This course will explore the principles of engineering and design in a hands-on, project-oriented environment using the tools and materials in the Design Lab. Students will investigate the nature of materials, learn the processes used to form them, and develop the skills needed to communicate design intent to manufacturers. They will absorb the language of design through mechanical dissection and reverse engineering and critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of manufactured products. Through hand-sketching, engineering drawings and computeraided design, students will express design intent while using the engineering process to formulate solutions to real-world engineering challenges. We will examine the professional field of engineering and its specializations (mechanical, civil, electrical, materials) and adjacent disciplines (industrial design, computer science, manufacturing trades). What does it mean to make a good object? What are the responsibilities that come with shaping our material space? How can we design and build for a better future? These questions allow us to investigate and discuss the role of the engineer in modern society.