WE DON'T DESIGN Semantic Ontology
type: Ontology
version IRI: https://wedontdesign.com/ontology/1.1.1
prior version: https://wedontdesign.com/ontology/1.0.0
comment: Formal ontology of the WE DON'T DESIGN thought system. A semantic knowledge graph encoding axioms, conceptual tensions, generative paradoxes, and the un-designed creative process.
creator: Francesco Meneghello
publisher: WE DON'T DESIGN
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
version info: 1.1.1

negates paradigm
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Axiom
range: Traditional Paradigm
comment: The traditional design paradigm this axiom explicitly negates

implies rule
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Axiom
range: Operational Principle
comment: Operational principle derived from this axiom

embodies axiom
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Axiom
comment: Axiom that this work physically manifests

has pole A
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Conceptual Tension
range: Conceptual Pole
comment: First pole of the conceptual tension (thesis)

has pole B
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Conceptual Tension
range: Conceptual Pole
comment: Second pole of the conceptual tension (antithesis)

produces effect
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Conceptual Tension
range: Cognitive Effect
comment: Cognitive/emotional effect produced on the audience

embodies tension
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Conceptual Tension
comment: Conceptual tension this work physically embodies

activates paradox
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Paradox
comment: Paradox this work activates in audience

subverts archetype
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Functional Archetype
comment: Functional archetype this work subverts by negating its primary function

evokes archetype
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Functional Archetype
comment: Functional archetype this work formally evokes

uses material
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Material
comment: Material used in this work

applies subtraction
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Subtraction Type
comment: Type of semantic subtraction applied in this work

stimulates effect
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Cognitive Effect
comment: Cognitive effect this work stimulates in audience

addressed to
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Audience Type
comment: Target audience type for this work

excludes audience
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Anti-Audience Type
comment: Audience type explicitly incompatible with this work

realized by
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Master Craftsman
comment: Master craftsman who physically realized this work

belongs to edition
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Edition
comment: Edition this work belongs to

influenced by
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Cultural Reference
comment: Cultural reference that influenced this work

cites artwork
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Referenced Artwork
comment: Specific artwork explicitly cited or referenced in this work

cites artist
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Reference Person
comment: Artist explicitly cited as influence on this work

dialogues with
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Referenced Artwork
comment: Artwork this work engages in conceptual dialogue with

appropriates gesture
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Movement Principle
comment: Artistic gesture appropriated from a movement or artist

critiques
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Social Phenomenon
comment: Social phenomenon this work critically addresses

requires performative act
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Performative Act
comment: Performative act required for complete fruition of this work

includes activating object
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Activating Object
comment: Physical object included to activate the work (e.g., hammer)

activates sense
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Human Sense
comment: Human sense engaged by this work

blocks sense
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Human Sense
comment: Human sense intentionally blocked or frustrated by this work

has fruition mode
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Fruition Mode
comment: Required mode of experiencing this work

created by
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Author
comment: Primary author/creator of this work

co-created by
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Author
comment: Co-author who contributed conceptually to this work

embodies concept
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Work
range: Philosophical Concept
comment: Philosophical concept embodied in this work

has symbolic value
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Material
range: Symbolic Value
comment: Archetypal symbolic meaning of this material

requires technique
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Material
range: CraftTechnique
comment: Craft technique required to work this material

has archetypal function
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Functional Archetype
range: Archetypal Function
comment: Primary function this archetype traditionally fulfills

belongs to movement
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Person
range: Cultural Movement
comment: Cultural movement this person belongs to

has principle
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Cultural Movement
range: Movement Principle
comment: Key principle of this cultural movement

created by artist
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Referenced Artwork
range: Reference Person
comment: Artist who created this referenced artwork

part of movement
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Referenced Artwork
range: Cultural Movement
comment: Movement this referenced artwork belongs to

wikidata match
type: ObjectProperty
comment: Equivalent or close match in Wikidata

axiom statement
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Axiom
range: string
comment: Textual formulation of the axiom

manifests as
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Conceptual Tension
range: string
comment: How this tension physically manifests in a work

paradox statement
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Paradox
range: string
comment: Verbal formulation of the paradox

archive code
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Unique archive identifier

conception year
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: gYear

edition number
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: integer

edition total
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Total edition size (string to support '1959m' format)

dimensions cm
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string

weight kg
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: decimal

manifesto text
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Conceptual manifesto text for this work

question posed
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: The philosophical question this work poses to the audience

symbolic number
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: integer
comment: Number with symbolic significance in the work

number source
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Cultural source of the symbolic number (e.g., Dante, Manzoni)

number meaning
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Symbolic meaning of the number

edition unit
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Unit of measure for edition (pieces/meters/volume)

minimum unit
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string
comment: Minimum acquirable unit for divisible editions

production location
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Work
range: string

material density
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Material
range: string
comment: Light/Medium/Heavy

material temperature
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Material
range: string
comment: Cold/Neutral/Warm (tactile)

material texture
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Material
range: string
comment: Smooth/Rough/Porous

material reflectivity
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Material
range: string
comment: Matte/Satin/Glossy

material status
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Material
range: string
comment: Humble/Neutral/Noble/Precious

artwork year
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Referenced Artwork
range: gYear

artwork description
type: DatatypeProperty
domain: Referenced Artwork
range: string

