SD3082 Introduction to Design Theories and Culture

Autumn Semester 2017

Subject coordinator: Dr. Sandy Ng

Culture & Creativity

September 29, 2017

Tutor: Sandy Ng
 Question
*How do you define “imagination” and
“creativity”? Are they the same concept?
*Can you give a design example that is
considered imaginative or creative?
 Analysis
*How is the following object imaginative or
creative?
"Tube" chair, 1969–70
Joe Colombo (Italian, 1930–1971); Manufacturer: Flexform
PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride), tubular steel, rubber, polyurethane foam,
synthetic knit upholstery; H. 25 1/4 in. (64.1 cm), Diam. 19 3/4 in. (49.2 cm) nested
-Changing perception of what a chair should look like
and how it can function.
-Refine the essence of a chair.
-Create communication between designer & users.
Charles and Ray Eames
Lounge chair & ottoman, 1956
Structure: Three curving pieces of rosewood plywood for the seat & one piece of the
same characteristic for the footstool
Base: swivel, five-pointed star mechanism with five cast aluminum feet finished in matt
black
Back & seat: Upholstered in black leather with buttons & filled with foam, down & duck
Feathers Chair 80 x 83 x 89 cm Footstool 43 x 60 x 64 cm
English Club Chair, 1930s
Explanatory drawing of all the components parts of the Lounge Hair and
Ottoman by Charles Kratka, with calligraphy by Sister Corita Kent of the
Immaculate Heart College.
 Videos
*America Meets Charles and Ray Eames
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBLMoM
hlAfM
*Charles & Ray Eames - Lounge Chair
Restauration - Wagenhuber Bürotechik
GmbH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPmqDL
nz72E
 Next Week’s Reading
• 1.Adolf Loos, “Ornament and Crime”,
in Ornament and Crime: Selected
Essays (Riverside, California: Ariadne
Press, 1998), 167-176.
• 2.Le Corbusier, Towards A New
Architecture (NY: Dover Publications,
Inc., 1986). Excerpt.
 Oct.6, 2017, Next Wed.
• Please attend tutorial at 3:30-4:20p.m..
 *Design analysis (Small Group Project Report)- 40% (Due
by 5 p.m. on Dec.6, 2017, Wednesday)

• Select contemporary designs in any discipline and analyse the content with knowledge of
theories learned in the subject. You are advised to choose two theories that would help you
examine the designs in the context of aesthetics, gender, consumerism, globalization,
lifestyles, and modernity.

*You are to work in a team of four members. Your project report should reflect:

-Understanding of key concepts and issues introduced in the subject, quality of observations
and analysis of cultural products, both in a descriptive and critical manner.

-The ability to relate ideas to design and design experience and the ability to formulate an
interactive relationship between theory and practice of design

-Completeness, clarity of argument and expression. The ability to organize the materials in a
coherent and comprehensible way. Quality of presentation, including appropriate use of
visual materials, citations and overall organization.

(Word count: 2000-3000)

 * Individual Reflective Essay - 45% (Due by 5 p.m. on
Dec.6, 2017, Wednesday)

- To critically reflect on what you have learned in this

subject; cite and discuss specific lectures and
assigned readings that most inspire or enlighten
you about theories, culture and design.

- To explore how the knowledge learned in this course

can assist you in your studies and your work in the
future.

-To discuss your personal experience in executing this

project.

(Word count: 750-1000)