Sytten

Field Study Reflection #2 Danish Design Center Exhibit: It's a Small World.

3. Critique the exhibit as a whole in relation to the same goal/thesis that all the works in the exhibit are subjected to. For example: Do you feel the exhibit as a whole is successful in re-defining and/or expanding the role that design plays as a means of solving problems in a world with global challenges? Moreover, ask/answer: Why this topic for an exhibit in DDC at this time in DD history? Is it all just Propaganda + Branding? Or is this truly forward thinking/making? Does the exhibit itself embody the ideas&ideals that it preaches, or does it stay within an older, prevailing model of ‘design’? Is the exhibit itself —and as a whole— to be seen/experienced as ‘Dansk Design’? Is it an open & interdisciplinary platform for a new design debate? Do you feel that the exhibit inspires visitors (you), and influences the definitions of ‘design’ towards a sustainable future? Etc…

The stated goal thesis of It's a Small World is as follows "The exhibition ”it’s a small” explores new perspectives in Danish design, craft, and architecture. With a focus on Sustainability, Human Scale, New Craftmanship and Non-Standardised Praxis, the exhibition challenges the traditional role of the designer. Six interdisciplinary scenarios seek a new relevancy for design - in the world. The exhibit was a great exploration of different facets of contemporary Danish design and where design is perhaps going in the future. The exhibit showed design elements from a documentation of a bike-side exploration through Kobenhavn's streets to that of furniture design and also hybrid plug in cars. Each piece in the exhibit was accompanied by an explanation of the piece and each encouraged viewers to participate. I will come back to the participation factor as my main discussion point in a bit. It was great to see a wide variety of design elements such as the BIG architectural movies as well as the furniture designs by Cecelie Manz and Louise Campbell. I think it is an appropriate time for any design center anywhere to address sustainability as an important factor in contemporary design movements...it is our future and creating a sense of awareness through exhibits is not only thought provoking but allows the common person, unaware of sustainable initiatives a chance to explore design choices they make in their own lives...which cars to buy, which furniture to sit in, which home they make and chose for their family, which mode of transportation they take to work etc.

When we visited in a group of 4 we found ourselves having an extremely enjoyable time in the exhibit. We spent quite a lot of time on swings and running through the car-wash strips like we were children. We sat and watched an anonymous biker travel through the streets of Kobenhavn entirely entranced by the setting and mood of the video...it was almost as though we were on the bike ride and though the streets were familiar we walk them rather then bike them...it made the idea of biking seem welcoming and somehow more intriguing then our daily walks to class.  The text placed around the exhibit was put in lame-mans terms so that everyone can understand the meaning of the pieces and design intents.

The title of the exhibit I feel holds a certain meaning that could be over looked very easily. When I think "Small world" that means "Big role" for an individual. While we are all part of this large place...the idea that the world isn't all that big gives each individual the idea that they can play an important part. If as a global society we will ever get on board with sustainable initiatives and life styles everyone needs to feel that they are playing an important role in changing our world. If it is truly a "Small world" that we live in we can each participate in an important global change. The idea that we can all participate in this is intertwined with the greater idea behind the DDC exhibit. I thought it was great that the viewer is encouraged to watch movies, to use cards to start movies, to sit on the furniture, to play on the swings and to use the space as a tool of education. When giving the viewer this option they become an important part of the design exhibit on the smaller scale, and on the large scale their eyes are opened to options in which they may partake in the future. If the designed elements were behind bars in caged in glass the viewer would feel that they designs are not applicable or approachable by themselves. It is important they viewer sees and approaches these designs as accessible amenities and tools to aid their daily lives.

Furthermore the idea that the viewer can access these designs is what traditional Danish design strives to achieve... good design for the masses. So perhaps maybe their will be wide shift in the future as to what is considered good design. Maybe the "Small World" exhibit is laying out the foundations for structure for what we can expect to see in the future. While in the DDC we became an important part of the exhibit just as we will all individually play big roles in transforming the design methods towards sustainability in the future.I felt the exhibit inspired subtly. Rather then smacking one if the face with what should and shouldn't be done in the future it gently allowed the visitor to experience design ideas and take from the exhibit what one wanted. Personally I left with a paper Dansk flag and a bruise on my shin from the swing...but also a feeling of interest. I generally get quite bored in museum exhibits and feel restless in a space for two long. This exhibit captured my attention and held a variety of information that was applicable to many facets of life. I think it was for sure successful in its attempt to see the relevancy of sustainable design for the world, and more importantly the common person.