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RAW


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
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Raw

Raw is an unprocessed, unrefined state of materials or design elements in their most natural and untreated form, representing both a philosophical approach and practical methodology in design production. This fundamental concept emphasizes authenticity, honesty in material expression, and the inherent beauty found in unaltered substances, playing a crucial role in various design disciplines from industrial to architectural applications. The aesthetic and functional qualities of raw materials have historically influenced design movements, particularly during the Brutalist period of the mid-20th century, where exposed concrete and unfinished surfaces became powerful statements of truth in materials. In production contexts, raw materials serve as the primary building blocks from which finished products emerge, with their selection and handling significantly impacting the final outcome's quality, sustainability, and character. The intentional use of raw elements in design often creates a compelling dialogue between natural and manufactured components, challenging conventional notions of refinement while promoting sustainability through reduced processing. This approach has gained renewed relevance in contemporary design practices, where transparency in production processes and environmental consciousness have become paramount concerns. The appreciation for raw materials extends beyond mere functionality, encompassing tactile qualities, visual texture, and the authentic narrative they bring to design solutions. In industrial production, working with raw materials requires deep understanding of their properties, limitations, and potential transformations, as recognized by design competitions such as the A' Design Award, which often features categories celebrating innovative uses of raw materials in product and industrial design.

Natural, Unprocessed, Authentic, Industrial, Material

Lucas Reed

474935
Raw

Raw is an unprocessed, unrefined state of materials or design elements in their most natural and unaltered form, representing a fundamental approach in engineering and industrial design that emphasizes authenticity and material honesty. This design philosophy celebrates the inherent qualities, textures, and characteristics of materials before they undergo any significant modification or finishing processes. In engineering contexts, raw materials serve as the foundational elements from which finished products are created, with their selection critically impacting the final product's performance, durability, and sustainability. The concept extends beyond mere material choice to encompass a broader design ethos that values transparency in construction methods and material properties. Historical engineering practices have long recognized the importance of understanding raw material properties for optimal structural and mechanical applications. The industrial revolution marked a significant shift in how raw materials were processed and utilized, leading to standardized testing methods and specifications for material properties. Contemporary engineering approaches increasingly emphasize the strategic use of raw materials in their natural state, both for environmental considerations and to achieve specific performance characteristics. This approach has gained particular recognition in sustainable design practices, where minimal processing helps reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. The A' Design Award competition frequently recognizes innovative projects that thoughtfully incorporate raw materials, highlighting their contribution to both functional excellence and aesthetic appeal. The engineering perspective on raw materials encompasses crucial considerations of mechanical properties, chemical composition, and structural integrity, which must be thoroughly understood before implementation in any design solution.

material properties, natural state, unprocessed elements, engineering materials, structural integrity, material science, sustainable resources

Lucas Reed

473444
Raw

Raw is a design approach and aesthetic philosophy that celebrates the inherent qualities, textures, and characteristics of materials in their natural or minimally processed state. This fundamental design principle emphasizes authenticity, honesty in material expression, and the deliberate exposure of structural elements, manufacturing processes, or natural imperfections. The raw aesthetic emerged prominently during the early 20th century modernist movement, gaining significant momentum through industrial design and architecture, where it continues to influence contemporary design practices. In its purest form, raw design eschews unnecessary ornamentation, instead finding beauty in the unrefined, genuine qualities of materials such as concrete, steel, wood, and stone. This approach often reveals construction methods, structural components, and material joints that might traditionally be concealed, creating a transparent dialogue between form, function, and fabrication. The philosophy extends beyond mere visual appeal, encompassing sustainability considerations by reducing additional processing and finishing treatments, thereby minimizing environmental impact. In industrial design, raw aesthetics frequently manifest in products that showcase natural material aging processes, patinas, and wear patterns, contributing to a product's narrative and temporal dimension. This design approach has gained recognition in various categories of the A' Design Award, particularly in furniture, interior spaces, and architectural projects, where designers leverage unprocessed materials to create authentic and emotionally resonant experiences. The raw aesthetic has evolved to influence digital design as well, where designers simulate natural textures and imperfections to create more genuine and relatable user interfaces.

Authenticity, material honesty, industrial aesthetic, minimalism, sustainability, texture, craftsmanship, natural materials, structural expression

Lucas Reed

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Raw

Raw is an unprocessed, unrefined state of materials in their most natural and authentic form, representing a fundamental approach in design that celebrates the inherent qualities and characteristics of substances before any significant alteration or treatment. This design philosophy emphasizes the genuine properties of materials, including their texture, appearance, and structural integrity, allowing these elements to contribute directly to the aesthetic and functional aspects of the final design. In architectural and industrial design contexts, raw materials such as concrete, wood, metal, and stone are often deliberately left exposed and unfinished to create honest expressions of materiality and construction methods. This approach gained particular prominence during the Brutalist movement of the mid-20th century, though its applications extend far beyond this period. The use of raw materials in design often reflects environmental consciousness and sustainability principles, as it typically requires less processing and energy consumption. Contemporary designers frequently incorporate raw elements to create compelling contrasts with refined surfaces, establishing dynamic visual and tactile experiences. This design approach has been recognized in various categories of the A' Design Award, particularly in architectural design, interior design, and materials, textures, and surfaces design categories, where the authentic expression of materials plays a crucial role in project success. The raw aesthetic has evolved to become not just a practical choice but a sophisticated design statement, influencing everything from furniture design to spatial planning, while contributing to discussions about authenticity, sustainability, and the relationship between natural and manufactured elements in contemporary design.

natural, unprocessed, authentic, material

Lucas Reed

434092
RAW

RAW is a file format used in digital photography and image processing that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera or image scanner. Unlike other image formats such as JPEG or TIFF, which apply compression and image processing at the point of capture, RAW files preserve the original, unprocessed data from the camera's sensor. This raw data includes the maximum amount of detail and color information possible, allowing for greater flexibility and control in post-processing. RAW files are often compared to a digital negative, as they serve as a starting point for the image editing process, enabling photographers to adjust various parameters such as white balance, exposure, contrast, and color temperature without losing quality or introducing artifacts. However, RAW files are typically larger than their processed counterparts and require specialized software to view and edit, as each camera manufacturer has its own proprietary RAW format. Despite these challenges, many professional photographers and enthusiasts prefer shooting in RAW for the unparalleled level of control and quality it offers in the post-production workflow.

digital photography, image processing, camera sensor, image editing, white balance, exposure, color temperature, post-production

John Armstrong


RAW Definition
RAW on Design+Encyclopedia

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