S.H.E.D Models

Dr Jones commissioned three scale models of S.H.E.D the Social Higher Education Depot, to be created as a research generation tool (in consultation with Barend Slabbert and Simon Burrows). The models were built in collaboration with Simon Burrows and Barend Slabbert. The most popular 3 designs out of the 15 designs were focused on. By doing this, Jones was able to study them as objects and assess their shape, form and purpose. The models pushed the role of model design in that they extended their purpose beyond being a scale model to see, but rather, they were created to be engaged with, to touch and play with and to observe how a co-creative approach to the design process could be identified at a model scale level. To do this, the models were shared with cultural partners, industry and other researchers involved in the project. As a result, it was noted that the concept of a reconfigurable space – even in model form - acted as a trigger point for discourse. Furthermore, the understanding of social practice (placemaking) is defined by the granular and nuanced, the models in their construction worked with this and so there was synergy between the theoretical underpins of the project and the design of the models. The local understanding of how the models were formed, shaped and re-shaped alluded to this conceptualisation for placemaking through the act of model making. As a structure, the models came to represent elements of co-existence, every element adjoining to another specific component. As Michel du Certeau defined place is being “an instantaneous configuration of positions” p173. To this end, the models were a research-generating design process to both further the understanding of how S.H.E.D could be reconfigured and used as a site (even in small scale) for designing discourse. It also became a sculptural form that exposed the theoretical and conceptual underlings for the project. To this end, the generation of the models created: Provided an opportunity to study the three most selected configurations of S.H.E.D in 2019 for the pilot activities that took place with cultural partners and industry; Sought to observe how individuals engaged with the models in order to think about re-configurable spaces; Generated discourse on the potential for other S.H.E.D designs and proposed activities which could occur in the S.H.E.D. In addition to the above noted outcomes and as a result of these findings, the models are commissioned by National Justice Museum (autumn 2020 - winter 2021) to use them as an engagement tool and as a method for inviting the public to talk about play, reconfiguration, reform, justice and protest through playful encounter with the models. This will be done to the design of the museums 'on the road museum' bike which they have commissioned to widen participation with the museum and it will be branded as a shedder bike for the purpose of this project, where the laser cut models will be toured on the back of the bike, taken to different sites, to generate dialogue. The models had also been selected and designed for presentation for the UK Pavilion at Business of Design Week (BODW) 2019, in Hong Kong (cancelled due to riots in Hong Kong) alongside a seminar entitled’The Connected Maker: Shaping the Future’ in which Dr Jones and Head of School of Arts David McGravie were to articulate the benefits of Derby’s trans-disciplinary approach to learning and teaching, which is best demonstrated through the School of Arts in which ‘creative risk taking, creative resilience and ambition’ develop a question led approach to study and equips students with the right ethos and approach to ensure that they are adaptable and ready to respond to new challenges and opportunities. This approach was to be explored through S.H.E.D as a case study, to illustrate how the research is focused around modelling / designing a defined space to bring together groups of individuals who have diverse backgrounds and experiences with a view that in doing that, it can start to question and answer some of the yet unasked questions that will affect society, culture and individuals. How does artistic design research engage or engineer alternative sites for practice? This presentation will explore the impact that mobile projects have on cultural, social discourse on placemaking for cities. An opportunity to reflect on the ambitions for S.H.E.D to be a literal and metaphorical vehicle for the transformation of dialogue. #SheddingPreconceptions #Shed. the creator of the exhibition design material for BODW was Kevin Jones, University of Derby, 2019.

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