Digital Commons Network^™

Material Knowledge: Unlocking The Research Potential Of The ‘Micro’ Architectural Practice, Ewen Mclachlan

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

Materiality is the medium through which architecture engages most directly with its inhabitants, via their sensory and perceptual faculties. Current understandings of the physical traits, symbolic potential and poetic qualities of constructional materials benefit from earlier theoretical and empirical investigations. Such explorations continue through the work of contemporary architecture practices, particularly at the early design stage of projects and during the building process, when material investigations are undertaken as a matter of course. In the UK, small practices (5 or fewer staff) comprise the majority of the profession, so their collective work can be expected to contain a significant proportion …

Digital Crafting In The Field Of Ceramics, Flemming Tvede Hansen, Henrik Leander Evers, Martin Tamke

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

This article aims to discuss and explore how craft knowledge in the field of ceramics can be utilized through digital technologies. Based on a set of experiments, which led to the development of a computational system that negotiates between the movement of the designer’s hands and the 3d clay printing, we propose to leave thinking in diametric positions about technology and craft. Instead, we recommend to see technology as an enabling force and follow McCullough’s (1998) idea about a close connection between digital work and craft practice. We base this on similarities we find between the way custom digital design …

A Framework For Materials Knowledge Acquisition For Designers, Anders Haug

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

Knowledge of materials is essential for designers in many regards. Materials affect how a product will be manufactured and how it will function, as well as the usability and personality of the product. However, existing materials are subject to ongoing changes in availability, processing methods, price and attributed meanings, and new materials are constantly being developed. Thus, designers continuously need to acquire new materials knowledge to be able to produce designs that utilise available material possibilities and achieve the desired user experiences. That makes it relevant to understand how this materials knowledge can be acquired. To provide designers and design …

Madec: Exploring New Methodologies To Transfer Material Knowledge Into Design Disciplines, Chiara Lecce

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

Due to the increased complexity of materials and production processes, the responsibility of the development of a design is often left in the hands of technicians and production personnel. This lack of knowledge about materials thus effectively creates a barrier between the designer and the product. Bridging this gap represents a challenge to designers and especially to the design schools. (Bak-Andersen 2013, p.69) Designers cannot know everything but they can open their minds and develop a more conscious understanding of this new field of design practice starting from a cultural point of view. MADEC is a research group based in …

Materia Prima: The Rough Guide, Megan Walch

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

This paper describes a suite of ten paintings titled The Rough Guide and discusses them as an alternative form of cartography that maps subjectivity in flux. It is an autoethnographic account of the material performativity of paint and the interplay between base materiality, chemical interactions and my improvised embodied action. This echoes the ancient alchemical practice where transformation of substance became transformation of self: in alchemy the perfection of Man was aimed at unity with Divine nature. The Rough Guide suite forms the central component of a studio based PhD investigation titled Viscosity, Fluidity, Plasticity: Reworking Pictorial Conventions in Paint, …

Choreography Of Surface Materiality From Nature, Culture, And Time, Yandi Andri Yatmo, Paramita Atmodiwirjo, Ghofar Rozaq Nazila

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

This paper proposes the emergence of surface materiality of architecture from nature, culture and time. The emergence of surface from the choreography of nature, culture and time offers an understanding of surface materiality beyond the common, modern building materiality. A case of design research project in the context of a natural site with challenging topography illustrates the process of generating various forms of architectural surfaces from the elements of nature and culture, articulated with the elements of time. The process of choreographing the elements of nature, culture and time becomes more important than just the physical crafting or constructing of …

Exploring The Relationship Between Material And Textile Structure In Creating Changing Textile Expressions, Riikka Talman

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

This paper explores the relationship between potentially dynamic materials and textile structures for designing textiles with inherent changing qualities. Textiles are usually designed to retain their appearance for as long as possible. Yet all textiles wear out and change over time, both physically and aesthetically. This means the life spans of textile object and the material it is made from will not necessarily be equal. The dynamic changeable qualities in textiles could instead be enhanced by using the potentially dynamic, changing qualities inherent to materials and combining them with textile structures. Through contextualisation and design examples, this paper discusses the …

Materials, Time And Emotion: How Materials Change In Time?, Eline Nobels, Francesca Ostuzzi, Marinella Levi, Valentina Rognoli, Jan Detand

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

During their lifecycle, objects shift from their initial state of perfection, in which they are conceived by designers and industrial production, and approach an imperfect status. This is shown by changes that impact shape, surface and material properties, due to usage and time. In this paper we focus on the passage of time and its consequences. For some materials ageing is negatively addressed as decaying, for other ones it may have a positive effect to be defined as evolution or maturation. What are the factors that lead to a positive or a negative perception of ageing objects? In other words, …

Processes Of Artefact Creation In The Hybrid-Reality Engaging With Materials Through Material Oxymorons, Laura Ferrarello, William Fairbrother

