The decay theory of forgetting Decay... The process of decomposition
Plan view of Installation
The installation will be made out of glass pieces suspended on invisible wire. This will give the installation a floating effect. The aim of the installation is to change the perception of the current entrance. By researching into Trace Decay this has infulenced my concept. The new entrance is designed for the user to be engaged for 15-30 seconds as opposed to just walking into the entrance. It is designed to be a journey that the can provoke its own memorys for each user and for them to take from it twhat they will. The shapes of the glass mimic the shapes of the rocks along the River Wear. The design shows the effects of decay and the pyschological theory of forgetting.
by Rosie marsden
At the site visit to The National Glass Museum I had noticed lots of decay to the exterior and also along the River Wear. I wanted to use this as my concept aswel as the idea of memory. I was interested in the way the site had changed over time and how it was shown through the decay. I found the decaying patterns and textures interesting and wanted to research futhur into the concept of decay. I found a link with memory and decay within the pyschological term ‘The Decay Theory of Forgetting’.
Section AA
keywords...
Decay Fade Displace Dismantle Corrode Trace Decay theory
proposes that memory fades due to the mere passage of time. Information is therefore less avaliable for later retrieval as time passes and memory aswel as memory strength wears away. The explanation of forgetting in short term memory assumes that memories leave a trace in the brain. A trace is some form of physical and/or chemical change in the nervous system. Trace decay theory states that forgetting occurs as a result of the automatic deay or fading of the memory trace/ Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory. This theory suggests short term memory can only hold information for between 15-30 tseconds unless it is rehearsed. After this time the information/ trace decay fades away. I wanted my installation to hold the user for at least 15 seconds instead of walking straight to the entrance. I want the installation to provoke the users memories that they may have forgotten about. The memories could be brought on through the colours, lighting, materials, shapes and atmosphere.
Retrieval Failure Theory
means information in the long term memory cannot be accessed but it in there. Such information is stored but not accessible. t I have shown the concept of retrieval failure theory in some of my workshop experiments. This is shown photographic memories and decaying objects encased in resin which has similar properties to glass.
From my poem that I wrote as part of the design research I have decided that the focal point of my design will be displayed through the use of the colour blue. This will be how I have shown my own memories protected through glass with the concept of retrieval failure of the memory. The colour blue is also relatable to any user. This will trigger memories of their own and they wil be able to have their own experience through the installation. It is a calming colour and significant of nature and water which also holds memories of the site as it is positioned along the River Wear.
Forget me not Show me if only for one last time please awaken those forget me not eyes singing softly hoping memories re live come back with me and see the orange skies. I watch across and your there looking back the warmth of your love soaking through the glass no better feeling, your presence. the part of me that dreams to surpass.
1.1 scale Blue glass formed as rock shapes suspended on invisible wire to create a
tunnel. The way the glass is suspended gives a floating effect and the concept of decay is shown through the displacing and eroding of the outer glass forms.
section AA
section view of elevation The installation at night with artificial blue tunnel lighting.
national glass centre