BS25105 Studio I – Basic Design Studio – Semester I – BDes – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: BS25105 – Studio I - Basic Design Studio

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Des. (BDes)

Credits / L-T-P: 5 Credits | L-T-P: 0-0-10

Course Objectives

• To give an understanding of design as creating form towards a purpose at various scales.
• To enable exploration of the universal visual, experiential and cognitive aspects of design through engaging elements and principles of form.
• To give an insight into the ways in which form/morphology and use/effect can come together.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Design as Morphology and Fundamentals of Form

Architecture as a discipline starts with morphology as the answer to questions and needs of human society. While the needs are multifarious, including shelter and comfort, social and psychological well-being, culture and meaning, expression of time and context, etc., the means are negotiated through the fundamentals of form in its various attributes. In the foundational studio, the exploration would be on understanding these fundamentals as universals as well as in terms of particular manifestations in specific cultural and temporal contexts. The word form here means all physical manifested aspects.

Types of Explorations in the Foundational Studio

The explorations in the foundational studio would be of two types. One would be to understand and break down form to its component elements and principles in order to get insight into the most important aspects that give a totality of cognitive effect (perceptive, behavioural, cultural etc.) or use (anthropometrics, activities, scale, etc.). Design exploration would continue after this to create a form for use/effect. Another would be to explore component elements like point, line, planes, volume, shape, colour, texture, light, pattern, etc., using principles such as balance, unity, dominance, transparency, proportion, scale, solid, void, fluidity, movement, fractal, order, chaos, gestalt, etc. This exploration could be an end in itself or could lead to the creation of a higher level of or composite form/design through using elements and principles in conjunction towards human need/use (perceptive, behavioural, cultural, anthropometrics, activities, scale, etc.).

Studio Conduct and Design Exercises

The whole studio would be conducted through a series of related design exercises with multiple stages as well as standalone independent exercises. Observational/analytical study and design exploration could go hand in hand or one could precede the other, based on the specific project. The exercises would be mediated through situations and contexts, historic and contemporary references, local or global character, aesthetics, basics of human response and behaviour, etc. Different media would be explored in 2D and 3D. The final exercise(s) would be focussed towards small product/furniture/architectural design/component design in urban context, etc.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Basic understanding of design elements and the ability to recognise form and its purpose.
• CO2: Knowledge of principles of form, morphology, and human-centered design aspects.
• CO3: Awareness of design contexts and the ability to design simple forms responding to human needs.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
• Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage (approx. 33.33% each). Each assessment shall incorporate continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Des. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026

BS25104 Geometrical Drawing I – Semester I – BDes – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: BS25104 – Geometrical Drawing I

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Des. (BDes)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 1-0-4

Course Objectives

• To develop an understanding of Geometrical Drawing.
• To master drawing the Geometric Shapes and Surfaces.
• To enable students to construct physical planar models of geometric shapes and surfaces.
• To familiarize students with the terminology and methods of orthographic, isometric, axonometric, and perspective projections.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Introduction to Drawing

Introduction and setting to the drawing equipment, Concept of line, its types, Line thickness quality, grade, divisions and angles, polygons, circles, geometrical curves, helix etc. Concept of Dimensioning & dimension line. Freehand and Architectural lettering, proportion of letter size as per scale and size of the sheet. Scales – Types of scales: Plain scale and Diagonal scale. Introduction to point, line, plane. Definition of geometrical drawing.

Drawing lines and angles. Drawing shapes/planar surfaces – triangle, square, rhombus, rectangle, polygon, hexagon, etc. Drawing of circles, tangents, curves, and conic sections (hyperbola, parabola, ellipse).

Unit II – Geometrical Construction

Solids – cube, cuboids, cylinders, prisms, pyramids, spheres, cones – Sections of solids – The true shape of solids – Plan, elevation, and section of simple solids.

Unit III – Introduction to Axonometric Projections

Isometric and Axonometric projection of planes, solids and combinations of solids etc. Isometric and Axonometric projection of simple objects. Study of concepts, types and terminologies such as picture plane, station point, vanishing point, eye level, ground level, Horizon etc.

