Local Local: MA proposal outline
- Kristián Karban
- Nov 6, 2020
- 3 min read
I am starting this blog as a part of my Master studies in Product Design at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. The first step, as anyone might have guessed, is to actually come up with a project. Initially, when I was applying for the MA studies, I thought that I will continue developing my Honours project from a different perspective. However, once I started with the master studies and trying to come up with the actual project, I found out that I want to take a dissimilar approach. Rather than again creating a more sculptural and philosophical piece of work, I want to introduce a little bit of commercial world into my creative practice. This does not mean designing another chair, a bottle, or an iron based on the newest technologies and current trends, but to understand how can I apply my creative thinking in such a way that it can be commercially applicable, yet it does encourage critical thinking or at least it highlights important findings of my research. My practice is highly influenced by environmentalism, ecology, ethics and critical approach. I often reference theorists such as Tony Fry, Victor Papanek or Jean Baudrillard, but many others as well. My background is in woodwork, 3D design and volunteering in an environmental student society promoting sustainability and a more responsible lifestyle.
So, what is my plan?
The foundation of my project consists of topics such as regionalism, circular economy, local materials, local production and distribution to local consumption and recycling/disposal. The main aim is simple – creating a pieces or pieces of furniture from materials sourced in Aberdeenshire. Nevertheless, the more complicated and contextual part will enable me to understand how does this product sit within the regional context – where does the material come from, how is it sourced, how is this source maintained, how sustainable the sourcing is, what can be achieved with the materials, how it is produced and consumed, what is the product longevity etc. etc. Eventually, I want to understand the entire cycle of the product and how self-sufficient Aberdeenshire is. What is the scale and sustainability of such a circular cycle within this particular region?
How do I want to achieve this?
The first part of the project is going to be more about searching for information, locating material sources in Aberdeenshire, how much can be sustainably sourced, educating myself in circular economy and understanding the local economy, what is the design market like – what is the demand and what is the potential sale amount.
The second part is going to be more experimental and hands-on; more fun. In this part I will look at the material library and start thinking about their processing and application. How can I shape the material using traditional techniques as well as new technologies? Can I define any limitations and why? Also, I want to consider whether the local material library can be expanded by planting certain plants, tress or sourcing materials via alternative ways, such as collecting driftwood, or other findings on the beach etc.
Lastly, bases on the research and experimentation I want to create a collection of furniture pieces – most likely a lounge style kind of furniture. For example, coffee table, sitting furniture, stools, small cabinets or other. Aesthetically, I want to design the furniture with Aberdeenshire in mind; taking the locality as a source for inspiration.
What will I gain from this project?
By taking this brief, I will gain a much better and a deeper understanding of how circular economy might be put into practice and the scale of it within Aberdeenshire. It will enable me to research and experiment with the local materials and find ways how to shape it in various ways and look into other possibilities within the Aberdeenshire region and how all of this can be commercially feasible. Gaining this knowledge will undeniably empower my creative practice because I will be able to understand the entire cycle and the processes involved. On top of that, I will gain experience in design from a perspective I have not visited yet and it might lead me into creating my own studio that will follow the boundaries I have outlined in this post.
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