Fourteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

“For the artist, communication with nature remains the most essential condition. The artist is human, himself nature; part of nature within natural space.” Paul Klee emphasises the relation between the artist as a producer of art and nature as the surrounding environment. Humans are part of this symphony (nature), and communication with the environment is fundamental. Although Klee stresses the importance of such communication for artists; designers are no exceptions as well. Nature remains an accessible source that may shape designers’ thoughts and creativities. Such an endless source to obtain ideas from is worth highlighted through courses. The course Design Basics in the College of Design is highlighted as a case study . The study is a reflection of this approach, which relies on nature as the birthplace of inspiration. It stresses the importance of observation from nature and the role of contemplation in teaching strategies. Teaching design basics through nature observation aims to discover the beauty of creatures. Observation teaches students that nature has a creator and every creature has its intended laws. One never found a single object in nature without the elements of design; nor design principles in its constructed system. This reflection demonstrates students’ projects, and how they learned elements and principles of design. It illustrates the stages of thinking from the concept stage to the final submission. Conclusively, the study is not just a call to observe and benefit from nature; it teaches students how to search for knowledge and analyse elements of design.