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