Section outline

  • General Introduction

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    • Welcome to Applied Decorative Design.  In this dynamic module, students immerse themselves in the world of applied and decorative design, gaining insight into the intersection of functionality and aesthetics. Through hands-on projects and practical exercises, students explore design principles and techniques ranging from traditional craftsmanship to digital innovation.
      The module emphasizes the practical application of decorative design in everyday life and encourages students to create functional, visually engaging products that enhance the human experience. Content is delivered with an emphasis on community-inspired design challenges and projects.  As industrial design students you will
      explore how decorative elements enhance function, identity, and
      sustainability in products, spaces or surface. Through research,
      experimentation, and projects, learners will apply decorative
      techniques using diverse materials, tools, and cultural
      inspirations.
    • Announcements Forum

  • Week 1: Introduction to Applied Decoration

    • At the end of this session, the students will be able to
      demonstrate an understanding of applied decorative
      design and general modules learning outcome
    • Course outline File PDF

      Module description and weekly plan

      241.5 KB

  • Week 2: Historical Overview (I) Applied Decorative Design in Mesopotamia

    • At the end of this session, the students will be able to
      demonstrate an understanding of applied decorative design
      in very first civilization: Mesopotamia. which covers Egyptian, Greece and Rome , Islamic and asian decorative design
    • Mesopotamia: Applied Decorative Design as Story and Power Assignment
      Opened: Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 12:00 AM
      Due: Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 11:59 PM

      Research Component

      Investigate at least three forms of Mesopotamian design/art (e.g., cylinder seals, ziggurats, wall reliefs,jewelry, pottery, cuneiform tablets)

      Explain how each reflects storytelling and power in Mesopotamian society.

      Use credible sources (academic articles, museum collections, history texts)

    • Historical overview (1 ) Mesopotamia File PDF

      This lesson explores material and techniques used for decorative design in Egypt, Rome and Greece, Asian and Islamic decorative design, as well as the cultural and religious influence 

      3.4 MB

  • Week 3: Historical Overview (II) Western Decorative design

    • This second overview moves from the European Middle Ages to the early twentieth century and then turns to the African continent and to Rwanda, where decorative practice remains a living craft economy rather than a closed chapter of history.

    • Historical Overview (II) Assignment
      Opened: Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 12:00 AM
      Due: Thursday, 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM

      Medieval and Renaissance ornament; Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Bauhaus
      Industrialization and decoration; cultural, social, and technological factors shaping style
      African and Rwandan decorative traditions

    • Historical overview from medieval century to industrialization and African and Rwandan Century File PDF

      This second overview moves from the European Middle Ages to the early twentieth century and then turns to the African continent and to Rwanda, where decorative practice remains a living craft economy rather than a closed chapter of history.

      35.9 MB

  • Week 4: Cont' Historical Overview (II) African and Rwanda Decorative design

    • Unlike the European story told above, in which decoration became an optional extra, African decoration is frequently integrated with identity, social role, ceremony and daily use. 

    • Replicate Decorative Design , from each historical Movement Assignment
      Opened: Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 12:00 AM
      Due: Friday, 23 October 2026, 11:59 PM

      The attached are typical examples of decorative design in their historical time or movement. Replicate at least one from each category.

  • Week 5. Decorative Materials and Techniques I

    • Decorative material File PDF

      Decorative material for Functional Enhancement:
      Decorative materials are resources used to create, improve, or beautify objects, such as timber, textiles, and paper

      1.4 MB
    • multi-layered paper relief sculpture - Wall decoration Assignment
      Opened: Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 12:00 AM
      Due: Wednesday, 28 October 2026, 11:59 PM

      You will design and construct a sophisticated, multi-layered paper relief sculpture intended for modern wall decor.
      This assignment focuses on exploring dimensional depth, color theory, and precise craftsmanship. Students will transform flat, two-dimensional sheets of paper into a complex, three-dimensional geometric or organic composition.

  • Week 6

  • Week 7

  • week 8

  • Week 9

  • Week10