Readings: Technology and Progress

We will be discussing the notions of technology and progress and how these concepts have informed the development of modern design when we return from the break. Please read the excerpted text from David Raizman's chapter on the Bauhaus from "History of Design" and the position statements from Muthesius and Van de velde given during the 1914 Werkbund debates [pages 1-3 only].

Herbert Bayer's "Universal typface" 1925

4.40 pm today: test one

Don't forget. Come early, get a good seat.
Bring your notes!

study break: photography and the UK pavilion

The UK Pavilion from Shanghai Expo Timelapse Machine on Vimeo.

typed, handwritten, or pictographs...

For the test tomorrow, you can compose your A4 'notes' sheet in any way you like -- handwritten notes, typed notes, images, etc. whatever you think will be most useful for you and your working method. It is your study aid -- use it to your best advantage.

No Tutorials this Thurs. + Friday [19, 20 Aug]

As a reminder, because we will be having our first test in class on Wed. afternoon, there will be no tutorials this week. You can transition right into your mid-term break...

Reminder: Test 1, Wed. 18 Aug. 4.40pm LT1-2

Don't forget -- this week test 1 will be given during our normal lecture period on Wed. (4.40 - 5.40pm) in LT1 and LT2. You can bring ONE A-4 SHEET with notes (double sided if you like) to help you with the test. Remember that the test is geared for you to illustrate your knowledge, not your memory. So prepare yourself by making sure you understand the key concepts covered so far this term. Return to your readings, lecture notes, and blog assignments -- these are good examples of potential essay questions.
Good Luck!

Annoucement from your Student Rep, Cameron Greatorex

[Please read and respond if appropriate to Cam at cameron.greatorex@hotmail.com]

1. Are you representing another course, if so, would you introduce yourself to me ? I would love to get to know you, and see if you are encountering any obstacles or if is there anything I can learn from you.

2. Have you submitted or been nominated for the Benson & Cooper Sustainability Challenge? Nominations close on Monday 16 Aug.

3. In training to become a rep I have realised...

- You don't have to be A+ student to represent a class.

- Student communications with lecturers at this level is exceptional, but down the track in lvl2, lvl3 and hons communications can be strained or difficult. If english isn't your first language, you may need help communicating.

- Sh*# happens. Leases on flats expire, evictions can happen, passing of a family member and injury can impede study. Being swift to communicate and get help early is critical -- whether you decide to halt academic pursuits or dig deep and push through the tough times.

In Sum: Universities and their relative institutions/associations are structured to help students succeed. All you have to do is be upfront and ask for help when you need it. That's what I'm here for.

End note - Did you know Studylink offers students $300 pa. for dental services? And there are many more ways in which Studylink can help you get what you need to succeed.

Questions? Comments? -- email  cameron.greatorex@hotmail.com

Review guide: test one

The review guide, which will form the core of this week's tutorial sessions, is availble online here (and under "briefs+tools on this blog). Please have a look through the slides before your tutorial stream and be prepared to participate and ask questions where you are unclear on key themes/theories/etc.

Blog assignment 5: brief

The brief for Blog Assignment 5 is up -- have a look here. Also, note that I have changed the hand-in date to Sunday evening to allow more time for thought and reflection (especially for those with the later tutorials on Friday)

Anatomy of a blog

For those of you who have received your mark for the first three blog assignments and would like to know, specifically, what makes a great blog assignment have a close look at the "Anatomy of a blog" below. My comments illustrating the key elements of the post are highlighted in yellow and appear in bold.

S

Should construction be decorated or rather should decoration be constructed? Post begins with the question posed in the brief--building a response DIRECTLY in relation to the principle themes of the week. This was a central issue during the design ‘reform’ of the 19thcentury. Designers began to think about the beauty and utility of an object, and how these factors should be taken into account. Owen Jones argued in his writing of ‘The Grammar of Ornament’(1856) that “Construction should be decorated. Decoration should never be purposely constructed”, Jones was looking at the function of a design before the form and how the decoration of the design should not take away from the function but rather add to and strengthen the idea of its function.Here the student refers to one of the primary theoretical figures discussed in lecture and in the week's reading, illustrating an understanding of Jones's philsophical approach to design reform and the role of ornament in relation to structure. A.W.N Pugin had the same idea in his head when he created his principles of design. His principles circled around the idea that design should respect the characteristics of materials, not imitate them. These principles provided a standard for many 19th century designs. Student also discusses Pugin and his role in the foundation of the principles of the design reform movement--again illustrating a clear understanding of these ideals and thier historical relevance. Why were Jones and Pugin creating these standards for design? Partly because of the industrialisation of their country. The Industrial Revolution saw the invention of mass-production, this gave the middle class the opportunity to obtain goods easily. And ‘one of a kind’ hand made, goods began to diminish. Here historical context--describe in detail in lecture--is used to provide critical background for the development of design reform.

The 18th century wallpaper pictured above does not adhere to A.W.N Pugin’s true principles of design but rather to his false principle. The design shows depth and a soft style of decoration. Here the selected image for the post is directly discussed and critially analysed in relation to the principle tenets of the design reforem movement--with reference again to key figures--Pugin + Jones. Whereas one of Owen Jones’s or Pugins’s designs would have showed a stronger, stylised pattern of nature rather than the soft bush scene seen here. Because it is a wall the decoration should also be strong to support the idea of a solid wall. I agree with Owen Jones argument , because if an object is designed with this aesthetic it has a stronger sense of its function. Student presents his own opinion on the question of appropriate design 'principles' but in relation to the readings and key themes of the week--used to substantiate his position--and illustrating a sophisticated understanding of these ideas/ideals. Observers of the design will either be able to understand it better or their idea of what is will be reinforced by its decoration rather than misconceived.

Library workshops this week [free!]

Topic: Referencing

Times: 

            Monday 09 Aug. 4pm   

            Wednesday 11 Aug. 12pm

            Tuesday 10 Aug. 11am 

            Thursday 12 Aug. 10am & 2pm

No need to book--just drop in!

World Sweet World

To bring the contemporary craft discussion back to Wellington's doorstep, here is a link to a local blog (formerly a locally produced magazine) for DIYers and MIYers. http://worldsweetworld.com/

PDFs of required readings available

If you are having trouble reading the weekly required texts on Issuu you have two options: one, you can download a PDF file from Issuu (you will need to register as a user) or two, you can access the original PDF from the School's R-drive (under 'course materials' and 'DSDN' and 'DSDN171 [2010]'). Any questions contact margaret.petty@vuw.ac.nz

Marks for Blogs: Anton's streams A+B

If you are in either of Anton's tutorial streams, A/B your assessment sheets and marks for Blog assignments 1-3 can be picked up at the Reception Desk from 11.30am-1.30pm.

Thank you Jason

Many thanks to Jason for a great lecture last night. If you missed Jason's talk on 'Craft v. Design' watch the recording and download the lecture here

Help needed!!

A volunteer note taker is still needed for DSDN 171--why not help out? 
If you volunteer you will receive a koha book voucher and certificate, free training by professional note takers and you get to make a difference for a student your class. This role is also counts towards Victoria Plus and you receive additional points if you attend the training.  All you need to do is photocopy or email your notes to the Disability Services office once a week, simple!

So to apply simply click here: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/st_services/disability/getinvolved/vicvolapply.aspx

Blog assignment 4: brief

This week's blog assignment has been posted. Have a look...

Brian Boldon, "Dactyl", 2001: mylar, ink-jet on vinyl, silicone