The Semiotics
Of Materials
Material Research, Publication Layout
Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their uses or interpretations.
While studying at Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University, I took a course that looked into exploring the semiotics of materials.
We were challenged with designing a modular shape as a group. We then created a mould that could be used to form these modular shapes in concrete. We were also given a list of words which would inform our individual decisions regarding different aggregates and pouring methods. After pouring all the concrete, we each created books that showed our entire process and explained the logic behind our decision making.
As someone who had previously only dabbled in the hands-on approach to 3D design, this was an exciting and informative activity. I was able to allow myself the space for pure experimentation and managed to create some very poetic final pieces all while discovering the advantages and limitations of the concrete itself. We were given a basic recipe to mix our concrete from and encouraged to alter it as we saw fit for the aggregates being used.
Each block was approximately 5 inches by 5 inches with a 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch cube removed from two opposing corners. My aggregate choices ranged from a few drops of acrylic paint to multiple bags of cotton balls. I added a single piece of string to one and used the concrete as a way to encase several dozen bells in another.
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In creating the layout of the final process book at the end of the project, I tried to allow these experimental objects to stand alone as a way for each of them to show off their unique personalities. As we were given a base recipe to mix our concrete from, I also wanted to highlight how I had altered the recipe as an explanation for each different look that these blocks were displaying.
Overall, I learned how to better communicate my ideas in the 3D realm of design as well as understand the language and jargon in discussing 3D design, space, and materiality.
