Parsons School of Design

Parsons School of Design, commonly referred to as Parsons, is a private art and design college located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in New York City. It is one of the five colleges of The New School. Parsons was founded in 1896 by William Merritt Chase in search of individualistic artistic expression. It has since grown to become one of the leading institutions for art and design education in the United States, and it is widely recognized around the world. The school is named after designer Frank Alvah Parsons, who was its president from 1911 to 1930 and whose vision shaped much of the school's curriculum in its early years.

History

Parsons School of Design was established in 1896 when leading American impressionist painter William Merritt Chase opened the Chase School of Art. In 1904, Frank Alvah Parsons joined the school, bringing with him a new focus on incorporating the principles of art and design into the curriculum. Under Parsons' leadership, the school was renamed the New York School of Fine and Applied Art. Parsons' innovative approach to design education, emphasizing the importance of both aesthetic theory and practical experience, laid the foundation for modern design education. The school was renamed Parsons School of Design in 1941 in honor of Frank Alvah Parsons.

Academics

Parsons offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Fine Arts, and Architectural Design. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Parsons has adopted a project-based learning approach, where students work on real-world projects with industry professionals. This method prepares students for the challenges of the creative industries by providing them with practical experience and professional exposure.

Campus

The main campus of Parsons is situated in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its historic arts scene and bohemian lifestyle. The campus buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, workshops, and galleries. Parsons' urban campus allows students to draw inspiration from the vibrant city life of New York City.

Notable Alumni

Parsons has produced a wide array of successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Notable alumni include fashion designers Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford; artists Edward Hopper and Jasper Johns; and photographers Annie Leibovitz and Steven Meisel.

Global Influence

In addition to its main campus in New York City, Parsons has established partnerships with institutions around the world to offer global learning opportunities. These international programs allow students to gain diverse perspectives and enhance their global awareness in the context of design and art.

See Also

• The New School
• Fashion Design
• Interior Design
• Graphic Design

External Links

• Official website