During this week’s History and Theory ‘Objects and Materials’ Lecture, we learnt that ‘material culture’ was fundamental to the processes of design history, theory and criticism. It was very interesting to learn about the different ways in which objects are able to influence cultural values and how they coexist. The ways in which objects are able serve more than functionality was fascinating. I was intrigued by the way that objects strongly hold the source of beliefs and values within society. We also acknowledged ways theory contrasts to material religion as well as culture and material culture. This led me to challenge the ways in which ordinary objects are seen as holding societal value, from something as simple as an office chair, and the way they can be symbolic of hierarchy within the managerial position. I think the notion of objects being symbols of underlying values and beliefs is a significant idea I would like to depict within my space through the materials, furniture, and structure of the room.
Moreover, we looked at examples of different work spaces of artists. We were assigned different artists and tasked to discuss what objects and factors of their work influenced their space. Our group was given Pablo Picasso in his Studio near Cannes in 1956. It was interesting to see different spaces and how their work clearly relates to the space of their work/live studio. It seems ironic the way Picasso’s work is very scattered without order within a delicate detailed French apartment building. In a way, this chaos of the placement of his work is reflected in the way he paints.
Following on from the lecture, we were tasked to find at least three precedent studies that could inform our project.
Olafur Eliasson ‘Moss Wall’, 1994
The way in which Olafur Eliasson incorporates the outdoors, indoors and transforms unreality into real life is fascinating. From a distance the wall appears a brown-yellow colour but as you move closer you can observe the multitude of colours of the moss including green, yellow, and brown. The wall is entirely covered in Icelandic moss. The room plays with different senses, particularly smell as the room is filled with an aroma of the far north. I am intrigued by the way in which Olafur Eliasson has depictured nature simultaneously as a raw material.
Moss Your City’ by PUSHAK
The aim of ‘Moss Your City’ is to present moss as an intricate and versatile material which can compliment internal environments and work in harmony with contemporary design. I am fascinated by the geometric shapes created from moss itself to create structural divisions between the room and different spaces. The way in which these structures may appear in a sense rigid and sharp can be seen to contrast the material of moss being soft and natural. By integrating moss into the design of the space, it presents the endless possibilities and potential for creating a space merely from organic natural material whilst remaining contemporary.
Yong Ju Lee ‘Moss Tower’
This project inspires me as it presents a more radical solution to combining organic matter through a structural, single-body geometric system. It serves as a way for people and plant life to interact with each other as a method to exchange the benefits of one another. I am fascinated by the potential to create interaction between structural rigid geometric shapes and human interaction as well as organic matter.