Unit IV – Measured Drawing

Introduction to fundamentals of measured drawing, line value, lettering, drawing representation, format for presentation methods and technique of measuring buildings and their details. Measured drawings of simple objects like furniture, detailing in terms of construction, ornamentation, measured drawings of building components like columns, doors, windows, cornices, etc.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Basic understanding of geometrical drawing and the ability to recognize shapes and projections.
• CO2: Knowledge of geometric constructions, scales, and drawing techniques.
• CO3: Familiarity with projection methods and the ability to design simple measured drawings.
• CO4: Develop the ability to construct and visualize geometric forms through orthographic, isometric, and perspective drawings.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
• Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage – Internal written Test/Examination (approx. 33.33%), other two Assignments (approx. 33.33% each) incorporate continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period such as drawings, models, study, seminar, etc.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Des. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026

BS25103 Visual Arts and Crafts – I – Semester I – BDes – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: BS25103 – Visual Arts and Crafts - I

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Des. (BDes)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 1-0-4

Course Objectives

• To understand how to use different mediums to represent ideas on paper.
• To give an introduction to the discipline of visual art and its various facets.
• To introduce the importance of art and its relation to design through study and hands-on work of techniques and mediums of Art.
• To introduce the vocabulary of Visual Arts in terms of elements and principles in application.
• To explore the historical and cultural contexts of notable Indian art forms and their transformation over time.
• To explore the rich tradition and diversity of Indian crafts across different regions and historical periods.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Introduction to Freehand Sketching

Exercises include freehand drawing and sketching studies – Exploring Line, Shape, Tone, Texture and Depth. Quality of line, Drawing shapes in proportion, Composition of shapes, Contour Drawing, Still Life Drawing, Line Studies. Basics of drawing one-point and two-point perspectives. Construct basic to complex 3D platonic forms using the freehand method. Value Studies.

Unit II – Introduction to Art Mediums

Explore different mediums for sketching – Pencil, Ball pen, Ink pen, Charcoal sticks, brush pen etc. Explore different mediums and their techniques for artwork – oil and dry Pastels, Poster colours, Watercolours, Oil colours, Glass colours, Fabric colours etc.

Unit III – Major Art Movements and Their Influence

Characteristics & Influence – Renaissance – Baroque – Romanticism – Impressionism – Cubism – Surrealism – Pop Art – Contemporary Art.

Unit IV – Introduction to Arts – India

Outline the characteristics of exemplary arts in India across the ages, including living folk traditions. Case studies – Madhubani, Miniature Painting, Warli, Tanjore, Pattachitra, Kalamkari, Phad, Kalighat, Gond, Cheriyal Scrolls, Pichwai, Kerala Mural, and Bhil. Decoding systems and Exercises in understanding historical aspects of the art sector, transformation through Time including works of contemporary artists – M.F. Husain, Tyeb Mehta, and S.H. Raza. Digital and Experimental Art – contemporary practices using new media, technology, and experimental methods to reflect current trends.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Basic understanding of visual art elements and the ability to recognize different mediums.
• CO2: Knowledge of art movements and Indian art traditions.
• CO3: Familiarity with art tools and the ability to design simple compositions.
• CO4: Develop awareness of the elements and principles of visual arts and their application in design.
• CO5: Understand the historical and cultural significance of Indian art forms and crafts.
• CO6: Recognize the diversity of regional Indian crafts and their evolution over time.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
• Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage – Internal written Test/Examination (approx. 33.33%), other two Assignments (approx. 33.33% each) incorporate continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period such as drawings, models, study, seminar, etc.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Des. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026

BS25102 Principles of Design – Semester I – BDes – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: BS25102 – Principles of Design

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Des. (BDes)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• To introduce students to the fundamental elements and principles of design.
• To understand the cultural influences on the interpretation and evolution of form.
• To explore basic geometric shapes and their applications in design.
• To analyse form and space in design.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Introduction to Elements and Principles of Design

Primary elements of Design – line, shape, form, colour, tone, texture and space – Geometry in Design – texture, and colour – in relation to light, and pattern. Synthesis of these elements evolves understanding of basics of design – static and dynamic aspects of different compositions of design elements – order to chaos – Regularity and irregularity.

Unit II – Ordering Principles

Introduction to various ordering principles: Axis, Symmetry, Hierarchy, Rhythm, Repetition, Transformation, and Balance – symmetrical, radial, occult; harmony; unity; variety; rhythm; emphasis – scale – proportion – Golden Section, Le Modular, Fibonacci series, Renaissance Theories. Introduction to Gestalt Principles. Figure and ground, positive and negative spaces.

Unit III – Form and Space

Form and Space, Basic Forms, Transformation of Forms, Formal Collisions of Geometry, Defining Space, Spatial Organization, Spatial Relationships, and Circulation.

Unit IV – Concept of Geometry and Visual Composition

Introduction to different 3-D forms and primitive forms, shapes – characteristic features and their behaviour – understanding the behaviour when combined. Transformation of 2-D to 3-D – process – principles – types – Composition – types – Principles of composition using grids, symmetrical/asymmetrical, Rule of Thirds, Centre of Interest, Gestalt’s Theory of Visual Composition.