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

Yet the nature of all these things must of course be physical since otherwise they could not impress our senses —for impression means touch, and touch means the touch of bodies. Lucrezio, "De Rerum Natura" The materiality of things represents the connection between our bodies and the physical world. However, in recent years, with the overlay of a new digital reality onto the existing physical one, materiality has extended its domain of existence into the virtual world through haptic technologies. The sense of touch is no longer restricted to a physical contact with any kind of "thing" existing in our …

Service Prototyping And Organizational Transformation: Playing With The Potential Problems And Solutions, Jaana HyväRinen, Tuuli MattelmäKi

Experiential Knowledge (EKSIG) Conference Series

The purpose of this paper is to explore small-scale service prototyping as a tool and a process for developing and implementing service concepts and initiating transformation in the involved public service organization(s) simultaneously. The paper describes a municipality initiated service design case and reflects on the prototyping process and findings. The paper focuses on the use of service prototyping in developing ‘social emergency’ services for families with children. The case illustrates how service prototyping and tangible prototype may establish a connection between front-stage and back-stage transformation both at operational and strategic levels. The findings explicate how the collaborative service prototyping …

Complete Volume (40)

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Complete digitized volume (volume 40) of Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal.

Understanding Proxemics Through Restrooms: A "Hands-Off" Approach To Personal Space And Communication, Joshua Westwick

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Numerous methods of teaching nonverbal communication have been well documented in the literature. However, some instructors may struggle to create transformative learning experiences for their students. This teaching activity provides a creative and original way for students to discuss nonverbal communication, specifically proxemics, in a fun, engaging, and memorable learning experience. This exercise asks the learners to reflect upon a previous experience with using a public restroom, critically reflect upon that experience individually, engage in classroom discourse about the experience, and take action by being aware of the space and territoriality choices they make. Students have responded positively to the …

Doubling Down On Student Discussion: A Simple Technique For Increased Involvement, J. Jacob Jenkins

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Objectives

1. Students will actively participate in classroom discussion.

2. Students will learn to not “over share,” allowing opportunities for others to speak.

3. Students will be accountable for the material discussed in class.

The Art Of Making Conversation: Learning The Skills Small Talk, Kelly L. Mckay-Semmler, Shane Semmler

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Although “small talk” is often dismissed as trifling and superficial communication, the ability to converse comfortably with potential relational partners in initial interpersonal encounters is foundational to building closer relationships. In this assignment, students enhance their interpersonal communication competence through the application of six small talk guidelines in two peer-to-peer conversations and in a capstone conversation with the instructor one-on-one. This assignment is appropriate for a variety of communication courses, including the basic course, interpersonal communication, and courses in professional communication, as it develops students’ skills in active listening, self-disclosure, nonverbal immediacy, and anxiety/uncertainty management in interpersonal communication with strangers.

Unanswered Prayers: A Study Of Apologia For God In The Matter Of Prayer, Dann L. Pierce Esq., Bohn D. Lattin

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Many Christian writers and thinkers take up the vexing issue of unanswered prayer and thereby use various rhetorical strategies to address the intersection of pertinent teaching about prayer, and the disjunctive, problematic life experiences concerning the experience of unanswered pray-er. Our investigation uses the ancient rhetorical genre of apologia as a lens to better understand the tactics and stances taken up by those who seek to guide members of faith communities toward reconciliation between perceived biblical teaching and actual life experiences concerning unan-swered prayer. Our study incorporates an analysis of both the formal and conceptual strategies utilized by rhetors who …

A Superpower Apologizes? President Clinton’S Address In Rwanda, Jason A. Edwards, Thomasena Shaw

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The failure to intervene in Rwanda was one of the greatest foreign policy mishaps of Bill Clinton’s presidency. In March 1998, Clinton made an extended tour of the African subcontinent with a stop in Rwanda. During his brief visit, the president attempted to repair the image of the United States among Rwandans and the broader international community. Clinton used three primary image repair strategies: democratization of blame, corrective action, and transcend-ence. Despite his emphasis on the important lessons that the world could learn from the Rwan-dan genocide, we argue that his rhetorical choices ultimately undermined his larger mission and led …

Friends "For Good" - Wicked: A New Musical And The Idealization Of Friendship, Valerie Lynn Schrader

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This rhetorical analysis explores the relationship between the two main characters, Elphaba and G(a)linda, in the musical Wicked through the interpersonal communication lens of friendship. This article focuses on the role that friendship plays in the musical and suggests that friendship is a relationship that can be stronger than romantic relationships. Through the application of Rawlins’ work on friendship to the relationship between Elphaba and G(a)linda, this analysis suggests that friendship is the most prominent relationship in Wicked. Wicked offers an im-portant message to theatre-goers: Friendship is something to be valued and cherished.

Central States Communication Association Outstanding State Journal Award, James P. Dimock

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Note from the Editor of CTAMJ, James Dimock.

Front Matter

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Front matter and table of contents for Volume 40 of Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal.

Complete Volume (39)

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Complete digitized volume (volume 39) of Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal.

