Three‑Dimensional Design – IGCSE Art & Design (0400)
Learning Objective
Students will research, plan and safely use specialist working processes and equipment – kilns, computer‑aided design (CAD), laser cutters and hand tools – to create three‑dimensional artworks and products that demonstrate an understanding of form, function, surface, audience and sustainability.
Syllabus Coverage (2026)
- Broad range of media & processes – sculpture/ceramics, product design, architecture/interior set design, woodwork, metalwork, jewellery & fashion accessories.
- Visual research & recording – first‑hand observation, secondary sources, mood‑boards, sketchbooks.
- Exploration of natural, synthetic and recycled/off‑cut resources.
- Contextual research – artists, designers, cultural influences and contemporary practice.
- Form, function & surface – modelling, technical notes, ergonomics, texture, finish.
- Use of specialist equipment – kilns, CAD, laser cutters, hand tools.
- Safety, sustainability and ethical considerations.
- Audience awareness – functional object, exhibition piece or public installation.
- Evaluation & reflection – structured self‑assessment against the brief.
1. Research & Recording
Purpose: Generate ideas, record observations and build a visual language before any making begins.
1.1 Recording Template (Checklist)
| Date | Source (first‑hand / secondary) | Key Observation / Insight | Visual Reference (sketch/photo) | Citation (author, title, year, URL) |
|---|
| | | | |
1.2 Recommended Research Activities
- Visual journals: dated sketches, colour studies, material swatches.
- Mood‑boards: collages of photographs, artworks, product shots, architectural details.
- Site visits & interviews: observe real‑world objects, note user needs and ergonomic requirements.
- Case studies: record artist/designer, period, technique, relevance to brief.
2. Contextual Research
Include at least one example from each major historical period and one contemporary practitioner.
- Pre‑Modern / Traditional: Benin bronze casting – African metalwork traditions.
- Modernist Sculpture: Constantin Brâncuși – reduction of form.
- Mid‑20th‑Century Design: Eero Saarinen – organic furniture.
- Contemporary Digital Fabrication: Joris Laarman – parametric design & laser cutting.
- Materials & Sustainability: Yinka Ilori – recycled plastics in bright installations.
- Comparative Prompt: How does Ilori’s use of recycled plastic differ from Brâncuși’s marble in terms of material philosophy and audience?
3. Materials & Media Overview
| Media |
Typical Materials |
Key Properties |
Recycling / Sustainability Options |
| Sculpture / Ceramics |
Stoneware, earthenware, porcelain, slip‑cast molds |
Plastic when wet; vitrifies on firing |
Reuse clay scraps, low‑toxicity glazes, reclaimed kiln shelves |
| Product Design (furniture, lighting) |
Plywood, MDF, solid timber, acrylic, metal sheets |
Strength, joinery possibilities, finishability |
Off‑cut panels, reclaimed timber, recycled acrylic |
| Architecture / Interior Set |
Cardboard, foam core, plaster, 3‑D printed polymers |
Lightweight, easy to modify, surface texture |
Reuse cardboard, biodegradable foams |
| Woodwork |
Hardwood, softwood, engineered board, veneer |
Grain direction, joinery strength, finishability |
Reclaimed timber, off‑cut strips, wood waste composting |
| Metalwork |
Sheet aluminium, steel, copper, brass, wire |
Malleability, conductivity, durability |
Scrap metal recycling, reclaimed sheet, powder‑coat waste capture |
| Jewellery & Fashion Accessories |
Metal wire, polymer clay, resin, leather, fabric |
Fine detail, durability, wearability |
Recycled metal shavings, up‑cycled fabric, bio‑based resin |
4. Specialist Working Processes
4.1 Kiln Firing (Ceramics)
- Clay preparation: wedging, adding grog or temper for shrink‑control.
- Bisque firing schedule (reference sheet):
- Earthenware: 100 °C / 30 min → 600 °C / 1 h → 950 °C / 1 h → cool.
- Stoneware: 100 °C / 30 min → 600 °C / 1 h → 950 °C / 1 h → 1230 °C / 30 min → cool.
- Porcelain: 100 °C / 30 min → 600 °C / 1 h → 950 °C / 1 h → 1300 °C / 30 min → cool.
- Glaze application: dip, spray, brush‑on; note silica, flux and colourant ratios.
- Glaze firing: follow the appropriate schedule (e.g., stoneware 1230 °C / 30 min).