Unit V – Colour Theory

Introduction to colour theory – spectrum of colours – application – concept – Colour wheel – primary, secondary, tertiary colours, colour wheel, colour schemes, colour value, intensity, and modification of colour hues – tints, shades, neutralization. Colour chart types, making and using. Colour harmony, use of colour harmony. The psychological impact of colour – warm, cool and neutral colours, impact of specific hues, meanings of colour, colour and form, colour and light, colour and surface qualities, colour and distances and scales.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Develop a basic understanding of design elements and principles. Gain knowledge of geometry, composition, and visual organization.
• CO2: Build familiarity with form, space, and spatial relationships. Develop the ability to recognize and analyze visual compositions.
• CO3: Develop the ability to consider colour, form, and perception in design, and the ability to design simple compositions.
• CO4: Understand the cultural influences on design and develop awareness of their impact on form and visual expression.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
• Internal methodology: Two Assessments with equal weightage – Internal written Test/Examination (50%), Assignment (50%) of any mode such as study, seminar, and or a combination of modes, etc.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Des. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026

BS25101 Design Appreciation through History I – Semester I – BDes – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: BS25101 – Design Appreciation through History I

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Des. (BDes)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• To understand the origins and development of design and art in prehistoric and early civilizations.
• To explore the evolution of design and art in classical Greek and Roman civilizations. To examine classical design techniques and their influence on subsequent art and design movements.
• To examine the evolution of Christian and Islamic art and design from the early to Baroque periods.
• To explore the impact of the Industrial Revolution on art, design, and production.
• To investigate the characteristics of Colonial and Victorian design and their historical context.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Evolution of Design: From Prehistoric Times to River Valley Civilizations

Design and Art in the Prehistoric Era – Early tools and their design, pottery as both a practical object and an art form, cave paintings and carvings. Art and Design in River Valley Civilizations – Sumerian Civilization cylinder seals, relief sculptures, jewellery, and innovations in cuneiform writing, temple art and votive offerings. Ancient Egypt – amulets, scarabs, and wall art.

Unit II – Design in Classical Civilizations

Evolution of Greek art – sculpture, pottery, and frescoes – key artists and design techniques, the use of proportion and idealization in sculpture. Design and layout of Greek domestic spaces (Oikos) – frescoes, mosaics, and decorative elements. Common Greek furniture styles (klismos chairs, couches); materials used and craftsmanship; the role of furniture in daily life. Roman contributions to art – advancements in sculpture, painting, and mosaics – realism in portraiture, and historical reliefs. Interior design features, such as frescoes, mosaics, wainscots, and the integration of decorative arts; use of colour and design in domestic settings.

Unit III – Design and Symbolism – Christianity and Islam

Christianity through early Christian – Medieval – Renaissance and Baroque period. Major symbols in Christian art – symbols used in painting, sculpture, and stained glass. The use of design elements – colour, light, and space in Christian art and decoration. Symbolic elements in altars, frescoes, and mosaics. Islamic Design and Symbolism – Calligraphy, geometric patterns, arabesques used in painting, architecture, and decorative arts – symmetry and abstraction in Islamic art – decorative tiles (zellij), and textiles.

Unit IV – Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Design

Examination of Realism, Impressionism in art – Innovations in materials – mass-produced furnishings and new materials – Evolution of decorative arts including textiles and ceramics – Study of influential designers and their contributions to design.

Unit V – Evolution of Colonial and Victorian Design

Key features of Colonial architecture – symmetrical facades, use of local materials, simple forms – Typical Colonial interior design elements – furniture, textiles, colour schemes – influence of European styles and local adaptations. Features of Victorian design – ornate details, use of new materials, eclectic styles – elaborate furniture, wallpaper patterns, colour schemes – influence of technological advancements on design.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Gain basic understanding of early art and design. Develop knowledge of prehistoric and ancient civilizations. Build the ability to recognize key forms like tools, pottery, and cave art.
• CO2: Develop familiarity with classical, Christian, and Islamic art and Gain an overall understanding of their styles and symbols.
• CO3: Build awareness of the Industrial Revolution and later design periods.
• CO4: Recognize the features of Colonial and Victorian design styles.
• CO5: Understand how society, religion, and technology influenced art and design.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
• Internal methodology: Two Assessments with equal weightage – Internal written Test/Examination (50%), Assignment (50%) of any mode such as study, seminar, and or a combination of modes, etc.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Des. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026

AR25105 Foundational Design Studio – Semester I – Arch – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: AR25105 – Foundational Design Studio

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Arch. (Arch)

Credits / L-T-P: 9 Credits | L-T-P: 0-0-9

Course Objectives

• To give an understanding of design as creating form towards a purpose at various scales.
• To enable exploration of the universal visual, experiential and cognitive aspects of design through engaging elements and principles of form.
• To give an insight into the ways in which form/morphology and use/effect can come together.
• To give an appreciation of what makes something attractive.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Types of Explorations in the Foundational Studio