Understanding Coalition Dynamics: A Role Play Class Activity, Anthony M. Ocaña

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The purpose of this activity is to illustrate the role and challenges of coalitions in group conflict and decision making. In this activity, students take on the roles of organizational members tasked to arrive at consensus, but having different goals, interests, and information that could impact the decision. In discussing this activity experience, instructors can illustrate the six principles of coalitions presented in Wilmot and Hocker’s Interpersonal Conflict text. This activity is applicable to any course that addresses conflict and group interaction, including interpersonal and group communication, organizational and professional communication, family communication, and workplace skills seminars.

Illustrating The Perceptual Process Through A Music Video, Stacey A. Peterson

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This exercise uses a popular music video to illustrate the significant role that perception plays in the communication process. Perception is a continual and active process that impacts how people see their world, themselves, others in it, and the ultimate creation of meaning. By using a music video, students are immediately engaged because it is a medium that they are very familiar with. Upon completion of this activity, students will demonstrate a better understanding of how and why people perceive the same thing(s) in a variety of ways. They will also have a tangible example of the centrality and complexity …

Creating Community Outside Of The Classroom: Strategies For Integrating Second Life Into The Interpersonal Communication Course, Elizabeth Tolman

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The educational opportunities for Second Life across various courses have been well documented in the literature. However, instructors new to teaching online may not have explored Second Life as an instructional resource and may perceive using Second Life as overwhelming. For this assignment, students create an avatar and interact with other avatars in Second Life. This assignment can be used in the online or face-to-face communication course. Second Life provides a context where students can participate in interactions with other avatars, their classmates, and the instructor. Students observe and analyze self-disclosure, interpersonal deception, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and additional interpersonal …

Constructing Space And Time For Work And Family: A Structuration Perspective On Bed And Breakfasts, Jennifer A. Butler, Daniel P. Modaff

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This qualitative study explored how bed and breakfast owners communicatively construct privacy while operating a business out of their personal home. One hundred eighty-two B&B owners from 20 U.S. states and 20 countries responded to an electronic qualitative questionnaire that, in part, explored the issue of privacy. Three themes emerged from the data, including: traditional organizational structures, perception of availability, and banking of time and space. These themes revealed that the owners of the nontraditional businesses relied upon recognizable organizational structures used in more traditional organizations to create and maintain private space and time. They also engaged in communication with …

Mission Statement Creation And Dissemination In Service Organizations: Reaching All Employees To Provide Unified Organizational Direction, Julie L.G. Walker

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Scholars extol the virtues of crafting effective mission statements and the importance of its frequent communication. Especially in nonprofit business settings, mission statements can be an important way to provide goals and purpose for an organization’s staff. Creating and conveying mission statements to unify a staff whose tasks span a broad range is a difficult but important part of visionary leadership. This study explored mission statement dissemination at a university to understand its impact on staff whose tasks included limited academic work with students. Analysis of questionnaires found nonacademic staff members were not exposed to the mission statement often and …

"I'M, Uhh, Sorry": The Influence Of Fluency And Communication Competence On Perceptions Of Apologies, Benjamin W. Chiles, Aileen L.S. Buslig

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This paper reports the results of an experiment that examined the influence of increasing levels of nonfluency in apologies on audience perceptions. The influence of self-perceived communicator competence (SPCC) on perceptions of apologies was also examined. Favorable ratings of apologies decreased as nonfluency increased from low to moderate levels, but then increased as nonfluency increased from moderate to high levels. For high nonfluency apologies, individuals with higher SPCC rated the apology more favorably than did individuals with lower SPCC. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

This House Would Not Mix Burdens: The Conflation Of Fact, Value, And Policy In Npda, Crystal Lane Swift

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This paper explores the dispute in the forensic community over whether there is (or ought to be) a distinction between resolutions of fact, resolutions of value and resolutions of policy. This dispute is informed by philosophical literature on the subject in this paper. The philosophical positions are applied to the dispute in NPDA, and the author sides with the distinction rather than the collapse of the distinction. Theoretical, rhetorical, and pragmatic implications are drawn from the analysis, and pedagogical recommendations are made.

Tornadoes Of Utterances: A Theoretical Approach To Studying Discourse, Power And Knowledge, Terri L. Russ

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This paper expands upon our current understanding of the nexus between discourse and power by presenting an alternative theoretical approach to studying the intertextual workings of various discourses and how they work independently and interdependently to create power. Using Bakhtin’s theories of language, the paper first shows how all discourse is heteroglot and intertextually related to other discourses. The paper then shows how this intertextuality works to increase the connection between discourse, power and knowledge as discussed by Foucault. Taking this knowledge, the tornado model of discourse and power is presented as a theoretical and methodological tool to be used …

Constitutional Rights In Post-9/11 America, Meredith Aby

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

On September 21, 2011, Meredith Aby accepted an invitation to speak on the subject of freedom of speech and association in ten years after 9/11. Her speech, which was sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies at Minnesota State University, the Kessel Peace Institute, and the Mankato Area Activist Collective, is more than a powerful defense of free speech the right to dissent. It is the personal account of an ordinary person of extraordinary conviction—an activist, a mother, a partner, a teacher, and a debate coach—for whom standing up for right to oppose one’s government is more than an abstract …

Front Matter

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Front matter and table of contents for Volume 39 of Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal.