C.D.C BLOG WEEK 10: Design Culture & Design in Ireland

This week we looked at what drives a design culture and how does a design culture evolve. Does Ireland have a design culture and if so, what it is?

We began the class discussing the influence of culture in elation to design

‘Traditionally, Culture is referred to

as a pattern that signifies human

activity manifested by the arts,

music, sculpture, theatre, dance,

film, fashion, design, food and

architecture’ David Carlson

it was interesting to look into the aspect that culture and a designers cultural background can be a huge focus or driving point of theme of design. Researching during our podcast brought us face to face with an example of culture in design especially Dubai.my teammate Dylan’s focus point on middle eastern designer Aljoud Lootah At the core of her practice is a desire to safeguard tradition, heritage and craftsmanship through modern interpretations.

Shes also quoted saying “Traditions need to be safeguarded at a time when everything is rapidly changing. I am not against change, but we need to remind ourselves of our roots and not forget where we originate from and who we are.” Something I fully support I myself feel strongly about the preservation of my own Irish culture especially our native language, having tattoos in the Irish language myself.

Aljoud Lootah creates by mixing traditional silhouettes and concepts with modern elements. Patterns, folds, and geometric shapes are all a big part of her inspiration. When designing products, Lootah looks to interpret the Emirati culture, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design. This really links backs to the beginning of our class and could recognise the parallels.

An example of another culture with evident design features would be Scandinavian culture particularly the furniture comprised of gentle geometry the primarily wooden based products boast clean lines with bold shapes. Simple and well made with natural environmental themes and tones. Ikea probably springing to mind in relation to the country as well.

We were set than the task of analysis irish design and seeing if our culture as well left its mark and can be seen today. On my consideration of this topic I came to the realisation Ireland doesn’t have a predominant tone. However there does seem to be factors that tie Ireland to have a theme of rugged natural design standing out. The wooden pieces of

Joseph walsh or wooden structure of odonnel toumey . there’s also a significant style in animation the book of kells and breadwinner both animated shorts that display such styles.

Ireland seems to emanate theme of nature perhaps its our old fashioned reputation as a farming country we are known as the emerald isle for the fact our environment is such a vibrancy of green and growth. Perhaps this too helps form the flow of design in style.

While im confident Irish culture influences as design as all countries are by there own. I feel its not as evident or in place on the world stage in comparison to other places, weather the subjugation of our people or the active aggression by invading forces to supress our culture in the past has a play on this may be a possibility.