Slack space: Braiding disciplines

Abstract

The nature of interdisciplinary interior and spatial practice is explored through a series of public projects associated with rope by Low-Tech/High-Tech Community of Practice from the University of the Arts London. Referencing Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger’s theories around situated learning, and Barthes definition of interdisciplinary working, early ice-breaker activities and public actions of making Rope Songs were central to the culmination of a public event titled Ropery Songs. These were inspired by the Bow Gamelan Ensemble and Paul Burwell Archive performed at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent with students collaborating from many Art and Design disciplines including sound arts, fine art, textile design, interaction design, interior, and spatial design. Through experimental forms of performance and social engagement, students and tutors introduced a range of spatial settings and practices to underscore the value and appreciation of time and sensory considerations in the design of a public experience. This article identifies various opportunities within the conception and realization of these project narratives to frame an innovative pedagogic “slack” space.

Keywords:

• Pedagogy
• live project
• interdisciplinary
• spatial design
• interior design

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

Notes

1 “A live project comprises the negotiation of a brief, timescale, budget, and product between an educational organization and an external collaborator for their mutual benefit. The project must be structured to ensure that students gain learning that is relevant to their educational development” Anderson, Jane and Priest, Colin. 2012. Working a definition of a Live Project, Live Projects Network. May 13, 2018. https://liveprojectsnetwork.org/methodology/

2 LTHT Members: Thomas Gardner, MA Sound Arts; Nicholas Marechal, MA Interaction Design Communication; Anne Marr, BA(Hons) Textile Design; Colin Priest, BA(Hons) Interior and Spatial Design.

3 LTHT Community of Practice. “Rope Making Workshop” YouTube video, 1:30. May 13, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFh1b3jTrs8

4 LTHT Community of Practice. “Rope Songs at the Point of Listening (25) on the 11th of May 2016” Youtube video, 8:26. May 13, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En3h8pVENb0

5 LTHT Community of Practice. “Gamelan Workshop February 2017” Youtube video, 4.14. May 13, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqnezI50CxA

6 LTHT Community of Practice. “Ropery Songs” Youtube video, 4:22. May 13, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0MWP1yIlus

7 Twenty students and five staff members, from UAL MA Sound Arts (LCC), BA Interior and Spatial Design (Chelsea), MA Interaction Design Communication (LCC), and BA Fine Art (UoK) volunteered as performers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Colin Priest

Colin Priest is an architect, artist, and academic and is currently Course Leader for BA(Hons) Interior and Spatial Design at University of Arts London and member of LTHT Community of Practice. Graduating from the Architectural Association, his practice is at the intersection of art and architecture that seeks to underscore a sense of place through enlivening heritage. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Royal Society of Artists, co-founder of the Live Projects Network (www.liveprojectsnetwork.org), and member of Design for the Common Good (www.designforcommongood.net). Email: [email protected]