- Common defects & troubleshooting: crazing, pinholing, warping – adjust ramp rates, glaze composition or support during drying.
- Maintenance log (suggested entries): kiln temperature logs, shelf condition, vent cleaning dates.
4.2 Computer‑Aided Design (CAD)
- 2‑D drafting: orthographic views, dimensioned drawings, joint details.
- 3‑D modelling techniques: solid (extrude, loft, fillet) and surface modelling for organic forms.
- File export: STL for 3‑D printing, DXF/DWG for laser cutting, OBJ for rendering.
- Basic workflow: grouping, mirroring, assembly mates, material textures.
- Software examples: Fusion 360 (free for students), Rhino, SketchUp.
- Common pitfalls:
- Non‑manifold geometry – prevents 3‑D printing.
- Over‑constraining mates – causes assembly errors.
- Incorrect units – leads to scaling problems.
- Maintenance log suggestion: record software version, plug‑in updates, hardware calibration dates.
4.3 Laser Cutting
- Material selection: acrylic (clear, coloured), plywood (3 mm–12 mm), MDF, leather, cardboard.
- Typical parameters (example for 3 mm clear acrylic): 30 % power, 300 mm/s speed, 20 kHz frequency.
- Nesting & optimisation: arrange parts to minimise waste; use LightBurn or RDWorks.
- Engraving vs. cutting: shallow passes for texture, full power for through‑cut.
- Common pitfalls:
- Material warping – use a sacrificial backing or lower power.
- Insufficient focus – leads to fuzzy edges.
- Over‑cutting joints – test a small sample first.
- Maintenance log suggestion: lens cleaning date, mirror alignment, exhaust filter replacement.
4.4 Hand Tools
- Cutting tools: coping saw, jeweller’s saw, utility knife, metal shears.
- Shaping tools: rasp, file set (various grits), sandpaper (P80‑P400), rotary tools (Dremel).
- Joining methods: screws, nails, dowels, epoxy, hot‑glue, soldering (for metal).
- Finishing techniques: polishing (buffing wheel), painting (acrylic, enamel), varnishing, patination (metal).
- Maintenance log suggestion: blade sharpening dates, tool condition checks, replacement schedule.
5. Sustainability & Ethical Considerations
- Source materials locally to reduce carbon footprint.
- Prefer low‑toxicity glazes (lead‑free, cadmium‑free) and water‑based inks for laser engraving.
- Plan for material efficiency – use nesting software, keep a waste‑log, recycle off‑cuts.
- Consider the product life‑cycle – durability, reparability, end‑of‑life recycling.
- Digital‑fabrication ethics – respect copyright when downloading STL/DXF files; record source and licence.
- Link to assessment: record the percentage of recycled/off‑cut material used in the portfolio; this directly supports the “Sustainability” component of the IGCSE assessment criteria.
6. Safety Overview
6.1 Quick‑Reference Safety Matrix
| Equipment | Primary Hazard | Required PPE | Emergency Action |
|---|
| Electric Kiln |
High temperature, fumes |
Heat‑resistant gloves, kiln mitts, closed‑toe shoes |
Activate fire blanket, shut off power, ventilate area, call fire service if fire spreads. |
| CAD Workstation |
Repetitive strain, eye fatigue |
Ergonomic chair, monitor at eye level, wrist support |
Take 5‑minute micro‑breaks every hour; perform stretching exercises. |
| Laser Cutter |
Laser beam, fumes, fire risk |
Safety goggles (if required by wavelength), fire‑resistant apron |
Stop job, engage emergency stop, use fire blanket, evacuate if smoke persists, ventilate. |
| Hand Tools |
Sharp blades, flying debris, dust |
Safety goggles, dust mask/respirator, gloves (where appropriate) |
Secure workpiece, keep tools sharp, clean up debris, treat cuts with first‑aid. |
6.2 Maintenance & Record‑Keeping
- Maintain a equipment logbook for each kiln, laser cutter and major hand tool set (date, service performed, observations).
- Log all safety incidents, near‑misses and corrective actions – this satisfies the “Safety” requirement of the syllabus.