Axiom
type: Class
comment: Foundational truth of the WE DON'T DESIGN thought system

Meta-Axiom
type: Class
subclass of: Axiom
comment: Identity axiom defining domain boundaries (who we are / are not)

Operational Axiom
type: Class
subclass of: Axiom
comment: Operational axiom governing creation process (how we create)

Traditional Paradigm
type: Class
comment: Traditional design paradigm that WE DON'T DESIGN axioms negate

Operational Principle
type: Class
comment: Principle derived from axioms that governs creative process

Conceptual Tension
type: Class
comment: Generative binary opposition that creates meaning

Paradox
type: Class
subclass of: Conceptual Tension
comment: Irresolvable conceptual tension creating logical short-circuit

Conceptual Pole
type: Class
comment: One pole of a conceptual tension

Cognitive Effect
type: Class
comment: Cognitive or emotional effect produced on audience

Subtraction Type
type: Class
comment: Type of semantic subtraction in WE DON'T DESIGN methodology

Rejection
type: Class
comment: Explicit rejection of a design approach or value

Material
type: Class
comment: Material used in WE DON'T DESIGN works (physical or conceptual)

Conceptual Material
type: Class
subclass of: Material
disjoint with: Physical Material
comment: Immaterial entities treated as sculptural raw material in WE DON'T DESIGN

Physical Material
type: Class
subclass of: Material
comment: Tangible physical material

Metal
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q11426

Ferrous Metal
type: Class
subclass of: Metal

Non-Ferrous Metal
type: Class
subclass of: Metal

Precious Metal
type: Class
subclass of: Metal

Wood
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q287

European Wood
type: Class
subclass of: Wood

Exotic Wood
type: Class
subclass of: Wood

Modified Wood
type: Class
subclass of: Wood

Stone
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q22731

Marble
type: Class
subclass of: Stone
wikidata match: Q40861

Onyx
type: Class
subclass of: Stone
wikidata match: Q180884

Hard Stone
type: Class
subclass of: Stone

Granite
type: Class
subclass of: Stone
wikidata match: Q41177

Glass
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q11469

Blown Glass
type: Class
subclass of: Glass

Cold Worked Glass
type: Class
subclass of: Glass

Special Glass
type: Class
subclass of: Glass

Crystal
type: Class
subclass of: Glass
comment: High-quality glass with lead content for clarity

Ceramic
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q45621

Low Fire Ceramic
type: Class
subclass of: Ceramic

High Fire Ceramic
type: Class
subclass of: Ceramic

Textile
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q28823

Animal Fiber
type: Class
subclass of: Textile

Plant Fiber
type: Class
subclass of: Textile

Metallic Fiber
type: Class
subclass of: Textile

Leather
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
wikidata match: Q286

Synthetic Material
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material

Polymer
type: Class
subclass of: Synthetic Material

Composite
type: Class
subclass of: Synthetic Material

Biomaterial
type: Class
subclass of: Synthetic Material

Fragrance
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
comment: Perfume or scent as sculptural material

Olfactory Material
type: Class
subclass of: Physical Material
comment: Material whose primary quality is olfactory

Functional Archetype
type: Class
comment: Archetypal object category that WE DON'T DESIGN works subvert

Space Structure Archetype
type: Class
subclass of: Functional Archetype
comment: Archetypes related to space and structure

Perception Archetype
type: Class
subclass of: Functional Archetype
comment: Archetypes related to perception and senses

Ritual Archetype
type: Class
subclass of: Functional Archetype
comment: Archetypes related to daily rituals and living

Knowledge Archetype
type: Class
subclass of: Functional Archetype
comment: Archetypes related to knowledge and meaning

Work
type: Class
comment: A WE DON'T DESIGN conceptual work
disjoint with: Q11460

Material Work
type: Class
subclass of: Work

Immaterial Work
type: Class
subclass of: Work

Unique Work
type: Class
subclass of: Work

Limited Edition Work
type: Class
subclass of: Work

Performative Work
type: Class
subclass of: Work
comment: Work requiring performative act for fruition

Divisible Edition Work
type: Class
subclass of: Limited Edition Work
comment: Edition measured and sold by continuous unit (meters, volume)

Edition
type: Class
comment: A curated collection of works

Person
type: Class

Author
type: Class
subclass of: Person

Master Craftsman
type: Class
subclass of: Person

Parfumeur
type: Class
subclass of: Author
comment: Olfactory artist creating fragrance compositions

Cultural Interlocutor
type: Class
subclass of: Person

Audience
type: Class
comment: Target audience for WE DON'T DESIGN works

Direct Interlocutor
type: Class
subclass of: Audience

Interpreter
type: Class
subclass of: Direct Interlocutor

Custodian
type: Class
subclass of: Direct Interlocutor

Catalyst
type: Class
subclass of: Direct Interlocutor

Anti-Audience
type: Class
disjoint with: Audience
comment: Explicitly excluded audience types

Audience Type
type: Class
comment: Specific audience type individual

Anti-Audience Type
type: Class
comment: Specific anti-audience type individual

Cultural Reference
type: Class

Cultural Movement
type: Class
subclass of: Cultural Reference

Art Movement
type: Class
subclass of: Cultural Movement

Fashion Movement
type: Class
subclass of: Cultural Movement

Architectural Movement
type: Class
subclass of: Cultural Movement

Cinema Movement
type: Class
subclass of: Cultural Movement

Movement Principle
type: Class
comment: Key principle of a cultural movement relevant to WE DON'T DESIGN

