The Dissertation Proclamation!

For my dissertation I'll be exploring 'Meaning In Materials'. This paper will be published by the university upon completion of the course. Stay tuned for more info!

MEANING IN MATERIALS

Whether producing an architectural model or buying a new thermos for your morning coffee, all materials hold meaning! We are constantly processing this information, but why? and how can we use this to become informed makers? for example... you are purchasing a new thermos. In front of you are two very different flasks one made of plastic and one of steel. In order to decide which to buy we analyse data such as price and quality to make the right / informed purchase and we don't even know were doing it! But what if we made these decisions consciously. The potential is endless, and if made into an autonomous process then suddenly models become inherently fit for purpose.

Materials can infer price and quality or vice versa. If I was to say one thermos cost £15 and the other £25, we can use this information to make a reasonable deduction as to which price tag pairs with which flask. I'd bet that most of you would say it's the steel one that costs £25. That's because we generally presume metals to cost more. Although there could be exceptions to this which is something I will be looking into as we progress.

Now what if I was to say the thermos was made of 'stainless steel' this would probably reinforce your belief that the more expensive flask is the one made from stainless steel. This is because we understand that stainless implies 'clean', and 'pure'. these being desirable qualities and therefore costing more.

Presented above are some points of discussion, sources and quotes that I believe could help to understand 'Meaning In Materials'.

If anyone has constructive suggestions or input that could help myself and others to better understand such a rich topic of interest feel free to contact me directly or leave a comment :)