual communication tools, manual and digital representation techniques, and appropriate digital technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted visualization methods, where appropriate.
5. P05 Evaluate and synthesize appropriate materials, color schemes, lighting, and furniture systems using up-to-date technologies and aesthetic principles to shape experiential atmospheres.
6. P06 Integrate environmental responsibility, occupant health, and ethical principles to develop sustainable, safe, and healthy interior architecture solutions and justify design decisions.
7. P07 Collaborate and coordinate with professionals from architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, and related disciplines by integrating multidisciplinary knowledge to develop comprehensive spatial solutions.
8. P08 Critically evaluate research, contemporary approaches, and artificial intelligence-assisted design and research methods to generate innovative knowledge and design solutions while sustaining lifelong learning and professional development.
9. P09 Justify professional decisions by integrating ethical principles, cultural, societal, and aesthetic responsibilities with the responsible, legal, and ethical use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
10. P10 Plan, manage, and evaluate interior architecture projects by integrating technical systems, user-centered design methods, regulatory requirements, and contemporary digital project management and design technologies.
11. P11 Evaluate and reinterpret existing and historic interiors by integrating conservation principles, adaptive reuse strategies, and digital documentation techniques to support cultural continuity and sustainable heritage conservation.
12. P12 Integrate inclusive and socially responsible design approaches with entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, professional collaboration, and adaptation to technological transformation to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the profession and society.

Po-Lo Matrix