Reference Person
type: Class
subclass of: Cultural Reference
comment: Artist or thinker referenced in WE DON'T DESIGN work

Referenced Artwork
type: Class
comment: Specific artwork cited or referenced in WE DON'T DESIGN works

Social Phenomenon
type: Class
comment: Social or cultural phenomenon that WE DON'T DESIGN works critique

Performative Act
type: Class
comment: Action required for complete fruition of a work

Destructive Act
type: Class
subclass of: Performative Act
comment: Act requiring destruction of part of the work

Transformative Act
type: Class
subclass of: Performative Act
comment: Act that transforms the work irreversibly

Contemplative Act
type: Class
subclass of: Performative Act
comment: Act of slow contemplation

Activating Object
type: Class
comment: Physical object included to activate performative act

Human Sense
type: Class
comment: Human perceptual sense engaged by work

Fruition Mode
type: Class
comment: Required mode of experiencing a work

Philosophical Concept
type: Class
comment: Abstract philosophical concept embodied in work

Symbolic Value
type: Class
comment: Archetypal symbolic meaning

Archetypal Function
type: Class
comment: Primary function of an archetype

Functionalist Paradigm
type: Traditional Paradigm
comment: Design must solve practical problems

Form Follows Function Paradigm
type: Traditional Paradigm
comment: Aesthetic is determined by function

Less Is More Paradigm
type: Traditional Paradigm
comment: Miesean reduction to functional minimum

Problem Solving Paradigm
type: Traditional Paradigm
comment: Design as answer to practical problems

Industrial Design Paradigm
type: Traditional Paradigm
comment: Design for mass production and commerce

We Don't Design
type: Meta-Axiom
axiom statement: We don't design
comment: Meta-axiom that defines the domain boundary. WE DON'T DESIGN does not produce traditional design.
negates paradigm: Industrial Design Paradigm

Form Follows Meaning
type: Operational Axiom
axiom statement: Form follows meaning
comment: Operational axiom: form derives from concept, not function
negates paradigm: Form Follows Function Paradigm
implies rule: Concept Primacy
implies rule: Anti-Decorativism
implies rule: Semantic Coherence
implies rule: Form As Vehicle

Absence Is More
type: Operational Axiom
axiom statement: Absence is more
comment: Operational axiom: void as active element
negates paradigm: Less Is More Paradigm
implies rule: Void Functionalization
implies rule: Horror Vacui Critique
implies rule: Silence As Content
implies rule: Subtraction As Creation

Design Is Question, Not Solution
type: Operational Axiom
axiom statement: Design is a question, not a solution
comment: Operational axiom: anti-functionalist inquiry
negates paradigm: Problem Solving Paradigm
implies rule: Problem Solving Rejection
implies rule: Objectual Enigma
implies rule: Intentional Ambiguity
implies rule: Hermeneutic Interaction
implies rule: Question As Success

Cognitive Dissonance
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Mental conflict between expectation and reality

Mental Space Activation
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Activation of imagination to fill void

Automatism Interruption
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Breaking of habitual behavior patterns

Expectation Subversion
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Subversion of functional expectations

Value Short Circuit
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Disruption of value attribution systems

Interpretive Enigma
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Generation of interpretive puzzle

Progressive Engagement
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Layered revelation through time

Category Blur
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Blurring of categorical boundaries

Critical Thinking
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Stimulation of critical analysis

Introspection
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Turning attention inward

Existential Choice
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Confrontation with irreversible choice

Sensory Frustration
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Frustration of sensory expectation

Temporal Awareness
type: Cognitive Effect
comment: Heightened awareness of time and transience

Presence
type: Conceptual Pole

Absence
type: Conceptual Pole

Fullness
type: Conceptual Pole

Void
type: Conceptual Pole

Practical Utility
type: Conceptual Pole

Reflective Function
type: Conceptual Pole

Expected Function
type: Conceptual Pole

Actual Non-Function
type: Conceptual Pole

Noble Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Brutal Form
type: Conceptual Pole

Concept
type: Conceptual Pole

Name
type: Conceptual Pole

Formal Simplicity
type: Conceptual Pole

Intellectual Complexity
type: Conceptual Pole

Natural Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Artificial Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Raw Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Processed Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Heavy Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Light Function
type: Conceptual Pole

Fragile Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Robust Function
type: Conceptual Pole

Precious Material
type: Conceptual Pole

Humble Function
type: Conceptual Pole

Radical Work
type: Conceptual Pole

Conservative Context
type: Conceptual Pole

Conceptual Work
type: Conceptual Pole

Luxury Context
type: Conceptual Pole

Scientific Name
type: Conceptual Pole

Poetic Object
type: Conceptual Pole

Promise Name
type: Conceptual Pole

Denying Object
type: Conceptual Pole

Mute Matter
type: Conceptual Pole

Speaking Matter
type: Conceptual Pole

Geometric Infinite
type: Conceptual Pole
comment: Mathematical/geometric infinity

