Design, crafts & materials - MyCourses

Design, crafts &materials

Design Theory & Methodology16th October, 2020

6 Weeks / 3 Learning modules /3 Assignments / 1 Exam

Module 1What is design?

Module 2What characterizes a design

problem or opportunity?

Module 3How do experienced designers

approach and find designproblems and opportunities?

Week 1Introduction

What is design, and why do we needdesign theories and methods?

Week 2Defining & articulating design

What is common and what differentiatesthe work of designer sin different

subfields of design?

Week 3Analyzing & capturing design

problemsHow do you describe design problems?Why are problems and solutions nested

when designing?

A1

Week 4The peculiar nature of design

problemsHow are design problems special?How and when do different types ofproblems emerge when designing?

A2

Week 5Problem-framing & design

expertiseWhat practices do experienced (expert)designers use to find new opportunities

and solutions?

Week 6Design, crafts & materials

How does material and/or craft-basedpractices inform design work?

A3

Today’s agenda

• Reviewing the weeklyreadings

• Guest lecture/talk byProfessor Julia Lohmann

• Exam preparations

Learning a craftBy Peter Dormer

1. What does it entail to learn a craft according to Dormer? What is he trying tocapture when he is saying that "Learning a skill is not a mechanical activity but an

emotional as well as intellectual and physical process." (p. 40)?

2. What role does ‘mimicry’ hold for Dormer? Why is learning 'constitutive' rulesimportant in learning a craft? Why is he troubled by 'tricks' and why does he see

them as essential?

3. Dormer talks at length about the importance of 'likeness' and connoisseurship inlearning a craft, why? What is Dormer trying to learn when he describes his

experiences in 'non-seeing'?

The drawing handBy Juhani Pallasmaa

1. Pallasmaa places great value on sketching and drawing for architects, why? Whatdoes the act of drawing in essence entail/represent/mean for Pallasmaa?

2. What is Pallasmaa talking about when he says that drawings hold a 'doubleperspective' by being directed 'simultaneously outwards and inwards' (p. 92)?

3. While Pallasmaa recognizes that 'it would be surely ignorant and prejudiciallyLuddite view to ignore the benefits of the computer' (p. 95), he is simultaneously

critical about the impact a digital workflow may have on the work of architects anddesigners. What problems do Pallasmaa recognize in computers, and why?

Discuss and formulate an answerto one of the questions

20 minutes

Present your answers to each other

10 minutes

BREAKThink about what you would want to discuss with Julia…

The exam- Tuesday, 20 October 13.15 – 17.00 inOtakaari 1; D-hall Y122 (R001/D (Y122)

- You can arrive late until 13.45. You canearliest leave 13.50.

- Closed-book exam (bring a pen) coveringthe mandatory readings/podcasts/videosand the material from the contact sessions

- Leave your bag next to the wall in thestaircase

- Let’s stay safe and keep distance.- Changes in place will be notified by e-mail

and on MyCourses.- Re-exam before Christmas

Assignment 1 (group): 0 – 10 points

Assignment 2 (group): 0 – 15 points

Assignment 3 (individual): 0 – 5 points

Written exam (individual): 0 – 70 points

>>

Final grade

0 p – 50 p = fail

51 p – 60 p = 1

61 p – 70 p = 2

71 p – 80 p = 3

81 p – 90 p = 4

91 p – 100 p = 5

Assessment & grading• Mandatory participation in 80% of the

contact teaching (online sessions)• Final grade: 75% based on the work

you deliver individually | 25% basedon the work you deliver in pairs or asa group

• Weekly pre-assignments whichsupports your learning throughoutthe course.

• Missing a deadline Lower grade• Not being present in class to present 50% of the points

• 40 points or more on the final exam

What is a “good” answer?1. Do not expect that the reader thinks/understands

things the same way you do.2. The origin of ideas is clear. Be clear about who says

what when possible?3. The concepts and ideas that are used are introduced

and explained. Start by explaining the basic conceptsbefore turning to analysis and elaboration.

4. The explanations and examples goes beyondrepeating what has been written and discussed in

class.

?Good luck on the exam!