Words, Images, and Rhetoric. Communication and Production of Knowledge by Design

Paper in proceeding, 2009

Words, images, and models are used in order to grasp the often chaotic world. Here the verbal is regarded as the most appropriate way to communicate and also produce scientific knowledge, and the role of the visual, tactile and images in science is often neglected. Rhetoric is of great importance within architectural practice, for presenting good arguments for proposals, both verbally and visually, but it is also an important part in the processes of designing and communication. There is inherently rhetorical dimensions in all design thinking, but the rhetoric based on the good argumentation is central to all knowledge as well. The paper deals with the questions of the role of images, models, physical making and rhetoric within scientific thinking, production of knowledge and exploration of design solutions as well as in communication of knowledge and findings.