L’École de design Nantes Atlantique

From September 2009 onwards, L’École de design Nantes Atlantique offers a program aimed at foreign students who have completed a minimum of two years in spatial design beforehand.

A large part of the program concentrates on spatial design projects that are carried out in collaboration with industrial partners. This program allows foreign students to enrol for 3rd year level studies over one or two semesters.

The International Class aims to transfer the appropriate know-how to students in order for them to carry out a design project from A to Z.

The projects themselves are supervised by a group of professionals, including : professional designers, lecturers in Human Sciences, Marketing, Economics and Technology. Groups will be set up according to the nature of the project as well as its pedagogical objectives.

Workshops are conducted in English and French. Therefore a basic command of both languages is recommended.

Spatial design is taught over two semesters.

Study content

First semester
Spatial design projects in collaboration with companies / 84 h / 20 ECTS
Introduction seminar in design methodology / 35 h / 1 ECTS
Plastic Arts / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Colour drawing / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Computer Graphics / 42 h / 2 ECTS
French classes / 42 h / 2 ECTS
General Culture / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Technological support / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Conferences / 1 ECTS

Second semester
Spatial design projects in collaboration with companies / 84 h / 20 ECTS
Introduction seminar in design methodology / 35 h / 1 ECTS
Plastic Arts / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Colour drawing / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Computer Graphics / 42 h / 2 ECTS
French classes / 42 h / 2 ECTS
General Culture / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Technological support / 42 h / 2 ECTS
Conferences / 1 ECTS

Hourly volume: 385 h per semester, 770 h per study year
Total number of credits: 30 ECTS credits per semester, 60 per year.

Course Description

Design projects: This course allows students to learn while carrying out a project in the field of spatial design. Projects are carried out in collaboration with industrial and/or institutional partners. During their third year, students work on transversal projects, including commercial architecture and services. Projects are supervised by professional designers as well specialists in Human Sciences, Marketing, Ergonomics and Technology. Projects are organised in such a way as to enable students to draw up the specifications of a project step- by- step.

Introduction seminar in design methodology: At the beginning of each semester students are familiarized with the design methodology applied at the school.

Plastic Arts: This module is designed to give students access to the various working methods required to explore the creative process. Students will have to invent their own approach and working methods in order to define their work, to inter-connect shapes, colours, images and sound and to adapt concepts and processes.

Colour Drawing: This course aims to deepen the student’s knowledge of diverse painting techniques in various forms, namely : graphic design, colour, volume and the diverse applications of these techniques. Students learn to observe, interpret and communicate.

French language classes: International students benefit from two hours of language tuition per week. Groups will be assembled according to the language level of students.

General Culture: The course will encourage students to learn about the city of Nantes, its landmarks, people, events etc. Together with other students or on their own, students will embark on the discovery of a specific place and approach it from different angles (historical, social, dimensional, literary, philosophical etc). Students have to hand in a written assignment relating to their chosen subject and includes an outline of the research carried out. An exhibition of their work will be organised at the end of the semester.

Computer Graphics: this module helps students to master the necessary fundamental concepts of several 3D illustration software programs and covers the basic notions of “bitmap” computer graphics. The course also aims to develop students’ creativity using these tools. In the second semester, students are familiarised with the 3DS-Max software.

Technological support: This course provides the student with a general overview of material properties and the procedures involved in a design project (transformation, assembly, finishing). Students consolidate their knowledge by carrying out case studies.

Conferences: Regular conferences are scheduled throughout the semester. Recent speakers include Jocelyn de Noblet, Franck Ghitalla and Roxane Jubert.