Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Architecture and Arts :: Design

DESIGN III - 2025/2026

3º curricular year
Semestralidade: annual
ECTS: 34

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Benedita Camacho
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Benedita Camacho

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 12 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Mastery of the fundamentals of Global Design;
Consolidation of critical, analytical, and systemic thinking;
Anticipation of the future through transformation and knowledge construction;
Development of awareness of the professional context as well as social responsibility.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Identification, analysis and articulation of national and international similarities;
Adequacy of functional, aesthetic, dimensional, cultural, sustainable values;
Develop products at the enterprise level applying the knowledge acquired;
Develop and rigorously present three-dimensional human scale projects;
To master rigorously technical drawings, quotations, 3D models and renders;
Adapt and independently implement design processes and products in real context.

Skills to be acquired

Understanding and applying design as an integrated and transdisciplinary strategy;
Ability to apply analytical, critical and systemic thinking and to use research as the strategic tool for innovation;
Ability to interpret and recreate briefings and to direct and coordinate Design processes;
Know how to present, substantiate, sustain and communicate ideas;
Ability to formulate emerging problems with initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Teaching Procedures

1. Classes Theoretical / Practical:
- Exposure and demonstration of content through various resources;
- Comparative and reflexive analyzes based on reference projects (case studies);
2. Tutorial Guidance:
- Follow-up and orientation of students´ work.

Programme

In the third year of the undergraduate programme in Design, the proposed theme for this year is centred around the challenges included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). In this context, the syllabus will be integrated with assessment proposals that include projects, quick exercises, and varied activities that address not only the academic environment but also engage and consider the surrounding society. Key projects include:
Project 1 - INTERIOR DESIGN, Focus: Communicative Spaces;
Project 2 - EXHIBITION DESIGN, Focus: Commercial Pop-up Store;
Project 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, Focus: Kindergarten;
Project 4 - SOCIAL DESIGN, Focus: Public Social Space;
Project 5 - EQUIPMENT DESIGN, Focus: Acoustic Isolation Cabin;
Project 6 - PARTNERSHIP DESIGN, Focus: Interior of Social Housing.
Fundamental Principles:
Principles of social design and Human-Centred Design;
Principles of inclusive/social design and Human-Centred Design.
Context and Framework:
Geographical and socio-cultural framework;
Economic context and social design.
Development and Planning:
Development of briefings in partnership;
Spatial problem-solving.
Differentiation and Identification:
Differentiation between private and social spaces;
Identification of similar internationally recognised projects.
Ergonomics and Anthropometry:
Understanding principles of ergonomics and anthropometry adapted to the space;
Mastering principles of ergonomics and anthropometry for the space.
Three-dimensionality and Techniques:
Exploring three-dimensionality with a focus on different areas of Design;
Developing three-dimensional projects on a human scale;
Mastering technical drawings, measurements, 3D modelling, and rendering.
Volumes and Structures:
Mastering volumes, structures, openings, and other elements.
Values and Characteristics:
Adapting functional, aesthetic, dimensional, cultural, and ecological values;
Functional, aesthetic, and production characteristics.
Materials and Sustainability:
Expanding the repertoire of materials, techniques, and various production costs;
Upcycling, recycling, reuse, product design with post-industrial waste, local materials.
Aesthetics and Interior Environment:
Physical and psychological factors;
Colours, textiles, lighting, and materials for environments and spaces.
All the aforementioned themes will be developed in parallel with the following resources: critical analysis of examples; project methodologies; technical drawings, measurements, and 3D modelling; planning, techniques, and production; project descriptive reports; and means of realisation/modelling/prototyping.

Evaluation Type

The assessment methodology will be carried out according to the General Evaluation Regulation as well as the Exceptional Continuous Assessment Regulation of the Universidade Lusíada. Continuous evaluation criteria, besides attendance, participation and commitment in the classes, the evaluation will focus mainly on the process, execution, presentation and sustentation of the four great proposals of work previously referenced and, finally, on the frequency exams.

Teaching Resources

Moodle.
Supporting texts, compulsory or optional reading.
UL Media Library and Library and others.
Audio-visual material.
Computer with internet.
Study visits and open classes.

Sustainability Objectives

The sustainability objectives of the UC are aligned with CITAD, GI4 Innovation, Design and (Im)material Culture:
STRONG
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
MODERATE
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13 - Climate Action
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

Interior design; Exterior design; Environment Design; Social Design; Equipment design; Universal Design; Sustainable Design; Educational Design; partnership design.

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography