Yesterday we did a day trip to the ICA Symposium Interior Design: Dead or Alive. With much debate in (amongst the speakers) and after (amongst ourselves) I wrote my thoughts down and will discuss with my students. Although we felt there was a lack of overall organisation at the symposium and the speakers seemed immersed in 'the interior of their own private club' - rather than sharing or explaining adequately.
Students #CoventryUniversity #InteriorDesign
Brian Eno's Roxy Music Costume Michael Bracewell
Students Eli, Will, Devina, Jake with Senior Lecturer Heidi Saarinen #CoventryUniversity #InteriorDesign
"Dear all
The ICA symposium day was interesting – the
journey there and the chats within the group in-between, to/from the event was a
highlight. It’s important we do these things. It helps bond the group (all
levels). Sometimes it doesn’t even matter if the symposium presentation content
is not quite as strong or relevant as it could be. I do think the Symposium
organisers could have done better with staying within the theme of ‘interiors’
a bit more (although design can be everything
– and often designers do veer off the core subject [what is that core subject
anyway?]). Sometimes I think they were
discussing amongst themselves rather than including us; the audience. But I did
find a lot of the discussion really interesting in a creative, professional,
social and personal way. I think there could have been a longer lunch break –
but I guess not everyone was travelling from Coventry..! So hats off to you!
A really positive ad-hoc1 moment took place after the event, outside the
ICA where a brief, yet lively debate within our own group took place. Next time
we will plan an after-event.. where we can continue discussions. It’s a healthy
part of design education (and life) – to hear and see, be critical and realise
that even from speakers/people that may not make a lot of sense to everyone,
there is still some learning that you take with you (even if it is just ‘between
the lines’..!).
I would like you to reflect on the day –
the talks and themes in particular and the discussions between the panel
members after each session. What was your opinion? I realize you did not
perhaps know all that was spoken about (neither did I, fully), in terms of
dates, even centuries and names that were mentioned in a manner ‘as if everyone
should just know this’.. It is a common
format (although I often question this and wonder if the audience could be more
involved, to make it more useful for what otherwise remains a passive audience.
It’s good to ask questions. Next time, think of interesting things that are
said (or anything you want clarified or ask about) and ask a question at the
QandA (question and answers) afterwards. Often this is a brief moment, so be
prepared to grab the opportunity and put your hand up. I had many questions
today, and kind of kick myself now that I didn’t ask them (and sometimes I have
to learn to just listen) – but I probably would have caused a riot if I had
asked all that was on my mind. So, indeed, sometimes, it is also wise just to
listen and learn.."
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1 ad hoc
ˌad ˈhäk/
adjective & adverb
adjective: ad hoc; adverb: ad
hoc; adjective: adhoc
formed, arranged, or done for a
particular purpose only.
