Design Studies
Design Studies | Department Involvement
The Design Studies Concentration emphasizes the study of the built environment in a broad perspective that combines studio work with the study of the history of architecture and its political, social, economic, philosophical, and environmental implications. It is not a narrowly pre-professional major but provides students with a strong foundation in the visual arts supplemented with multidisciplinary coursework intended to prepare them to use their visual skills in solving problems, communicating ideas, and engaging with social and political issues. This curriculum provides a background that can lead to graduate study in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning among others. Coursework is supplemented by an active program of workshops and visitors supported by the Conway Design Fund.
(Note: the 2022 change to the major requirements introduces the use of Design Studies in place of Integrative Design and Architecture)
Art Major: Design Concentration
Advice for Majors
Declare your major as soon as you are relatively certain of it. Select an advisor in the Art Department -- consult him or her frequently.
The integrative design and architecture concentration in the art major requires five units of art studio, four units of art history, three units from other departments, and a two-unit senior capstone project. For students double-majoring, please be aware of the all-college policy that in no case may more than three courses within the majors overlap.
Art Studio - 7 units required
- AS103 Art Studio Foundations: Drawing or AS102 Art Studio Foundations: 2-D Design
- AS114 Art Studio Foundations: 3-D Design
- AS212 Design Workshop
- Four additional units of Art Studio courses in consultation with major advisor
Relevant courses abroad: e.g. DIS in Copenhagen, Syracuse University in Florence, Temple University in Rome. Remember only three courses taken at another institution can be counted towards the major.
Art History - 2 units required
Art History builds cross-cultural awareness and visual literacy.
Senior Capstone - 2 units required
A two-block capstone, including a senior seminar (AH412 or AS411) and a thesis project (AS411 or AH415). The thesis may take the form of a studio project/proposal with architecture, urbanism, or landscape design focus, and a written discussion and public presentation, or it might be a written thesis on a related topic.
Department Involvement
Involve yourself in Art Department activities: lectures, field trips, workshops, student organizations, and life drawing. Work on your art, above and beyond your class assignments.
Contact Us
Packard Hall physical address:
5 W Cache La Poudre Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Office: 719.389.6718 or 719.389.6365
Fax: 719.389.6882
Department mailing address:
14 E Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (regular mail)
819 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (packages)