monday sessions...

We are about half way through this term, so I thought I'd give an update on the Monday sessions so far...

This term the sessions have been themed, so we are able to focus on specific areas within design. The new format has been interesting, whilst they have provided an opportunity to concentrate on different areas each week they have started to become less spontaneous, as everyone is forced to research on that specific area rather than presenting on something they came across during their subject research.

Week 1 - Sustainability and Eco-Design
This was the first themed presentations and it seemed to go really well...The research presented reflected the individuals specific subject but I also found that many of the issues covered are a feature in many of our specific subjects. There was rather a lot of emphasis on products to aid sustainability and eco-design, this was probably because Stella and Hoda (two spatial designers) and Adarsh (a 3D digital designer) were amongst those that presented. The presentations really stuck a chord with myself as my current design project is very focused on being eco-friendly, both in its message and its materiality. One of the more interesting presentations was regarding a filtration system called Bel-Air which uses plants to cleanse/purify the atmosphere, absorbing toxins in the air. It was a very innovative product and one that may feature within my final design.

Week 2 - Discussion regarding Applied Research & Enquiry Individual project
This was a useful discussion, rather than presentations, as in the previous week we had been briefed on the individual project by Joe for this module. It was really good to hear how other people were considering approaching the brief. Nicola provided the group with various forms of visual communication, from jewellery created from sound waves, paper folding, and digital printing/transferring onto a variety of materials. Emma also explained how she was thinking of using a advertising campaign to approach the brief. Many ideas were generated as the group became aware of what was expected. I found it a very useful session as I began to consider how my own project would link with the main group project, as I wanted to explore the brief from a spatial aspect.

Week 3 - Design Process
The presentations for this topic took on two roles, ourselves as students within a design project, and how this might differ when working with clients. Ashley described how he simplified his life in order to release his creativity and posed the question that everyone has a drive that forces them to make design decisions. It got me thinking about that is my drive and I struggled to find an answer...I suppose one of my drives is to produce new and exciting designs that have the power to change, but as a Masters student my drive is to learn about new things, and utilise and challenge them. Over the last few weeks, I think my drive to learn about sustainable products and recycling within a design project has become rather strong and may persuade me to explore this area further within my thesis.

Week 4 - Influences
I was one of the presenters for this theme...I decided to explain how no one person can have one single influence as we are constantly aware of what is around us, all of which can influence us. I showed the group a collection of images from my field trip to Switzerland in 2008 where I saw many different buildings, all of which inspired me for different reasons. Following my presentation, we discussed how we find influences from different media forms, such as books, magazines, newspapers, television shows and galleries/museums. I do think its wrong to say we can only have one influence in our design work, as even that will alter over time, influences comes from everything.

Week 5 - Design & Disability or Design for old age
Unfortunately I was unable to attend this session, owing to a large amount of work within my design module, so I cannot comment on the presentations but can offer my thoughts on this topic. Within spatial design, you constantly have to consider the disabled (its the law). This has been evident within my current project as I am using a container shell as an exhibition centre. Following a conversation with my tutor on Wednesday, it is evident that I will have to consider the use of ramps for when the ground is not flat, as hydraulic feet will be used to level the container.

That's the Monday sessions up to date...I will post the final weeks later on!