Abstract

This essay is conceptualising models as cultural techniques, agential media and designed systems, which catalyse fruitful discussions on serious matters of our commons.The term ‘commons’ means all the natural, technological and cultural resources accessible to all members of a community. This is also relevant for artistic and design-based research as it is argued in this essay. Models are called into action especially when these “matters of concern” transcend our intuitive understanding and reach a degree of complexity that goes beyond simple human reasoning. In such cases, we need help from models. They show us, and let us experience, important aspects of the unforeseeable, emergent, and sometimes global effects – both positive and negative – of our machine’s day-to-day micro-behaviour. Consisting of little actions, they combine to affect our common resources and infrastructures.