Redesigned Futures
The Redesigned Futures research project has explored the use of secondary (recycled) materials in design practice. The doctoral thesis resulting from this research is near completion. The study has involved three empirical enquiries:
First there needed to be an awareness of the designers' relationship with materials, within the constraints of their practice. .
Second, the designer has his or her own methods and these must be taken into consideration when attempting to find new support systems. There are many resources that have been developed to assist designers, some of which are included in Links. Through this research it has become clear that many resources and tools are not respectful of designerly behaviour.
Third, to apply this knowledge to the specific focus of the Redesigned Futures research project, a better understanding of the nature of secondary materials was needed, which included exploring the nature of materials in general; longevity, flows, management, cultural perceptions, histories, aesthetics, semantics… By confronting the gap in the product lifecycle - between waste materials and reuse - designers can move towards a greater understanding not only of material cycles, but perhaps more importantly of the other elements of sustainable design.
Several outcomes have been developed as part of the project which will be available here in Autumn 09. If you would like to find out more about the Redesigned Futures project or have any comments or suggestions, please contact Rosie.