DESIGN IS PROBLEMATIC. Some claim that design is a problem-solving exercise. Obstructures states rather that design is problem-creating. All objects of design are eventual obstructions. Despite even the best of intentions, design ends up in our way.

In order to see design as a problem-solving endeavor, one must ask: is the problem worth solving? Does the world need another variant of whatever archetype? The answer is almost invariably: no. Designers are engaged in a profession that throws things into the world—intending to satisfy the demands of those who request or consume these things, but what of the bystanders? What of the waste products of the consumption?

As humans, we have an insatiable desire to communicate with each other. Design excels at building the necessary containers and conduits for these myriad messages. Obstructures is interested in (1) developing higher signal-to-noise ratios, (2) thereby prolonging meaningful communication, and (3) dying a graceful death once the party is over.

Currently, Obstructures is engaged in the design of indestructable aluminum guitars, occupiable boxes and various other types of spectacles in spatial and graphic form.

Contact us at: [email protected]

  • 26 Jan 2012: VAPID RIGOR, an Obstructures installation opens Friday February 3rd at 6pm. Work will be on display for the month, but the lights will only be out for one night. Following the exhibition will be a performance by NEWBRUTALISM at the Pilot Light.
  • 24 Jan 2012: Obstructure's axonometric calculator is now back on line. Revel once again in the modern ignorance of trigonometry. 
  • 4 Jan 2012: Sounds from the BRUT UNISON bands are now availible on Band Camp to include New Brutalism, Beton Brut, Villa Brut and Soldat Brut. Aluminum instruments in all thier discordant glory. Listen and weep.
  • 4 Jan 2012: University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design summer mini-term: Central European Grand Tour 2012 now open for enrollment. Program will be directed by faculty members Hansjoerg Goeritz and Matt Hall. Program is open to all through the Center for International Education.
  • 3 Jan 2012: Obstructures occasionally wastes time on facebook. For somewhat annoying and obtuse status updates feel free to adore us. To adore is much more serious than to like, and we are dead serious. Clearly.
  • 3 Jan 2012: Obstructures 2.0 is experiencing some minor database issues. If we're here one moment and gone the next, consider it part and parcel of our very dynamic personality.
  • 3 Jan 2012: Obstructures 2.0 is (prematurely) live. 
  • 13 Nov 2011: Drawer House construction documents are well underway. Obstructures personel accross the country toil away in the AM hours to yield results.
  • 26 Jul 2011: While it is unclear what the composition of the monoliths is, they clearly have mass, which is about the only observation that can be made