PROJECT 1 – RESEARCH METHODS FOR ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS
Subject: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources of Information
Topic: The Dallah
Brief:
This semester we will be exploring the everyday tradition and use of the Dallah as a starting point for creative research methods. A significant object that holds historical, traditional or cultural significance for the UAE in particular. For the first project you are to collect individual and creative data and collate your findings in the form of Data Cards.
Your ROLE
You are to investigate the purpose and significance of the Dallah and identify the changing functionality, purpose and use of the object (over time – past, present, future). To arrive at a creative outcome that captures “a moment in time” through observational and physical documentations of the Dallah. Based on an informed inquiry you will arrive at a creative outcome or solution with
data cards to support your outcome. Please consider the following
identity, place, hospitality, craft and tradition.
Components
250-word paragraph - Intro
A moment in time – the Dallah.
How do you define it?
How might you capture it?
Why is the Dallah significant?
How can you capture all the necessary information that best describes the object relevant to your research methodology?
There are many elements that truly define the significance of an object and the place it is associated with; these are clues for artists and designers to help them capture what is obvious and what is not so obvious.
What is important?
What is poetic?
EXAMPLES OF Research Methods used by artists and designers – please consider the following.
1. Narrative research journey
A series of narrative exercises containing narrative journeys through lived experiences in the spaces in which the objects are associated with. The narratives will be presented in a structured collection of photographs or drawings that illustrate the significance and uses of the object, connection to place and tradition.
1.2. Physical Record
A Physical dimensioning of objects. (Photography) i.e Collection of images showing ‘non perspective’ images and details of the objects.
Side elevation Front Elevation Back Elevation
All recordings should be from the same angles. It is like a scientific study of a 3D object.
1.3 Notes, Sketches
A method of unstructured observation of the objects
Notes writings and descriptions of the places and how people use them.
Methodology
Your methodology is important, as it will help you record the significance of the object and the place it is associated with accurately.
Submission of findings:
Each student must present their Data Cards and a Creative Research Method/solution exploring a moment in time. Attention will be paid to use of terminology, initiative, creativity, process and use of research methods to obtain in depth observations and quality of a final creative solution.
Essential - THE DALLAH:
1. Object of Emirati/Arab culture (commonly used)
2. Physical Copy should be available.
3. Aspect of how/why the object was made (craftsmen)
4. Identify user of the objects.
5. Relevancy of object today (leading to ingenuity)
Graded according to the following rubric:
Research Process 25%
Inquiry 25%
Creativity 25%
Presentation 25%