Physical Limit
type: Conceptual Pole
comment: Material physical boundary

Permanence
type: Conceptual Pole

Erosion
type: Conceptual Pole

Possession
type: Conceptual Pole
comment: Having, owning

Experience
type: Conceptual Pole
comment: Living, experiencing

Creation
type: Conceptual Pole

Destruction
type: Conceptual Pole

Visible Form
type: Conceptual Pole

Invisible Content
type: Conceptual Pole

Material Identity
type: Conceptual Pole
comment: Physical form of work

Economic Value
type: Conceptual Pole

Presence/Absence Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Presence
has pole B: Absence
manifests as: Object evokes presence through deliberate void
produces effect: Cognitive Dissonance

Fullness/Void Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Fullness
has pole B: Void
manifests as: Structural void as active element
produces effect: Mental Space Activation

Utility/Reflection Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Practical Utility
has pole B: Reflective Function
manifests as: Archetype stripped of primary function
produces effect: Automatism Interruption

Expected Function/Actual Non-Function Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Expected Function
has pole B: Actual Non-Function
manifests as: Chair that cannot be sat upon
produces effect: Expectation Subversion

Noble Material/Brutal Form Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Noble Material
has pole B: Brutal Form
manifests as: Gold treated as raw iron
produces effect: Value Short Circuit

Concept/Name Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Concept
has pole B: Name
manifests as: Poetic title with mute form (or vice versa)
produces effect: Interpretive Enigma

Formal Simplicity/Intellectual Complexity Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Formal Simplicity
has pole B: Intellectual Complexity
manifests as: Minimal form with dense semantic stratification
produces effect: Progressive Engagement

Natural/Artificial Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Natural Material
has pole B: Artificial Material
manifests as: Material dialogue between wood and resin
produces effect: Category Blur

Raw/Processed Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Raw Material
has pole B: Processed Material
manifests as: Polished marble juxtaposed with raw iron
produces effect: Category Blur

Heavy Material/Light Function Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Heavy Material
has pole B: Light Function
manifests as: Heavy material for function requiring lightness
produces effect: Expectation Subversion

Fragile Material/Robust Function Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Fragile Material
has pole B: Robust Function
manifests as: Fragile material for function requiring robustness
produces effect: Expectation Subversion

Precious Material/Humble Function Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Precious Material
has pole B: Humble Function
manifests as: Noble material for everyday function
produces effect: Value Short Circuit

Radical Work/Conservative Context Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Radical Work
has pole B: Conservative Context
manifests as: Conceptual object in traditional space
produces effect: Cognitive Dissonance

Conceptual Work/Luxury Context Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Conceptual Work
has pole B: Luxury Context
manifests as: Poor object in luxury environment
produces effect: Critical Thinking

Scientific Name/Poetic Object Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Scientific Name
has pole B: Poetic Object
manifests as: Technical title for emotional work
produces effect: Interpretive Enigma

Promise Name/Denying Object Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Promise Name
has pole B: Denying Object
manifests as: Title that promises, object that denies
produces effect: Expectation Subversion

Physicality/Semantics Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Mute Matter
has pole B: Speaking Matter
manifests as: Humble material loaded with extreme semantic density
produces effect: Value Short Circuit

Infinite/Finite Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Geometric Infinite
has pole B: Physical Limit
manifests as: Infinite concept made divisible and possessable
produces effect: Cognitive Dissonance
comment: From Memorie: geometric infinity of line made into purchasable fragments

Permanence/Erosion Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Permanence
has pole B: Erosion
manifests as: Work that embodies temporal decay as form
produces effect: Temporal Awareness
comment: From Memorie: tempus edax rerum as visible material condition

Possession/Experience Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Possession
has pole B: Experience
manifests as: Choice between having and living
produces effect: Existential Choice
comment: From Aldilà: keep the sphere or break it

Creation/Destruction Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Creation
has pole B: Destruction
manifests as: Destruction as necessary condition for creation (of experience)
produces effect: Existential Choice
comment: From Aldilà: destroy to experience fully

Visible/Invisible Tension
type: Conceptual Tension
has pole A: Visible Form
has pole B: Invisible Content
manifests as: Content visible but not experienceable
produces effect: Sensory Frustration
comment: From Aldilà: perfume visible inside sphere but not smellable

Visibility of Immaterial Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Render visible that which is immaterial
manifests as: Sculpture of void, form of silence
produces effect: Mental Space Activation

Weight of Void Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Give weight and physical presence to void
manifests as: Object that weighs because of its internal void
produces effect: Cognitive Dissonance

Utility of Useless Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Practical uselessness as maximum utility
manifests as: Useless object that is useful precisely because useless
produces effect: Critical Thinking

Function of Lack Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Lack as additional function
manifests as: What is missing is what the object does
produces effect: Introspection

Silence of Complex Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Complex object presented with absolute silence
manifests as: No explanation for stratified work
produces effect: Interpretive Enigma

Verbosity of Simple Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Simple object described with dense philosophical text
manifests as: Elaborate manifesto for minimal form
produces effect: Cognitive Dissonance

Reflection Without Identity Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Mirror that reflects everything except the face
manifests as: Steel surface reflecting world but denying self-recognition
produces effect: Introspection
comment: From Mirrorless: selective reflection excludes personal identity

Divisibility of Infinite Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Possess a fragment of infinity
manifests as: Infinite line made purchasable by the meter
produces effect: Cognitive Dissonance
comment: From Memorie: Manzoni's infinible line made divisible

