The design of poetic things

Abstract

This thesis addresses the use of the term poetic in relation to design objects. While it is relatively commonplace to see design artefacts described as poetic, there is limited theory to account for what makes an object poetic. This project therefore uses practice – namely the design of luminaires – together with the views of expert designers to provide new insight into what distinguishes certain artefacts as poetic. The research draws on phenomenology and aesthetics to build an account of what we experience when we encounter an object described as poetic. In particular, the research extends and develops the notion of thingness to propose how poetic objects may elicit a heightened awareness on the part of the viewer.

The research also points to a complex interplay of concept and use whereby it is suggested that some objects might become things-in-use, that is, their thingness is exposed through active engagement rather than passive contemplation. Going beyond conventional accounts of thingness, this provides an account of how design objects may contribute meaning, and elicit renewed sensibilities, while at the same time fitting into our normal lives.

The thesis offers a number of related concepts which may be used to discuss and critique the poetic qualities of designed things. Aimed at reflective practitioners, design educators and scholars, the research offers ways to talk and think about the expressive role of design artefacts. It draws on, and applies, principles from philosophy and aesthetics, to provide a design-specific account of the poetic.

Date of Award	18 Nov 2020
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Joyce Sheau Roei Yee (Supervisor) & Trevor Duncan (Supervisor)