Interrogative Design Workshop

As taught in: Fall 2005

The Utterlounge by Kate James.

Kate James' final project, the Utterlounge, is a chaise lounge designed with an attached sound conduit. (Image courtesy of Kate James.)

Instructors:

Prof. Krzysztof Wodiczko

MIT Course Number:

4.370

Level:

Graduate

Course Features

Course Description

"Parrhesia" was an Athenian right to frank and open speaking, the right that, like the First Amendment, demands a "fearless speaker" who must challenge political powers with criticism and unsolicited advice. Can designer and artist respond today to such a democratic call and demand? Is it possible to do so despite the (increasing) restrictions imposed on our liberties today? Can the designer or public artist operate as a proactive "parrhesiatic" agent and contribute to the protection, development and dissemination of "fearless speaking" in Public Space?