Ruin As Form Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Incompleteness as definitive form
manifests as: Temple in ruin whose original form can only be imagined
produces effect: Mental Space Activation
comment: From Memorie: textile so eroded it loses use value

Destruction For Fruition Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Destroy the work to experience it fully
manifests as: Glass sphere must be broken to release perfume
produces effect: Existential Choice
comment: From Aldilà: critical paradox - no other way to smell the fragrance

Self-Annihilating Value Paradox
type: Paradox
paradox statement: Value that reaches zero at moment of maximum experience
manifests as: Economic value annihilated when aesthetic experience peaks
produces effect: Critical Thinking
comment: From Aldilà: breaking sphere = experiencing perfume = destroying value

Functional Subtraction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Negation of primary function

Ergonomic Subtraction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Removal of ergonomic elements

Material Subtraction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Creation of structural voids

Skeletal Reduction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Reduction to skeletal essence

Decorative Subtraction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Elimination of ornament

Narrative Subtraction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Refusal of explanation

Naming Subtraction
type: Subtraction Type
comment: Ambiguous or evocative name

Concept Primacy
type: Operational Principle
comment: Concept precedes and determines form

Anti-Decorativism
type: Operational Principle
comment: Rejection of non-semantic ornament

Semantic Coherence
type: Operational Principle
comment: Internal coherence between all parts

Form As Vehicle
type: Operational Principle
comment: Form is vehicle, not end

Void Functionalization
type: Operational Principle
comment: Void has active function

Horror Vacui Critique
type: Operational Principle
comment: Rejection of filling

Silence As Content
type: Operational Principle
comment: Silence is content

Subtraction As Creation
type: Operational Principle
comment: To subtract is to create

Problem Solving Rejection
type: Operational Principle
comment: Rejection of problem solving

Objectual Enigma
type: Operational Principle
comment: Creation of object enigmas

Intentional Ambiguity
type: Operational Principle
comment: Ambiguity as objective

Hermeneutic Interaction
type: Operational Principle
comment: Interaction as interpretive act

Question As Success
type: Operational Principle
comment: Success is the question, not the answer

Rejects Decorativism
type: Rejection

Rejects Style As Mask
type: Rejection

Rejects Taste Homogenization
type: Rejection

Rejects Planned Obsolescence
type: Rejection

Rejects Utilitarianism
type: Rejection

Rejects Ergonomic Priority
type: Rejection

Light
type: Conceptual Material

Shadow
type: Conceptual Material

Sound
type: Conceptual Material

Silence
type: Conceptual Material

Temperature
type: Conceptual Material

Magnetism
type: Conceptual Material

Time
type: Conceptual Material
comment: Duration and temporality as sculptural material

Void
type: Conceptual Material
comment: Empty space as positive material presence

Memory
type: Conceptual Material
comment: Recollection as material that shapes the work

Error
type: Conceptual Material

Information
type: Conceptual Material

Relation
type: Conceptual Material

Absence
type: Conceptual Material
comment: What is not there as active presence

Infinite
type: Conceptual Material
comment: Mathematical infinity as conceptual raw material

Scent
type: Conceptual Material
comment: Olfactory experience as immaterial material

Stainless Steel
type: Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Cold
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Glossy
material status: Neutral
wikidata match: Q172587

Corten Steel
type: Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Neutral
material texture: Rough
material reflectivity: Matte
material status: Humble

Raw Iron
type: Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Cold
material texture: Rough
material reflectivity: Matte
material status: Humble
wikidata match: Q677

Copper
type: Non-Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Warm
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Satin
material status: Noble
wikidata match: Q753

Bronze
type: Non-Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Warm
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Satin
material status: Noble
wikidata match: Q34095

Brass
type: Non-Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Warm
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Glossy
material status: Noble
wikidata match: Q39782

Aluminum
type: Non-Ferrous Metal
material temperature: Cold
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Satin
material status: Neutral
wikidata match: Q663

Gold
type: Precious Metal
material temperature: Warm
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Glossy
material status: Precious
wikidata match: Q897

Silver
type: Precious Metal
material temperature: Cold
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Glossy
material status: Precious
wikidata match: Q1090

Walnut
type: European Wood
material status: Noble

Oak
type: European Wood
material status: Noble

Ash
type: European Wood
material status: Neutral

Murano Glass
type: Blown Glass
material temperature: Cold
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Glossy
material status: Precious
comment: Traditional Venetian blown glass

Murano Crystal
type: Crystal
material temperature: Cold
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Glossy
material status: Precious
comment: Transparent crystal from Murano tradition

Silk
type: Animal Fiber
material temperature: Neutral
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Satin
material status: Precious
wikidata match: Q37681

Black Silk
type: Animal Fiber
material temperature: Neutral
material texture: Smooth
material reflectivity: Satin
material status: Precious
comment: Black-dyed natural silk

Rose Fragrance
type: Fragrance
material status: Precious
comment: Complex rose-based perfume composition
wikidata match: Q83054

Separating
type: Space Structure Archetype

Supporting
type: Space Structure Archetype

Ordering
type: Space Structure Archetype

Containing
type: Space Structure Archetype
comment: Archetypal function of holding/containing

Covering
type: Space Structure Archetype
comment: Archetypal function of covering/protecting (floor, body)

