MAPD5300 Aesthetics of Materiality Course description

The course is about research through practice and about gaining knowledge from explorative design-processes.The course will focus on working directly with materials, spatial interaction, developing model-studies and examining process. Exploration is emphasized throughout the course and the student is expected to generate a comprehensive series of model output and to develop aesthetic, re¿exive skills in design.

The course will use varied, student-active work methods. Work and teaching methods include lectures, group work and self-study.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has developed advanced abilities in visual- and material articulation and aesthetic application .
• has gained advanced knowledge of material engagement and how the world of things, artifacts, and material signs can be embodied through practical exploration.
• has gained advanced knowledge about interplay between material-aesthetics and object­-semantics.
• has gained knowledge about aesthetic strategies, methods and theory within a practical design research project.

Skills

The student is capable of:

• independently running a discovery-led process and stating a relevant research question.
• developing and recognizing relevant practical working methods.
• developing concept- and material model studies within a specific context.
• analyzing and reflecting on form and material application using relevant terminology.
• dissecting and refining design models systematically
• analyzing and synthesizing experience from observations and various perceptions.
• exhibiting and presenting their research using relevant terminology and tools.

General competence

The student

• is familiar with the theoretical basis of a practice based-research.
• understands the need for and use of practical exploration.
• is familiar with the terminology and language of practice-based research

• Material properties in a specific context.
• Design methodology.
• Product communication and semantics.
• Aesthetic principles of form and function in a specific context.
• Experimental material practice.

Individual home examination over two weeks. Scope: 2,500 words (+/- 10%)

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

10 ECTS credits overlaps with MAPO4100 Public Health, Empowerment and Health Promotion, 10 ECTS credits.

Two internal. External examiner is used periodically..