Given the rise of smart materials (e.g., thermochromic, piezoelectric, and shape-memory alloys), do you think architecture, design, and art education should include basic material science courses? Why or why not? How do you define material intelligence? What does it mean to truly understand a material—its history, process, function, and emotional impact? Should material intelligence be a fundamental part of contemporary creative education?
- I believe that art education should include basic material science courses because art does involve math and sciences. I feel like with new media alone we have to relearn things back from elementary school with protons and neutrons and all these equations. It is good to have reminders with these previously taught courses. Additionally, it will be good since it is in university so we can dive into it deeper.
How do materials affect well-being? Some research suggests that materials directly impact human psychology (e.g., warm materials promote relaxation, transparent materials create openness, acoustically absorbent materials reduce stress). Should artists and designers have a deeper understanding of material psychology?
- Materials affect well-being by the way it is presented like how many artworks have an affect on people. I don’t think it is necessary to have a deeper understanding of material psychology unless it is up to the artist to do so. It does depend on what the artist wants to convey and how they want to present it. If the artist wants to look into trying to make their art piece to have an impact then they can research material psychology.