Interactive Institute at the Nordic Design Research conference

The Interactive Institute has made substantial contributions – in organizing and presenting research – at the 3rd Nordic Design Research conference! NORDES 2009 ‘Engaging Artifacts’ was held in Oslo, Norway, hosted by the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, between August 30 and September 1, 2009.

As research contributions from the institute, one full paper was presented (Symbiots: Conceptual Interventions into Urban Energy Systems by Jenny Bergström, Ramia Mazé, Johan Redström, and Anna Vallgårda) and one workshop held (Engaging Artifacts in Cultural Heritage by Dagny Stuedahl, Marjo Mäenpää, and Halina Gottlieb) – abstracts and links to download the contributions are below!

In addition, researchers from the Interactive Institute took part in organizing the conference. Johan Redström (the Interactive Institute’s Design Director) is on the NORDES board, and both he and Ramia Mazé (from the institute’s Design Research Unit) were on the program committee. Ramia Mazé was a session chair and participated in the final panel discussion – in the board meeting following the conference, she was nominated to be a program co-chair for NORDES 2011, to be held in Helsinki, Finland. Loove Broms and Karin Ehrnberger (PhD students who are engaged in research at the institute’s Energy Design studio) also attended the conference.


ABSTRACTS OF RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS


Symbiots: Conceptual Interventions into Urban Energy Systems
Jenny Bergström, Ramia Mazé, Johan Redström, Anna Vallgårda
Abstract: Symbiots set out to examine values such as ease-of-use, comfort, and rationality assumed within conventions of ‘good design’, in order to expose issues related to energy consumption and current human- (versus eco-) centered design paradigms. Exploring re-interpretations of graphical patterns, architectural configurations and electrical infrastructure typical in Swedish cities, Symbiots takes the form of a photo series in the genre of contemporary hyper-real art photography. Painting a vivid picture of alternatives to current local priorities around energy consumption, the three design concepts depicted are strangely familiar, alternatively humorous and sinister.
More info: here

Engaging Artifacts in Cultural Heritage
Dagny Stuedahl, Marjo Mäenpää, Halina Gottlieb
Abstract: Artefacts and objects have an important position in museums and cultural heritage institutions. Here artefacts are the authentic objects which audience could have an experience of historical phenomena or of art works. Digital media and communication technologies bring new perspectives into the field that involves new practices both among the audience and visitors and among the different departments of the institutions. Well-designed, inclusive artefacts could increase accessibility and participation in various ways in cultural heritage issues. The workshop will explore various ways of building engagement with cultural heritage issues and sites.
More info: here