Transporting
type: Space Structure Archetype

Watching
type: Perception Archetype
comment: Archetypal function of framing view

Reflecting
type: Perception Archetype
comment: Archetypal function of mirror/reflection

Illuminating
type: Perception Archetype

Sounding
type: Perception Archetype

Scenting
type: Perception Archetype
comment: Archetypal function of diffusing scent

Sitting
type: Ritual Archetype

Resting
type: Ritual Archetype

Nourishing
type: Ritual Archetype

Cleaning
type: Ritual Archetype

Decorating
type: Ritual Archetype

Measuring
type: Knowledge Archetype

Recording
type: Knowledge Archetype

Remembering
type: Knowledge Archetype
comment: Archetypal function of preserving memory

Communicating
type: Knowledge Archetype

Spatialism
type: Art Movement
wikidata match: Q2297997

Arte Povera
type: Art Movement
wikidata match: Q576913

Dadaism
type: Art Movement
wikidata match: Q6034

Conceptual Art
type: Art Movement
wikidata match: Q203209

Minimalism
type: Art Movement
wikidata match: Q173436

Lucio Fontana
type: Reference Person
belongs to movement: Spatialism
wikidata match: Q312392

Piero Manzoni
type: Reference Person
belongs to movement: Spatialism
wikidata match: Q472756

Dante Alighieri
type: Reference Person
wikidata match: Q1067

Surface Transcendence
type: Movement Principle
comment: Breaking through the plane of canvas as construction

Gesture As Primary
type: Movement Principle
comment: The gesture as primary creative act

Void As Meaning
type: Movement Principle
comment: Void and absence as space of meaning

Infinibility
type: Movement Principle
comment: Manzoni's concept of infinite line

Content Unknowable
type: Movement Principle
comment: Content knowable only by violating the work

Tagli (Cuts)
type: Referenced Artwork
artwork year: 1958
created by artist: Lucio Fontana
part of movement: Spatialism
artwork description: Canvas slashed to transcend two-dimensional plane

La fine di Dio
type: Referenced Artwork
artwork year: 1963
created by artist: Lucio Fontana
part of movement: Spatialism
artwork description: 38 oval canvases with constellations of holes inviting reflection on human/transcendent interaction

Linee
type: Referenced Artwork
artwork year: 1959
created by artist: Piero Manzoni
part of movement: Spatialism
artwork description: Lines of various lengths sealed in cylinders, exploring concept of infinibility

Merda d'artista
type: Referenced Artwork
artwork year: 1961
created by artist: Piero Manzoni
part of movement: Conceptual Art
artwork description: 90 cans whose content is knowable only by destroying the work

Divina Commedia
type: Referenced Artwork
artwork year: 1320
created by artist: Dante Alighieri
artwork description: Numerological structure: 9 circles of Hell, 9 heavens of Paradise

Selfie Culture
type: Social Phenomenon
comment: Digital narcissism and constant self-documentation

Digital Narcissism
type: Social Phenomenon
comment: Self-referential obsession amplified by digital media

Aesthetic Standardization
type: Social Phenomenon
comment: Homogenization of beauty standards through mass media

Consumerism
type: Social Phenomenon
comment: Culture of consumption and disposability

Instant Gratification
type: Social Phenomenon
comment: Demand for immediate satisfaction

Sight
type: Human Sense

Touch
type: Human Sense

Smell
type: Human Sense

Hearing
type: Human Sense

Taste
type: Human Sense

Slow Contemplation
type: Fruition Mode
comment: Extended, unhurried observation

Solitary
type: Fruition Mode
comment: Individual, not social, experience

Disconnected
type: Fruition Mode
comment: Digitally disconnected state

Introspective
type: Fruition Mode
comment: Inward-looking, self-reflective

Performative
type: Fruition Mode
comment: Requiring action from viewer

Decisive
type: Fruition Mode
comment: Requiring irreversible choice

Slow Observation
type: Contemplative Act
comment: Extended contemplation of the work

Destructive Choice
type: Destructive Act
comment: Breaking the work to release its content

Hammer
type: Activating Object
comment: Tool included to enable destructive act

Neoplatonism
type: Philosophical Concept
comment: Sensible reality as imperfect shadow of absolute truth

Synesthesia
type: Philosophical Concept
comment: Cross-sensory perception, union of senses

Alchemy
type: Philosophical Concept
comment: Transformation of base matter into noble

Transience
type: Philosophical Concept
comment: Impermanence and passing of all things

Vanitas
type: Philosophical Concept
comment: Reflection on vanity and mortality

Philosopher Collector
type: Audience Type
comment: Collector who seeks conceptual depth

Contemplative
type: Audience Type
comment: One who practices slow observation

Performative Participant
type: Audience Type
comment: One willing to act upon the work

Passive Consumer
type: Anti-Audience Type
comment: Seeks instant gratification without reflection

Rigid Functionalist
type: Anti-Audience Type
comment: Cannot accept non-functional object

Status Seeker
type: Anti-Audience Type
comment: Seeks recognizable logos and status symbols

Francesco Meneghello
type: Author
comment: Founder of WE DON'T DESIGN

Davide Lanfranco
type: Author
comment: Co-author of Memorie

Spyros Drosopoulos
type: Author
type: Parfumeur
comment: Maître parfumeur, experimental nose

