In The Aesthetics of Imagination in Design; Mads Folkmann investigates design in both material and immaterial terms. Design objects; Folkmann argues; will always be dual phenomena -- material and immaterial; sensual and conceptual; actual and possible. Drawing on formal theories of aesthetics and the phenomenology of imagination; he seeks to answer fundamental questions about what design is and how it works that are often ignored in academic research. Folkmann considers three conditions in design: the possible; the aesthetic; and the imagination. Imagination is a central formative power behind the creation and the life of design objects; aesthetics describes the sensual; conceptual; and contextual codes through which design objects communicate; the concept of the possible -- the enabling of new uses; conceptions; and perceptions -- lies behind imagination and aesthetics. The possible; Folkmann argues; is contained as a structure of meaning within the objects of design; which act as part of our interface with the world. Taking a largely phenomenological perspective that reflects both continental and American pragmatist approaches; Folkmann also makes use of discourses that range from practice-focused accounts of design methodology to cultural studies. Throughout; he offers concrete examples to illustrate theoretical points. Folkmanns philosophically informed account shows design -- in all its manifestations; from physical products to principles of organization -- to be an essential medium for the articulation and transformation of culture.
#2962218 in eBooks 2005-05-13 2005-05-13File Name: B00C9F0TS2
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. More for high end work.By Mac MarToo in-depth for me. If you are already a professional and need some help for high end customers then this might be your book. I was looking for something to help me with run length; transformer placement; voltage drop calculations; and the more common dos and donts.86 of 86 people found the following review helpful. expert opinionBy Joseph T. MasciottiStill the best book for the professional. Invaluable resource for architects; landscape architects and landscape lighting designers. Broad and deep with plenty of technical information. I purchased this book in 1992 and I bought it again today (an electrician friend "lost" my original copy). A second edition (if planned) should include better information about transformer regulation (the ability of a low voltage lighting transformer to maintain 12v under load) and voltage drop (the dreaded decrease in voltage through the main supply cable) which are presented as formulae rather than actual measurements. Great photographs mostly of large scale projects. This book should be in every outdoor lighting designers library.There is a second edition (Wiley 2005) of the book revised and updated by the author to reflect changes and improvements in techniques and equipment. The second edition is easily recognized by the illustrated four color cover; the original had an illustrated dust cover (missing from the last run of the first edition) by the cover itself was plain black.I have both editions and consider them a bargain in terms of concentrated relevant information.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A painstakingly detailed approachBy njThe book gives a well documented narrative about landscape lighting design process. One can easily see authers vast on hand experience in small details. Through case studies one can discover a tried and tested method she has been practicing. It gives really indepth view on not only design and installaiton but also maintenance and common faults. It would have been perfect if there would have been an inclusion of LED technology in lamp; luminaire and practise section. And how she manages lighting power guidelines with conventional technology of halogen. Overall I would say this as an essential reading book for landscape lighting.