Semantic effect and material driven design
In the first part of the project, a material concept is to be developed based on a selected association term.
The second part deals with the design method ‘Material Driven Design’.
As part of the course, students first analyze the sensory perception, functional properties, and semantic dimensions of meaning of a material. Building on this, an association term (e.g., sporty, artificial, or playful) is drawn from a defined pool of terms and systematically related to the material.
From this connection, students develop a material concept whose intended effect corresponds to the respective associative term. In addition to examining the semantic effect of materials, students use this as a basis to design a product according to the principle of material-driven design. The application, function, and design of the product are consistently derived from the specific properties of the material.
The glazed surface suggests a futuristic, almost synthetic material. Only when the piece is turned, the unglazed clay surface comes into view - an ancient substance, shaped by hand and time. What appears like an innovative and unfamiliar material is in fact one of the oldest and most important commodities used throughout human history.
After being placed on a heater, the ceramic piece stores warmth and can be positioned on different parts of the body. Wether placed on the back and shoulders or repositioned on the stomach or legs, its flexible form allows for an individualized fit. The V-shaped design ensures that heat is distributed evenly, combining a therapeutic function with a sculptural, body-focused aesthetic.
Beyond its warmth, the ceramic piece carries a noticable weight. When placed on the body, the heaviness creates a grounding pressure causing a feeling of safety and stability.