7. Design Brief Worksheet (Form‑Function‑Audience)
| Section | Prompt / What to Record |
|---|
| Purpose |
What problem does the object solve? (e.g., illumination, storage, decorative impact) |
| Target Audience |
Identify at least two user groups (e.g., home user, gallery visitor) and note specific needs for each. |
| Functional Requirements |
Dimensions, load‑bearing, ergonomics, safety standards, maintenance. |
| Constraints |
Material budget, time, available equipment, sustainability targets. |
| Success Criteria |
Measurable outcomes (e.g., weight < 500 g, 80 % recycled material, stable for 30 min on a 30 cm base). |
8. Design Process Workflow – Example Project
Project: Small ceramic lamp base with a laser‑cut acrylic shade (functional object).
- Research & Brief – Use the Design Brief Worksheet; create mood‑boards; record sources with the research template.
- Concept Development – Hand‑sketch three variations, annotate dimensions, select preferred concept.
- Digital Modelling (CAD)
- Model base as a hollow cylinder (ID 60 mm, OD 120 mm, height 120 mm).
- Design shade as interlocking 6‑panel geometry; export each panel as DXF.
- Render a realistic image for client presentation.
- Check for non‑manifold edges; correct before export.
- Prototype & Testing
- 3‑D print a 1:4 scale model of the base to assess stability.
- Laser‑cut cardboard mock‑up of the shade; assemble and test fit.
- Fabrication
- Clay work – hand‑build base, add foot ring, dry to leather‑hard, bisque fire (stoneware schedule).
- Glazing – apply low‑toxicity matte glaze, glaze fire (1230 °C).
- Laser cutting – cut 3 mm clear acrylic panels (30 % power, 300 mm/s); sand edges.
- Assembly – join panels with clear epoxy; attach to ceramic base using stainless‑steel M4 screws.
- Finishing & Electrical – polish acrylic, install LED module, test wiring for safety compliance.
- Evaluation & Reflection – complete the AO‑aligned checklist (see Section 9).
9. Evaluation & Reflection Template (Aligned with IGCSE Assessment Objectives)
Use this table for every major project. Scores are out of 5 (1 = limited, 5 = excellent).
| AO | Criteria (linked to syllabus) | Evidence / Comments | Rating (1‑5) |
|---|
| AO1 |
Research depth and contextual understanding (visual journals, case studies, citations) |
| |
| AO2 |
Technical skill – safe, accurate use of kiln, CAD, laser cutter and hand tools; maintenance logs completed |
| |
| AO3 |
Design development – clear brief, functional criteria, ergonomic considerations, audience analysis |
| |
| AO4 |
Sustainability & ethical decisions – % recycled material, low‑toxicity finishes, copyright compliance |
| |
| AO5 |
Evaluation – critical reflection on successes, challenges, next steps; links to original brief and AO criteria |
| |
10. Functional & Surface Exploration
- Function – ergonomics (hand‑grip, balance), durability (impact resistance), maintenance (cleanability).
- Surface treatment
- Texture: incising clay, sandblasting metal, embossing acrylic.
- Finish: matte glaze, high‑gloss acrylic, brushed metal, patinated copper.
- Colour: natural pigments, digital colour libraries in CAD, complementary colour theory.
11. Assessment Criteria (IGCSE 0400)
- Technical Skill – effective, safe use of chosen processes and equipment.
- Creativity & Originality – innovative form, surface treatment and concept.
- Planning & Documentation – clear research records, sketches, CAD drawings, specifications, maintenance logs.
- Safety & Sustainability – consistent safety practice and evidence of eco‑friendly decisions.
- Evaluation – critical, structured reflection linked to the brief and AO criteria.
12. Tips for Successful Three‑Dimensional Design
- Start with a simple scale model (cardboard or 3‑D printed) before committing to final materials.
- Test adhesives, finishes and mechanical joints on a small sample of each material.
- Maintain a “process log” – record kiln temperatures, laser settings, tool dimensions, software version and any adjustments.
- Prioritise sustainability: reuse off‑cuts, choose low‑toxicity glazes, recycle waste water from cleaning.
- Document every stage with photographs, short captions and measured drawings for the portfolio.
- Consider the end‑user early – ergonomics, durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
- Review the quick‑reference safety matrix before each session and sign the equipment logbook.
Summary
By integrating thorough research, explicit contextual study, thoughtful material selection, safe and sustainable use of specialist equipment, and a reflective design cycle aligned with the Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design (0400) objectives, students develop a professional workflow. The technical skills – from kiln firing to digital fabrication – provide a solid foundation for further study in art, design, engineering and related creative industries.