Brianza Artisans
type: Master Craftsman
comment: Traditional Lombard metalworking craftsmen

Nepal Weavers
type: Master Craftsman
comment: Hand-knotting artisans from Nepal

Simone Cenedese
type: Master Craftsman
comment: Murano master glassblower

Mirrorless
type: Material Work
type: Limited Edition Work
comment: A utopian reflection on the physical and symbolic idea of mirror
archive code: WDD-MR-2024
conception year: 2024
edition total: 111
edition unit: pieces
dimensions cm: 200 × 70 × 20
production location: Brianza, Italy
created by: Francesco Meneghello
realized by: Brianza Artisans
question posed: What do you see when you cannot see yourself?
embodies axiom: We Don't Design
embodies axiom: Form Follows Meaning
embodies axiom: Absence Is More
embodies axiom: Design Is Question, Not Solution
embodies tension: Presence/Absence Tension
embodies tension: Fullness/Void Tension
embodies tension: Utility/Reflection Tension
embodies tension: Expected Function/Actual Non-Function Tension
embodies tension: Formal Simplicity/Intellectual Complexity Tension
embodies tension: Radical Work/Conservative Context Tension
activates paradox: Function of Lack Paradox
activates paradox: Utility of Useless Paradox
activates paradox: Reflection Without Identity Paradox
evokes archetype: Reflecting
evokes archetype: Watching
subverts archetype: Reflecting
uses material: Stainless Steel
uses material: Oak
uses material: Void
uses material: Absence
uses material: Light
applies subtraction: Functional Subtraction
applies subtraction: Material Subtraction
cites artist: Lucio Fontana
influenced by: Spatialism
appropriates gesture: Surface Transcendence
appropriates gesture: Void As Meaning
critiques: Selfie Culture
critiques: Digital Narcissism
critiques: Aesthetic Standardization
stimulates effect: Automatism Interruption
stimulates effect: Cognitive Dissonance
stimulates effect: Introspection
stimulates effect: Critical Thinking
activates sense: Sight
activates sense: Touch
has fruition mode: Slow Contemplation
has fruition mode: Solitary
has fruition mode: Disconnected
has fruition mode: Introspective
addressed to: Philosopher Collector
addressed to: Contemplative
excludes audience: Passive Consumer
excludes audience: Status Seeker
symbolic number: 111
number meaning: Palindrome symbolizing dialogue between humanity and nature
manifesto text: Mirrorless is a metaphysical object, belonging to worlds of thought that move away from rational logic to experiment with other universes of meaning that deal with abstraction, paradox, utopia. Its conceptual identity lies in the absence of a reflective surface and the presence of a void.

Memorie
type: Material Work
type: Divisible Edition Work
comment: A textile without physical dimension, imagined to investigate the relationship between time and art, between the idea of infinite and the transience of things
archive code: WDD-MM-2024
conception year: 2024
edition total: 1959m
edition unit: meters
minimum unit: 1.23m
dimensions cm: 6 width × 1 thickness × variable length
production location: Kathmandu, Nepal
created by: Francesco Meneghello
co-created by: Davide Lanfranco
realized by: Nepal Weavers
question posed: Can you possess a fragment of infinity?
embodies axiom: We Don't Design
embodies axiom: Form Follows Meaning
embodies axiom: Absence Is More
embodies axiom: Design Is Question, Not Solution
embodies tension: Presence/Absence Tension
embodies tension: Utility/Reflection Tension
embodies tension: Formal Simplicity/Intellectual Complexity Tension
embodies tension: Physicality/Semantics Tension
embodies tension: Infinite/Finite Tension
embodies tension: Permanence/Erosion Tension
activates paradox: Visibility of Immaterial Paradox
activates paradox: Divisibility of Infinite Paradox
activates paradox: Ruin As Form Paradox
evokes archetype: Covering
evokes archetype: Remembering
subverts archetype: Covering
uses material: Black Silk
uses material: Time
uses material: Memory
uses material: Infinite
applies subtraction: Functional Subtraction
applies subtraction: Skeletal Reduction
cites artist: Piero Manzoni
cites artwork: Linee
dialogues with: Linee
influenced by: Spatialism
influenced by: Conceptual Art
appropriates gesture: Infinibility
embodies concept: Transience
stimulates effect: Mental Space Activation
stimulates effect: Cognitive Dissonance
stimulates effect: Temporal Awareness
stimulates effect: Introspection
activates sense: Sight
activates sense: Touch
has fruition mode: Slow Contemplation
has fruition mode: Introspective
addressed to: Philosopher Collector
excludes audience: Rigid Functionalist
symbolic number: 1959
number source: Piero Manzoni
number meaning: Year Manzoni created his first Linee
manifesto text: Memorie is an extreme act, a reflection on the fatal transience of things that has in the dimension of memory the only possible resistance. Memory contrasts oblivion, attributes to time an intimate dimension, in some way in(de)finite.

