Research by design: honouring the Stolen Generation a theoretical anti-memorial

Abstract

This paper discusses theoretical design frameworks and research methods for contemporary memorial design. It is a case study for research by design, an expanding area of design discourse, which offers an alternative to quantitative research practices and 'scientific' methodologies. It expands upon a design research studio, which explored formal design outcomes for an anti-memorial to The Stolen Generation. This essay focuses on ideas about progressive memorial design which prompts multiple readings of issues; politically, socially, and physically. Finally, it asserts that anti-memorial design must address ephemeral conditions of site and culture as well as challenge ideas about collective memory.