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]
- 5 Jun 2013: Matt Hall from OBSTRUCTURES recently traveled to Sweden to research the architecture of Bernt Nyberg and Sigurd Lewerentz. The photography from this trip can be viewed here.
- 4 Jun 2013: We have a new web shop up and running now.
- 25 Mar 2013: A limited pre-production run of our PRY/OPEN tools has been completed. This will be the last run that has the edges hand-ground.
- 12 Feb 2013: The Kickstarter campaign for the Aluminum Plate Wallet System has ended and we have recieved many requests about ordering wallets. In mid March we plan to have both wallets and the PRY/OPEN tools in stock and for sale on this site so please check back with us.
- 28 Dec 2012: Obstructures has unleashed its first Kickstarter campaign for the Aluminum "Plate Wallet" System. Refinements have been made to the existing designs and even more options will soon be available. We have limited stock from our pre-production run. The model designations have changed and what is currently the "A1" will be discountinued and re-dubbed the "A3" with a relocated bottle opener and an optional third plate. Visit the project page if you have interest in ordering one of the first designs.
- 5 Nov 2012: Aluminum Plate Wallets now shipping in various finishes from raw aluminum to the flattest black. New PRY/OPEN Tools are are completed and shipping in two sizes. Contact us for more info.
- 28 Oct 2012: Aluminum Plate Wallets are in the works and all four sizes are shipping now in raw or bead-blasted aluminum. Hard-coat tool anodization is in the works. We are working on quite a few other designs involving laser cut aluminum and rubber o-rings. More to follow on this soon.
- 4 Oct 2012: The pry/open pocket tool is currently sold out. Our fourth run is in production with minor revisions. We will also be adding a new compact version of the tool as well as a line of aluminum wallets. Check back in a week or so for more details.
- 26 Sep 2012: A write up on the pry/open tool by has been featured on the “Every Day Carry” gear blog: http://gear.everydaycarryblog.com/ Great site for interesting design and kit.
- 14 Jul 2012: The pry/open pocket tool is now available for $35 shipped domestically. If you often need to pry, open, or simply like an organized pocket it might be for you. It is also an excellent excuse to carry around a 3/16” shank of sandblasted stainless.
- 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