Aldilà
type: Material Work
type: Limited Edition Work
type: Performative Work
comment: A reflection on the value and desire for sensory consciousness in the experience of the real world
archive code: WDD-AL-2025
conception year: 2025
edition total: 9
edition unit: pieces
dimensions cm: 50 diameter sphere
production location: Murano, Italy
created by: Francesco Meneghello
co-created by: Spyros Drosopoulos
realized by: Simone Cenedese
question posed: What are you willing to destroy to truly experience?
embodies axiom: We Don't Design
embodies axiom: Form Follows Meaning
embodies axiom: Design Is Question, Not Solution
embodies tension: Presence/Absence Tension
embodies tension: Fragile Material/Robust Function Tension
embodies tension: Possession/Experience Tension
embodies tension: Creation/Destruction Tension
embodies tension: Visible/Invisible Tension
activates paradox: Destruction For Fruition Paradox
activates paradox: Self-Annihilating Value Paradox
activates paradox: Visibility of Immaterial Paradox
evokes archetype: Containing
evokes archetype: Scenting
subverts archetype: Containing
uses material: Murano Crystal
uses material: Rose Fragrance
uses material: Raw Iron
uses material: Scent
uses material: Void
uses material: Absence
applies subtraction: Functional Subtraction
requires performative act: Destructive Choice
includes activating object: Hammer
cites artist: Lucio Fontana
cites artist: Piero Manzoni
cites artist: Dante Alighieri
cites artwork: La fine di Dio
cites artwork: Merda d'artista
cites artwork: Divina Commedia
dialogues with: La fine di Dio
dialogues with: Merda d'artista
influenced by: Spatialism
influenced by: Conceptual Art
appropriates gesture: Content Unknowable
embodies concept: Neoplatonism
embodies concept: Synesthesia
embodies concept: Alchemy
critiques: Consumerism
critiques: Instant Gratification
stimulates effect: Existential Choice
stimulates effect: Sensory Frustration
stimulates effect: Cognitive Dissonance
stimulates effect: Critical Thinking
activates sense: Sight
activates sense: Touch
blocks sense: Smell
has fruition mode: Performative
has fruition mode: Decisive
has fruition mode: Slow Contemplation
addressed to: Performative Participant
addressed to: Philosopher Collector
excludes audience: Passive Consumer
excludes audience: Rigid Functionalist
symbolic number: 9
number source: Dante Alighieri
number meaning: 9 circles of Hell, 9 heavens of Paradise - change and rebirth
manifesto text: Beyond. Beyond physical reality, beyond the common way of relating to things. Only one instant separates the visual experience (rational, limited and unfulfilling) from the olfactory one (dreamlike, absolute and sensual). An instant that contemplates an act of destruction, of renunciation of material presence. There is no other possibility for the full enjoyment of the perfume.

00:00
type: Immaterial Work
type: Limited Edition Work
type: Performative Work
comment: A non-edition: a collectible that cannot be collected, where the work coincides with its absence
archive code: WDD-00-0000
conception year: 2026
edition total: 0/0
edition unit: pieces
dimensions cm: no physical dimensions
production location: Not site-bound (conceptual work)
created by: Francesco Meneghello
question posed: Can a work be acquired when it does not exist? What happens to desire, value and authorship when possession is structurally impossible?
embodies axiom: We Don't Design
embodies axiom: Form Follows Meaning
embodies axiom: Absence Is More
embodies axiom: Design Is Question, Not Solution
embodies tension: Presence/Absence Tension
embodies tension: Fullness/Void Tension
embodies tension: Concept/Name Tension
embodies tension: Promise Name/Denying Object Tension
embodies tension: Possession/Experience Tension
embodies tension: Visible/Invisible Tension
activates paradox: Visibility of Immaterial Paradox
activates paradox: Weight of Void Paradox
activates paradox: Function of Lack Paradox
activates paradox: Self-Annihilating Value Paradox
evokes archetype: Watching
evokes archetype: Measuring
evokes archetype: Recording
subverts archetype: Containing
uses material: Void
uses material: Absence
uses material: Time
uses material: Silence
applies subtraction: Material Subtraction
applies subtraction: Naming Subtraction
applies subtraction: Narrative Subtraction
applies subtraction: Functional Subtraction
requires performative act: Slow Observation
cites artist: Lucio Fontana
cites artist: Piero Manzoni
influenced by: Conceptual Art
influenced by: Minimalism
influenced by: Spatialism
appropriates gesture: Void As Meaning
appropriates gesture: Gesture As Primary
appropriates gesture: Content Unknowable
embodies concept: Transience
embodies concept: Vanitas
critiques: Consumerism
critiques: Instant Gratification
stimulates effect: Temporal Awareness
stimulates effect: Introspection
stimulates effect: Critical Thinking
stimulates effect: Value Short Circuit
stimulates effect: Category Blur
activates sense: Sight
activates sense: Hearing
blocks sense: Touch
blocks sense: Smell
blocks sense: Taste
has fruition mode: Slow Contemplation
has fruition mode: Disconnected
has fruition mode: Solitary
has fruition mode: Performative
addressed to: Philosopher Collector
addressed to: Contemplative
addressed to: Performative Participant
excludes audience: Passive Consumer
excludes audience: Status Seeker
excludes audience: Rigid Functionalist
symbolic number: 0
number source: 00:00 (midnight)
number meaning: Zero as threshold: the beginning that coincides with the end; the void as a generative condition rather than a lack
manifesto text: 00:00 is a refusal of possession. The work does not manifest as object, but as a condition: absence sustained, value short-circuited, desire kept open. A collectible that cannot be collected.