2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: 26-27 Catalog

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • CLA-621 ZERO-WASTE DESIGN (Materials & Process)

    This course introduces students to the selection,and specification of appropriate materials,,processes and systems for carbon neutral,,non-polluting design. Students explore low-energy,and renewable materials, closed-loop manufacturing,and construction, industrial symbiosis, and,perpetual material cycles for circular economies. ,Students learn about the development and selection,of non-harmful materials and processes, localized,logistics, design for disassembly, longevity and,ethics. The course also covers regulatory factors,relating to safety standards, materials recovery,and reuse, pollution and emissions.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CLA-626 CLIMATE NARRATIVES

    In this course, students will learn techniques for,effective listening, persuasion and negotiation in,the climate crisis. They will learn to form,rational and ethical arguments and debates that,advance positive action informed by verifiable,data.,,The climate crisis is culturally and politically,complex, and often polarized. Communication,narratives require rational, measured and skillful,delivery. In this course, with reference to the,work of others, students will learn how to create,accurate and well-judged communication, PR, and,persuasion strategies in the climate crisis, using,text and audio-visual formats through a range of,media channels (social and commercial).

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CLA-631 CIRCULAR ECONOMIES AND DESIGN

    On this course, students learn about the,principles of the circular economy. Students,explore the economic advantages for,cradle-to-cradle design, closed loop,manufacturing, align of waste-streams to material,flows, and industrial symbiosis. Through a design,assignment, students explore the challenges of,transitioning from infinite growth to circular,economies.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CLA-722 DES. ADVOCACY IN SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

    On this course, students will reflect on their,program studies so far and make persuasive cases,for policy change. Understanding global mapping of,climate action, business practices, and social,justice is necessary for effective advocacy for,change. Students will learn about geo-political,,economic and trading factors that impact climate,change.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CMD-601 STUDIO I: CMD EXPERIENCE

    In this course, students learn how to use the,categories of color, materials and finish (CMF),design to create a meaningful narrative that,connects ideas, artifacts and experiences to,people. ,Working in experiential and sometimes,interdisciplinary projects students collaborate,alongside their peers with industry and other,external partners in industry. Color and Material,designers participate in a range of complex,activities. Roles in the design industry span,from materials research and innovation to liaising,with color and materials development teams for the,purposes of manufacture and delivery of the design,intent. ,The course will serve as a foundation for students,pursuing CMF Design position’s in industry.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CMD-602 STUDIO II: CMD BRAND NARRATIVES

    In this course, students explore the role of color,and materials in defining a brand narrative,through Color Materials and Finish (CMF) design. ,Using research, students discuss how organizations,have strategically used design, color, and,materials to advance and elevate their brands. ,Making emotional connections is at the center of,many brand strategies for resonating with their,customers and audiences, and students are,introduced to the visceral and experiential,qualities of materials and color.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CMD 601

  • CMD-604 TREND RESEARCH METHODS,PLANNING

    In this course, students learn how to identify,,assess, and forecast both long-term and,short-term trends that can be researched through,a variety of information sources, consumer,demographics, developments in technology,,manufacturing and the sciences, as well as,cultural, social, environmental and economic,influences. Students explore how trends shape,values and behaviors that lie deep in all of us;,and how these values and behaviors influence the,ways we perceive and adopt new ideas. Uncovering,these insights in a rapidly changing world is an,increasingly important challenge for all,professional designers. The ability to understand,and identify trends and their impact on consumer,behavior is an important skill that will be,utilized within the structure of the Color and,Materials Design courses.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CMD-605 COLOR LAB: THEORY & SCIENCE

    In this course, students are introduced to the,discipline of color, materials and finish (CMF),design to create meaningful narratives that,connect ideas, artifacts and experiences to,individuals and communities. Working in,experiential – and sometimes interdisciplinary -,projects, students collaborate alongside their,peers with design teams and external partners,within the industry. The role of a Color and,Material Designer is to participate in a range of,complex activities, including graphic-led visual,storytelling, materials research and innovation,,collaborating with color and materials development,teams for the purposes of manufacture, digitally,applying CMF strategies to virtual models, and the,delivery of the final design intent through visual,and verbal presentations. This course will serve,as the foundation for students intending on,pursuing CMF Design, Color Design, Material,Design, and adjacent positions within the industry,and entrepreneurism.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • CMD-606 MATERIAL LAB: CRAFTED SCIENCE

    In this course, students explore the intersection,of design, craft, and science through engaging in,a series of material experiments to examine,properties, technique, mechanics, potential, and,failure to develop innovations in color,,materials, and finish design. The course supports,the student in developing and innovating ideas,using both proven and non-traditional techniques.,Students work in the wood, metal, glass, and,ceramic studios to create a series of surfaces and,artifacts – with the fundamental understanding of,the chemistry behind each process – to support,their concepts within their CMD studio courses.,Working in shop and studio environments, the,projects immerse students in both 2D and 3D,surface and form to present forward-thinking,concepts. The course offers both structured group,projects and self-directed learning.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CMD 605

  • CMD-607 APPLIED MATERIALS & PROCESSES

    In this course, students will increase their,experiential knowledge of industry standards,regarding engineered materials, manufacturing,processes, and relevant applications through a,series of local and regional field trips, guest,lectures, workshops, in-studio prototyping, and,self-led projects.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CMD 604