Abstract
The aim of this paper is above all to construct a
new conceptual framework for understanding how
and why design activism in public space matters.
The paper sets off by providing a literature review
of some of the existing theoretical frameworks in
design research for understanding design activism.
In so doing, I will identify a theoretical ‘blind spot’
in the research literature, which has blocked our
view of how design activism functions as an
aesthetic practice and not only a socio-political
one. To remedy this shortcoming, I then introduce
some notions from Rancière (2004; 2010) that
enable design research to better explain the close
interrelationship between aesthetics and the
political in design activism. This will be further
demonstrated through a series of case examples
from current urban design activism. On the basis of
this, I finally offer a more meaningful framework
for the practice and study of urban design activism.
new conceptual framework for understanding how
and why design activism in public space matters.
The paper sets off by providing a literature review
of some of the existing theoretical frameworks in
design research for understanding design activism.
In so doing, I will identify a theoretical ‘blind spot’
in the research literature, which has blocked our
view of how design activism functions as an
aesthetic practice and not only a socio-political
one. To remedy this shortcoming, I then introduce
some notions from Rancière (2004; 2010) that
enable design research to better explain the close
interrelationship between aesthetics and the
political in design activism. This will be further
demonstrated through a series of case examples
from current urban design activism. On the basis of
this, I finally offer a more meaningful framework
for the practice and study of urban design activism.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Making Design Matter : Nordes ’11: the 4th Nordic Design Research Conference |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Place of Publication | Aalto University, Helsinki |
| Publication date | 2011 |
| Pages | 102-110 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Nordes 2011 - Helsinki, Finland Duration: 29. May 2011 → 2. Jun 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | Nordes 2011 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Finland |
| City | Helsinki |
| Period | 29/05/2011 → 02/06/2011 |