The ASI – founded by architect Cansu Cürgen and designer Avşar Gürpınar in 2014 – investigate how standards develop and impact our daily life. Their research focuses on the invisible network of standards, such as quantities and qualities, which are embedded in the processes and objects we use every day. These are often conceived as a way for us to be more efficient and organised in an evermore complex world.  

Six wooden crates will be exhibited displaying objects from different themes that link to the ASI’s research, inviting audiences to consider the implications and shortcomings of an increasingly standardised world which shape our lived experiences. Equally, their research reflects the non-standards or ambiguous standards which are equally pervasive.  

From the hundreds of kitchen apparatuses invented (many of which a knife would be up to the task to do); the use of common objects to symbolise contemporary resistance for protesters fighting for injustice around the world; and the global medical industry standards calibrated to the specifications of a Western white male, this exhibition will also explore how time and gestures have been standardised to society.  

The exhibition will run from 18 January-11 February and be open from 12pm-2pm on weekdays. It is free to attend and booking is not required. Social distancing guidance should be followed when visiting the exhibition and a face covering should be worn unless you have a medical exemption.  

Furthermore, a public lecture will be held to launch the exhibition from 4pm-5pm on 18 January. More information can be found here.  

The Ambiguous Standards Institute originated in Istanbul and has travelled across Europe and America to share its research before arriving at Loughborough.  

It is made up of the following experts: 

Cansu Cürgen, Ceo  

Avşar Gürpınar, Secretary General 

Mete Godollar, Vice President 

Selçuk Artut, Electrics, Electronics and Appropriate Technology Virtuoso 

Serenay Coşar, Measurement and Labelling Expert 

Bengisu Köse, Measurement and Graphics Expert 

Buket Açıkgöz, Production Supervisor 

Sercan Okay, Construction Connoisseur 

Süreyya Kağan Tekkaya, Logistics and Acquisition Manager 

Merve Şen, Literary Advisory Board Member 

Ali Rıza Atakan Gür, Visual Communications Manager 

Gökçe Akçelik, Soundscape Artist 

Hazal Kırıkçı, Manager 

Havvanur Sönmez, Modeling and Production Expert