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Design as Inquiry: Exploring Design as a Philosophical Medium, 2007 (ongoing)
Design is mainly understood as an activity of producing useful artefacts—whether mass produces, prototypical or conceptual—rather than as an activity of inquiry. Investigation in design, it seems, is often limited to the observation of humans or the experimentation with materials with the aim to produce more refined design objects that fulfil every possible need. Objects which do not serve needs, solve problems or cannot be used almost seem frivolous in design and are often considered as art objects. This study, however, is not concerned with art objects but with design objects as objects for contemplation and with design as a form of philosophical inquiry. The aim is threfore to evaluate, to which extend design can be used as a medium for a philosophical inquiry, what kind of knowledge such an inquiry can generate and how this knowledge differs from that of other forms of inquiry. The overall aim is to theorise design objects as media for reflection and design as a material philosophy. (Images: Pioneer Plaque, Designed by Carl Sagan and Frank Drake, 1972)
Designing the Self, 2007 (ongoing) The transformation and transcendence of the human being has long been a subject of philosophic inquiry. Currently, however, through advances in technology and scientific understanding of the functioning of the brain, the human being is increasingly subject to fundamental modification. Progress in the scientific understanding of human cognition and behaviour, as well as the potential modification of these, challenge long-held beliefs about responsibility, identity, autonomy, agency and in this sense about our “selves.” When we think of our selves we mainly refer to internal matters—to our dreams, desires, wishes, fears or memories. Our self, however, is to a large extend shaped by external objects. Things play a fundamental part in thinking consciously about ourselves, for example, through objects of self-definition, but also unconsciously, as objects shape our thinking and carry of memories. In this sense, we may say that objects are part of our thinking and thereby our part of ourself. This project explores the role of artefacts and technologies for the creation of selves and particularly how new technologies may influence the kind of selves being created. It suggests, that new technologies of the self do not require to work on oneself anymore, but have become instrumental and have turned humans into technological selves. (Images: José Delgado, The Physical Control of the Mind, 1969)
Apocalyptic Architecture, 2005 Since the invention of nuclear weapons and the possibility of destroying the entire civilisation, many protective structures were built. The notion of the shelter became the main strategy for the survival of civilisation. Many dystopian visions seemed to become reality and humans had to live underground beneath the uninhabitable surface. This research project investigates these structures and their relation to society during the Cold War, as well as their relevance today. Some of them are hidden as they were kept secret and some are hidden inside other structures. Digging under the surface of the Cold War means bringing something forward that might lie under everyday structures. (Images: US Office of Civil Defence, Public Shelter Designs, 1960s)
Eastern Remains, 2005 The Reunification of Germany was the end for the German Democratic Republic and its political, social and economic system. Its national institutions were integrated into the structures of the West. The shutdown of factories and military sites, as well as the migration of large parts of the population to Western Germany led to an enormous amount of abandoned spaces. Furthermore, the departure of nearly half a million soldiers of the Red Army stationed in Eastern German increased the amount of deserted military sites and objects. Most of these spaces are vacant today and slowly disintegrating. Others are torn down or converted for private use. Some of them were bought by military enthusiasts and are kept alive to function as a museum. This research project investigates these spaces, their transformation and their new occupants - which are sometimes the old ones - on a road trip through the former German Democratic Republic. (Images: Tim Giesen, 2005)
© 2004–2011 Björn Franke |
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