Design

Design

Most of what we see in the world which is man-made is there by design, whether that be good or bad is a matter of opinion, but it is a crucial aspect of this subject that both the creative and logistical sides of the topic are discussed in full. Undertaking trips is a great way to generate debate, inspire students creatively and also make them think about implications of things such as location, weather, longevity, colour, shape, materials, texture interaction with the surrounding environment, design history, fashion and fads.

Trips for design are very often either practical workshops or visits to museums, buildings or venues which have exhibits or themselves designed to inspire students to think creatively or logistically. Great examples include a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in London, to view the Eden Project in Cornwall or the Sage arena in Gateshead from a design perspective.

Often trips will lead to major follow-up projects in the classroom which will include both practical and theoretical session, and other topics such as Physics or Technology can be involved. 

Due to the nature of the practical sessions which often take place on design-based trips, the implications for safety are very important and increased attention should be paid to the suitability fo the activities, the tools being used and also ensuring the students are well-briefed, wear any protective equipment or clothing at all times and behave themselves.

Or you could be inspired by visiting design icons such as the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery or even the studios of Aardman Animations.

Main organisations:

Design and Technology Association (DATA)

National Society for Education in Art and Design

Design Council

British Institute of Interior Design

Inclusion: NASEN

Venues for this Curriculum

The working studio of the famous Montrose sculptor includes displays of his sculptures and etchings

William Lamb was a man who gave all to his art. Worldly success and the politics of art interested him not at all. He may be revealed now as one of the few original minds in Scottish art of this century.

A wide range of objects of artistic, historical and scientific interest

The University has over 30,000 historic artefacts, artworks and specimens acquired during the 134 years of the institution's existence. These are cared for by Museum Services, which has been awarded Full Accreditation as a public museum service.

Exhibitions and Displays

Eight stunning galleries and a changing programme of exhibitions and events

The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum is a splendid Gothic Revival-style building housing Dundee’s main collection. McManus’ displays offer a fascinating insight into Dundee, through exhibitions of Art, History and the Environment.

There are 8 galleries within The McManus, which are laid out on two floors.

The museum holds significant Neolithic and bronze age artefacts, and from Montrose’s later history the collection includes examples of Montrose silver and Dryleys pottery.

A lively art gallery and museum

The Meffan Museum and Art Gallery collects objects, photographs and archive material relating to the history of Forfar together with the work of past and contemporary artists reflecting the rich art heritage of Angus.

The collection consists of several thousand objects, paintings and drawings gifted or bequeathed to the museum.

Many cities across the UK have some form of Transport Museum as a home for their transport history, vehicles, memorabilia, etc. so please join with us and support our campaign to bring our heritage home.

One of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland

The Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland. It features displays on local history and the development of crime and punishment through the centuries. The Tolbooth Museum provides a unique experience in the form of its atmospheric 17th and 18th century cells, original doors and barred windows.

The Trust aims to keep what was formerly St Peter’s Church in good repair and to house items and historical records relevant to Peterculter and the surrounding area, incorporating information on the Church, the Paper Mill (now closed), local organisations past and present, and local personalities.

A 250-year-old but ‘n ben cottage furnished as a home of about a century ago.

Session Cottage is open by arrangement only.

University collection: art, design, architecture, pharmacy, engineering collections

The University holds an extensive collection of artistic and historical artefacts. These include paintings, models, teaching equipment, student drawings and photographs that will allow staff, students and visitors to explore Robert Gordon University’s history.

Provost Skene's House is temporarily closed to the Public

The House will be closed during the development of Marischal Square. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The House

The Nelson Tower was built by the Forres Trafalgar Club in commemoration of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The Tower was opened in 1812 and is the most northerly of all Britain’s Nelson monuments. Visitors may climb to the top of the octagonal tower and enjoy spectacular views across the Moray Firth.

Kinnaird Head was the first lighthouse to be built by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1787 and the only lighthouse to be built on top of a fortified castle. In 1824, the lighthouse was reconstructed inside Kinnaird Castle by Robert Stevenson, engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board.

The Grampian Transport Museum boasts an impressive range of transport exhibits, from travelling chariots of the 1800's, to some of the fastest cars ever made.

Discover the importance of the rural carpenter to the local community in the days before mass-produced goods, with displays of early tools and an audiovisual presentation. See a craftsman working in wood; relax in a Victorian-style garden; view early workshop machinery.

The Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust was set-up in 2007 to take over the remaining building of the former Ferryhill locomotive depot, restore it and transform the site into a working railway heritage site for the North East of Scotland. In this endeavor, the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust has the active support of Aberdeen City Council and the Ferryhill Community Council.

Founded in 1871, the Falconer Museum is one of the oldest in the district. The museum houses a wealth of Moray’s heritage and features displays on local history, social history, geology and archaeology.

Elgin Museum is owned and managed by The Moray Society and is Scotland’s oldest independent museum. It is housed in a Grade A listed building, designed as a museum by local architect Thomas Mackenzie, and built in the Italianate style in the golden local sandstone. It opened in 1843. 

The Museum of Scotland's Catholic Heritage

Blairs Museum contains spectacular collections spanning more than 500 years while the beauty of St. Mary’s Chapel never fails to make an impression.

Blairs Museum is home to a magnificent collection of paintings, church textiles, sacred and domestic silver and Jacobite memorabilia belonging to the Scottish Roman Catholic Church.

Schools

The majority of works are in the Pathfoot Building with sculpture on display all around the campus.

Sculpture Trail

Sculpture forms an important part of the University Art Collection.
It can be seen all around the scenic campus.

Nestling beneath Stirling Castle, in the King’s Park, the ancient hunting grounds of the Stuart monarchs, is the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

Witness History at Scotland's Living 19th Century Prison

Experience the atmosphere, brought vividly to life by the warders,matron and prisoners as you wander through this unique location. Interest and excitement for all ages.

A charming, small museum with a warm welcome

A charming, small museum with a warm welcome. Opened in 1943 and run entirely by volunteers, the original museum was known as the Cathedral Museum and was housed in the Deans House (built in 1624). Now extending into 8 small rooms, the museum has an eclectic mix of artefacts relating to the history of Dunblane and its Cathedral.

A small showcase for the treasures of Clackmannanshire

The collection is stored in the former Liberal Club, Mar Street, Alloa, a fine building of 1904.

Callendar House dates from the 14th century. It is set in the nationally-important historic designed landscape of Callendar Park, which also contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site.

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