The Agency of Objects: How Materiality Shapes Educational Spaces
The physical elements within a learning environment possess an inherent agency that actively influences pedagogical approaches and student experiences, moving beyond a purely human-centric design perspective.
Educational Philosophy and Theory · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Physical objects and spaces in learning environments have an active role in shaping pedagogy.
- 02Rethinking the anthropocentric view of design reveals the power of material elements to influence learning dynamics.
- 03The design of open-plan spaces is intrinsically linked to principals' understanding of 'space' and its pedagogical implications.
Application
Design takeaway
Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design.
How to apply
When designing any space intended for interaction or specific activities, consider how the choice of materials, furniture, and layout can actively shape the user's experience and behaviour, rather than just serving as a static container.
Project actions
- 01When researching your design problem, think about the physical materials and objects involved and how they might be influencing the user.
- 02Consider how the form and properties of your chosen materials could actively contribute to the function of your design, not just its appearance.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Introduces a novel theoretical lens (new materialism) to the study of educational spaces.
- +Connects macro-level policy with micro-level lived experiences.
Limitations
It can be challenging to definitively prove the 'agency' of objects; user perception and interpretation play a significant role.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity is enhanced by its theoretical framework and contextual analysis. Reliability might be a concern due to the qualitative nature of 'conjunctural analysis' and the subjective interpretation of 'agency'.
Think critically
To what extent can the 'agency' of an object be objectively measured, or is it primarily a subjective interpretation of user experience?
Design Principles
"Design environments where the material and spatial elements are understood as active agents that can influence user behaviour and outcomes."
This perspective challenges designers to consider the profound impact of material choices and spatial arrangements not just as passive backdrops, but as active participants in the learning process. Understanding the 'agential nature of matter' allows for the creation of environments that can subtly or overtly guide behaviour, foster specific types of interaction, and enhance educational outcomes.
What This Means for Your Design
The stuff that makes up a room, like the walls, chairs, and tables, actually has a power to change how people learn and teach in that room.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing how the physical form and material properties of your design solution are intended to influence user behaviour or achieve specific functional goals.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2017). Innovative learning environments and new materialism: A conjunctural analysis of pedagogic spaces. Educational Philosophy and Theory. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2017.1298035 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/a242bf9d-6c02-40e0-acf7-499e89156199/the-agency-of-objects-how-materiality-shapes-educational-spaces
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the 'agential nature of matter,' suggesting that the physical components of a design, such as materials and spatial configurations, possess an inherent power to influence user behaviour and experience. This perspective is crucial for understanding how the chosen materials and form of the proposed design solution may actively contribute to its intended function and user interaction.
Source
Educational Philosophy and Theory
Innovative learning environments and new materialism: A conjunctural analysis of pedagogic spaces
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about the agency of objects: how materiality shapes educational spaces?
- Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design. Evidence: Educational Philosophy and Theory (2017).
- Why does "The Agency of Objects: How Materiality Shapes Educational Spaces" matter for design?
- This perspective challenges designers to consider the profound impact of material choices and spatial arrangements not just as passive backdrops, but as active participants in the learning process. Understanding the 'agential nature of matter' allows for the creation of environments that can subtly or overtly guide behaviour, foster specific types of interaction, and enhance educational outcomes.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design.
- What were the main findings?
- Physical objects and spaces in learning environments have an active role in shaping pedagogy.. Rethinking the anthropocentric view of design reveals the power of material elements to influence learning dynamics.. The design of open-plan spaces is intrinsically linked to principals' understanding of 'space' and its pedagogical implications.
- What research method was used?
- Conjunctural analysis informed by spatial practice theories and new materialism..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Educational Philosophy and Theory.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any space intended for interaction or specific activities, consider how the choice of materials, furniture, and layout can actively shape the user's experience and behaviour, rather than just serving as a static container.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis is specific to the context of educational facilities in Aotearoa/New Zealand and may not be directly generalizable without adaptation.
- Is there evidence that agency objects affects design outcomes?
- The study found that the physical components of learning spaces, such as furniture, layout, and materials, are not just passive elements but actively influence how teaching and learning occur, suggesting that designers should consider the inherent 'agency' of these objects. This perspective challenges designers to cons Source: Educational Philosophy and Theory (2017).
- Where does this just passive research apply?
- Educational facilities and policy implementation in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It sits within classic design research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
agency objects design research · evidence on agency objects · does agency objects improve design outcomes · just passive studies for designers · agency objects and just passive findings · classic design research evidence