Astrid Schwarz and Dr. Baruch Gottlieb at the beginning of winter semester might have expected a lot from the course, but maybe not that their research and learning would move from the seminar room to the museum.
The seminar started as most do with the exploration of different theories and concepts. In order to appropriately approach the topic and increase awareness of new perspectives, it was necessary to actually encounter the things being studied.
That is best done practically through thought experiments and discussion in the seminar and in group work. Baruch Gottlieb still took it a step further. The exhibition opening was set for January 24, , giving the students precious time to work on the project and thinking further. During this time, the objects continually changed. The museum then became a place of encouraged interaction, and the exhibition became a research space.
Exhibition visitors discussed the conditions and possibilities around smartphone manufacture, purchases, waste, and repair. An exchange in practice and theory, of knowledge, repair techniques, opinions and positions was expressly desired and encouraged. On January 21 and 22 the time had come: in an empty, angled room stood a few tables, stools, and mannequins, where an open place for research was created.
Each team was given a work area, which was designed and prepared according to the respective project, where groups could continue their research in the weeks to come. A large globe constructed by students was set up, mannequins were dressed, and two work spaces were prepared with a computer and folders full of relevant literature.
