Abstract
This paper describes an interpretive framework that can be applied to the history of materials in the modern era based on a triad of critical terms: fabrication, application and appreciation. Fabrication deals with the initial stages in the life cycle of materials. It refers to the extraction, refining and preparation of materials for initial use. Application deals with transformation of materials into products. Appreciation deals with the reception of materials by the entire community of users who come into contact with the material. In contrast to deterministic approaches to materials, the framework described here accepts the problematic nature of materiality in the modern era and allows historians and designers to integrate perspectives and methodologies from a variety of disciplines.
Citation
Doordan, D. (2002) An interpretive framework for research on the history of materials, in Durling, D. and Shackleton, J. (eds.), Common Ground - DRS International Conference 2002, 5-7 September, London, United Kingdom. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2002/researchpapers/22
An interpretive framework for research on the history of materials
This paper describes an interpretive framework that can be applied to the history of materials in the modern era based on a triad of critical terms: fabrication, application and appreciation. Fabrication deals with the initial stages in the life cycle of materials. It refers to the extraction, refining and preparation of materials for initial use. Application deals with transformation of materials into products. Appreciation deals with the reception of materials by the entire community of users who come into contact with the material. In contrast to deterministic approaches to materials, the framework described here accepts the problematic nature of materiality in the modern era and allows historians and designers to integrate perspectives and methodologies from a variety of disciplines.