The explorations in the foundational studio would be of two types. One would be to understand and break down form to its component elements and principles in order to get insight into the most important aspects that give a totality of cognitive effect (perceptive, behavioural, cultural etc.) or use (anthropometrics, activities, scale, etc.). Design exploration would continue after this to create a form for use/effect. Another would be to explore component elements like point, line, planes, volume, shape, colour, texture, light, pattern, etc., using principles such as balance, unity, dominance, transparency, proportion, scale, solid, void, fluidity, movement, fractal, order, chaos, gestalt, etc. This exploration could be an end in itself or could lead to the creation of a higher level of or composite form/design through using elements and principles in conjunction towards human need/use (perceptive, behavioural, cultural, anthropometrics, activities, scale, etc.).

Architecture as Morphology and Fundamentals of Form

Architecture as a discipline starts with morphology – the study of buildings: their shape, size, layout, proportions, etc. and understanding how each aspect of these relates to the function they serve as the answer to questions and needs of human society. While the needs are multifarious, including shelter and comfort, social and psychological wellbeing, culture and meaning, expression of time and context, etc., the means are negotiated through the fundamentals of form in its various attributes. In the foundational studio, the exploration would be on understanding these fundamentals as universals as well as in terms of particular manifestations in specific cultural and temporal contexts. The word form here means all physical manifested aspects.

Studio Conduct and Design Exercises

The whole studio would be conducted through a series of related design exercises with multiple stages as well as standalone independent exercises. Observational/analytical study and design exploration could go hand in hand or one could precede the other, based on the specific project. The exercises would be mediated through situations and contexts, historic and contemporary references, local or global character, aesthetics, basics of human response and behaviour, etc. Different media would be explored in 2D and 3D. The final exercise(s) would be focussed towards small product/furniture/architectural design/component design in urban context, etc.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Awareness of the totality and components of form in the creation of design.
• CO2: Ability to explore the visual/cognitive language and grammar of the universal elements and principles of design.
• CO3: Ability to understand needs as encompassing functional, behavioural, cultural, experiential, etc.
• CO4: Ability to engage awareness towards creating a morphology that fulfils stated intents and needs.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 60% | End Semester Examinations 40%
• Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage. Each assessment shall incorporate continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period. Each assessment weightage – 33.33%.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Arch. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026

AR25104 Art as Cognition and Expression – Semester I – Arch – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: AR25104 – Art as Cognition and Expression

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: I (First Semester)

Branch: B. Arch. (Arch)

Credits / L-T-P: 4 Credits | L-T-P: 0-0-4

Course Objectives

• To give understanding of the role and importance of art as a means of understanding the world.
• To give skills in techniques and media of art.
• To enable expression of ideas, thoughts and experience through various visual modes both in terms of realism and abstraction.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Introduction to Art

Origin and evolution of art as human cognition, representation, expression. Role of art. Understanding representation in art – naturalistic, realistic, symbolic, stylistic, abstract, non-objective art, etc., through study of important works across history from different cultures of the world. Looking at common design principles and intersections between art and architecture. Simple studio exercises in basic modes of representation through observation or thought.

Unit II – Art as Observation and Recording of Human Experience

Properties and uniqueness of different media for art. Studio exercises to observe and record the nature of simple indoor and outdoor subjects through techniques of line, colour, light and shade, texture, etc., using different media – drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, watercolour, tempera, oil, acrylic, pencils, pastels, crayons, paper, canvas, brush, airbrush, pen and ink, mixed media, clay, Plaster of Paris, wire, papier-mâché.

Unit III – Art as Heightened Representation of Reality

Understanding role of art in heightening reality through accentuation of line, colour, light and shade, texture, emphasis, contrast, balance, etc., by the study of examples from the world of art. Comparison between line drawing and form drawing in art and architecture. Studio exercises to understand and bring out the essential characteristics of landscapes, people, places, built environment, situations and objects by heightened reality through appropriate ideas/tools/techniques.

Unit IV – Art as Abstraction of Reality

The power and role of abstraction as a way of expressing experience and reality through understanding exemplary artists’ works and art movements. Studio exercises in abstract expression of real environment, thoughts and emotions through any appropriate media and technique.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Sensitivity and knowledge of art as basic human endeavour.
• CO2: Ability and skill to record ideas, thoughts and experience through art.
• CO3: Ability to abstract thought, observation and experience through art.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 60% | End Semester Examinations 40%
• Internal methodology: Three Assessments with equal weightage. Each assessment shall incorporate continuous marking of the work and performance during the particular assessment period. Each assessment weightage – approx. 33%.

Source: Official Anna University – B. Arch. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026