Available online
Description
In picking out two of the "designers", whose work is analysed in the course unit, the programme aims to give the student an opportunity to form his own ideas on the nature of design. Hav...ing seen the programme the student should be able to distinguish between the intuitive and rational approaches of these two, backing his statements by observations as to the different nature of their tasks, training, tools, their awareness of the design process, working environment and product. Richard McCormick, a one time architect for the London Borough of Merton, describes his role in a team designing a housing estate at Pollards Hill. Outside Broadcast cameras show the shape and atmosphere of his product. Animated sketches reconstruct his design thinking, still photographs glimpse at his working environment, and he talks to Nigel Cross about the nature of the design process. In sharp contrast, 82 year old Albert Craven, demonstrates his deep understanding of steel by forging knife blades, as he has done since the age of 13. At the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, still run by Sheffield Museums, he is seen at his craft in an original master's forge, and tells Nigel Cross about the coordination of eye and hand needed to produce consistent blades without measurement or any tool other than a hammer. The programme should make fascinating viewing for a casual non-student audience, no technical knowledge is required. Because of the craft nature of Albert Craven's work, the material is of archival interest.
In picking out two of the "designers", whose work is analysed in the course unit, the programme aims to give the student an opportunity to form his own ideas on the nature of design. Hav...ing seen the programme the student should be able to distinguish between the intuitive and rational approaches of these two, backing his statements by observations as to the different nature of their tasks, training, tools, their awareness of the design process, working environment and product. Richard McCormick, a one time architect for the London Borough of Merton, describes his role in a team designing a housing estate at Pollards Hill. Outside Broadcast cameras show the shape and atmosphere of his product. Animated sketches reconstruct his design thinking, still photographs glimpse at his working environment, and he talks to Nigel Cross about the nature of the design process. In sharp contrast, 82 year old Albert Craven, demonstrates his deep understanding of steel by forging knife blades, as he has done since the age of 13. At the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, still run by Sheffield Museums, he is seen at his craft in an original master's forge, and tells Nigel Cross about the coordination of eye and hand needed to produce consistent blades without measurement or any tool other than a hammer. The programme should make fascinating viewing for a casual non-student audience, no technical knowledge is required. Because of the craft nature of Albert Craven's work, the material is of archival interest.
| Module code and title: | T100, The man-made world: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T100; 33; 1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Colin Robinson |
| Contributors: | Albert Craven; Nigel Cross; Rich(Richard) McCormick |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Animated sketches; Architecture; Craftmanship; Designers; Knife forging |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72200 |
| Production number: | 00525_5197 |
| Videofinder number: | 2179 |
| Available to public: | no |
