Art and Design (Three-Dimensional Design)

Three-Dimensional Design in WJEC A-Level Art and Design is a dynamic and practical discipline that explores the creation of functional and sculptural objects. This course encourages you to think critically about form, space, material, and function, bridging the gap between art, craft, and design. You will develop skills in sketching, model-making, and prototyping, using materials such as clay, wood, metal, plastics, and found objects. The focus is on the design process from initial research and concept development through to final realisation, with an emphasis on problem-solving and innovation.

This topic is central to understanding how design shapes our everyday environment, from furniture and jewellery to architectural models and public art installations. By studying Three-Dimensional Design, you learn to consider user needs, ergonomics, sustainability, and aesthetic impact. It also prepares you for further study or careers in product design, architecture, interior design, sculpture, and crafts. The WJEC specification requires you to document your creative journey in a sketchbook, showing evidence of experimentation, critical analysis, and reflection, which is assessed alongside your final outcomes.

Three-Dimensional Design is not just about making objects; it's about communicating ideas through tangible forms. You will explore how artists and designers like Barbara Hepworth, Ron Arad, and Zaha Hadid have pushed boundaries. The course encourages you to draw inspiration from historical and contemporary sources, including nature, technology, and cultural contexts. By the end, you should be able to articulate your design decisions and demonstrate a personal, creative response to a given brief or theme.