Sam Weston: Spatial Honours Design Project

Freitas explores a number of theorists whose ideas closely link to the Paul Carter’s ideas regarding material thinking. Freitas identifies that, “material considerations” are of most importance in-regards to theorist Paul Carter’s ideas around “material thinking”. Freitas makes a number of intriguing and pivotal statements. The first being, “Designers aren’t necessarily attentive to the way they make and remake the material world in order to adapt it to living in the future” (Freitas 2). “Through creative attention to the material processes which shape our lives, they make material, new forms of and for living.” (Freitas 2). 

Section: Imperfect In-formation

Within the section ‘Imperfect In-formation’, Freitas draws parallels between ideas presented by Vilem Flusser and Paul Carter in-regard to materials. Flusser, proposes that, “

Section: Material Action

Section: Living Material

Freitas states, “Designers need to take account of how social and cultural relations are today, more than ever, mediated through material artefacts and further changed over the lifespan of artefacts. We adapt through our use of artefacts and we also adapt artefacts to our changing needs.”

Although, stated on materialthinking.org that ‘material thinking’, “is an awkward term that resists simple definition” (Materialthinking.org). A number os practitioners have formed their own interpretations of the term. Freitas refers to a number of theorists and practitioners whose ideas draw similarity to the core value of ‘materials’ and ‘material thinking’. Similarly to theorist Braudel, I may could consider the everyday moments of interaction between both the person and the material and the take this further by identifying the sort of relationship this may generate. 

“Designers need to take account of how social and cultural relations are today, more than ever, mediated through material artefacts and further changed over the lifespan of artefacts.” (Freitas 9). 

Here, I am uncovering and mapping a selection of current daily routines and whereabouts they occur within the confines of the dwelling’s interior. To accomplish this I analysed both plans and elevations and list possible ritual activities that occur within them. This will uncover both the dimensions of the rooms but also 

In terms of rooms within the home. There is both a relatively large open plan space which possesses both a ‘Snug, Lounge, and Dining Space’ A ‘Kitchen’ is also apart of this open plan design for the ground floor. Following this under the stairs to the secondary floor is ‘storage, laundry, and a toilet within a separate room. 

Reading and Reflection

one or more articles from this journal issue which mulls on Paul Carter’s notion of “material thinking”

Reading and Reflection

This particular text by Marco Frascari is of fascination as it furthers our understanding of ‘details’, their role and importance in-regards to space and architecture. Frascari draws on French architect Jean Labatut’s ideas regarding details. Who states, “Whatever the air spaces, areas and dimensions involved, it is the precise study and good execution of details which confirm architectural greatness. The detail tells the tale.” (Labatut 2). Labatut, is proposing that care in forging space and honing in on architectural details whether aesthetic or otherwise can push a space further into “architectural greatness”. This idea is further elaborated upon, where it is stated that, “In the details are the possibilities of innovation and invention” (Frascar & Labatut 2).

“The art of detailing is really the joining of materials, elements, components, and building parts in a functional and aesthetic manner.” (Frascari 2) 

Details appeared and their implementation occurred prior as Frascari states to, “industrialised society”. However, Frascari further adds that the concept and production of details has become hindered under an “economically motivated society” (Frascari) 

This approach to ‘detail’ is of high relevance to my project as meshing of materials, form, and aesthetics in a zoomed in and carefully curated manner will allow me to meet the goals and requirements for this project. 

Further into the text Frascari discusses geometric quality where he states, “