Epistemology and Modelling
Project information
Team
Rolf Brändle (project lead)
Title
Designerly modelling practice in transformative sustainability research
Format
Research project (with doctoral thesis)
Status
on-going
Experts
Prof. Dr. Jörg Petruschat, Prof. em. Wolfgang Sattler, Prof. Dr. Jan Willmann
Funding
Praxisteil, u.a. BMBF/GWK “Sustainability by Design”, Fraunhofer-Netzwerk "Wissenschaft, Kunst und Design" sowie Thüringer Graduiertenförderung
Cooperation
n/a
Support
n/a
Contact
rolf.patrik.akis.braendle@uni-weimar.de
Project description
How can designers bring their modelling practices in transdisciplinary sustainability research processes?
Models and modelling processes are understood differently from discipline to discipline. Models are sometimes purely number-based models for analysis and optimisation, sometimes mental models, metaphors or schematic representations of theories, sometimes tangible prototypes, demonstrators or mock-ups.
The dissertation examines how knowledge is generated through designerly modelling. The models are not only understood as representations of an assumed or projected reality, but can also produce their own realities as part of designerly and aesthetic practices. In addition to the knowledge that is generated or conveyed by the models, the sometimes implicit knowledge for modelling itself is examined, thus also questioning the role that designers can play in transdisciplinary teams through these practices. The potentials and limits that such designerly modelling practices entail, especially for a socio-ecological transformation, are examined and demonstrated in personal practice but also by observing the modelling practices of others.
For more information:
www.researchgate.net/publication/381774897_The_Phenomenon_of_Low-Fidelity_Prototyping_-_An_Overview_Across_Design_Practices_Making_Deliberately_Simpler_Models