Module Evaluation
This module provided many opportunities for my design knowledge and technical skills to be tested and improved. The open nature of the module has allowed me to work on a larger variety of projects than usual, which has resulted in a diverse portfolio and expanded knowledge in many areas. Projects this ranged from branding and typeface design to editorial and publication production. Working with a range of clients, some small and some large, presented new challenges and a different way of approaching projects. Presentation and pitching skills were necessary to succeed within these briefs, and managing a professional project has ensured that time keeping and communication skills were refined to maximise efficiency. Venturing into freelance work has been the first step in launching a career as a freelance designer post-graduation, and has equipped me with many important skills, including vital knowledge on charging, invoicing, and managing a small business. Working collaboratively with peers this year has allowed me to form stronger partnerships with other designers, which can be utilised in the future. Having the freedom to conceive personal projects within this module allowed me to define my own boundaries to the work, resulting in greater experimentation in concept generation, design, and production methods. Although this could be considered self-indulgent, it has proved to be a rewarding way of working and challenged me to test my own abilities and trust my own instincts.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
OUGD603 - Brief 11 - Markham Moor Evaluation
Evaluation
The Markham Moor project explored the Scorer hyperbolic structure from an aesthetic viewpoint, examining its form and structure through type and colour. The publication allowed a narrative to be realised, revealing the history of the hypar and inviting a new audience to engage with and learn about the building. This was continued through a triptych of posters, highlighting key aspects of the building's architectural significance and encourage an audience to consider the context of these words today. Extending the project through different applications incorporated new and different materials, such as flag fabric, adding a new facet to the project and allowed the design work to be realised in a new dimension. Creating design in a very personal context such as this allowed more conceptual ideas to be explored. This opened up many option within the project, including the exploration of new type treatments and production materials. The project also acted as a form of cathartic release in regards to the subject matter.
The Markham Moor project explored the Scorer hyperbolic structure from an aesthetic viewpoint, examining its form and structure through type and colour. The publication allowed a narrative to be realised, revealing the history of the hypar and inviting a new audience to engage with and learn about the building. This was continued through a triptych of posters, highlighting key aspects of the building's architectural significance and encourage an audience to consider the context of these words today. Extending the project through different applications incorporated new and different materials, such as flag fabric, adding a new facet to the project and allowed the design work to be realised in a new dimension. Creating design in a very personal context such as this allowed more conceptual ideas to be explored. This opened up many option within the project, including the exploration of new type treatments and production materials. The project also acted as a form of cathartic release in regards to the subject matter.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
OUGD603 - Brief 11 - Markham Moor Flags
Flags
As an extension of the poster triptych, a series of flags will also be created. The material of flags is interesting in the context of the project, as it both parallels the fluidity of the hyperbolic shape and contrasts with the physical nature of the concrete. Below are a series of mock-ups for the potential flag series:
The physical creation of the flags was not possible during the time for this project due to circumstances outside of my personal control that affected access to such printing facilities, and was not a consequence of poor time management.
As an extension of the poster triptych, a series of flags will also be created. The material of flags is interesting in the context of the project, as it both parallels the fluidity of the hyperbolic shape and contrasts with the physical nature of the concrete. Below are a series of mock-ups for the potential flag series:
The physical creation of the flags was not possible during the time for this project due to circumstances outside of my personal control that affected access to such printing facilities, and was not a consequence of poor time management.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
OUGD603 - Brief 11 - Markham Moor Book
Book
In addition to the poster series, a small zine was created to allow the form of the building to visually explored further. The zine incorporated the triptych of poster designs, and created a short narrative from the engineering of the physical structure, to its gradual decline into a derelict building.
A zine format is the most accessible format for visual material to be shared with a wider audience, and would allow for an increased engagement with the project. During the research phase, a news article about the hyperbolic roof labeled the structure as a 'Winged Wonder', and this title seemed appropriate for the zine.
Feedback during the design development for the poster series revealed that editing found imagery of the building to create a grey-on-black effect created a successful visual representation of the decline of the building, and so images edited using this technique were included in the zine. The black and white colour scheme was continued to allow for continuity between all material.
High quality production of the book was not possible during the time for this project due to circumstances outside of my personal control that affected access to such printing facilities, and was not a consequence of poor time management.
In addition to the poster series, a small zine was created to allow the form of the building to visually explored further. The zine incorporated the triptych of poster designs, and created a short narrative from the engineering of the physical structure, to its gradual decline into a derelict building.
A zine format is the most accessible format for visual material to be shared with a wider audience, and would allow for an increased engagement with the project. During the research phase, a news article about the hyperbolic roof labeled the structure as a 'Winged Wonder', and this title seemed appropriate for the zine.
Feedback during the design development for the poster series revealed that editing found imagery of the building to create a grey-on-black effect created a successful visual representation of the decline of the building, and so images edited using this technique were included in the zine. The black and white colour scheme was continued to allow for continuity between all material.
High quality production of the book was not possible during the time for this project due to circumstances outside of my personal control that affected access to such printing facilities, and was not a consequence of poor time management.
Friday, May 4, 2018
OUGD603 - Brief 11 - Markham Moor Posters
Posters
Drawing on the research gathered on the hyperbolic roof, concepts were generated for a series of printed posters that would reflect the structure and form of the building. The structure is now grade II listed, and three of the categories used to judge a building on its grade status are Architectural Distinction, Architectural Rarity, and Intactness. These three words are particularly poignant in regards to the current state of the building - as a structure it has become know for its distinct shape, and it is one of the last remaining examples of hyperbolic architecture in the UK. Now standing empty, there is an uncertainty to its future and a questionable longevity to its iconic form. These words formed the basis of the design experimentation for the poster series.
Typeface
To create a unique visual style for the project, a typeface was chosen to be used across all design material. The typeface Agentur, by Good Type Foundry was selected due to its unique letterforms. In particular the structure of the curved letters creates the appearance of a 3D stroke weight changing direction. This fits appropriately with the research undertaken on the physical shape of the hyperbolic roof, and will create a direct connection between the design work and the original form of the structure.
Colour
The most appropriate colour scheme for this project is black and white, as it reflects the current derelict state of the building, its fading history and its uncertain future. It also represents personal feelings of grief and creates. The colour red could also be used as a representation of the building's brief occupation by a Little Chef restaurant.
Primary Designs
Experimentation for the poster designs was undertaken using the selected typeface, a range of found imagery, and selected words and phrases gathered in the initial research phase.
Drawing on the research gathered on the hyperbolic roof, concepts were generated for a series of printed posters that would reflect the structure and form of the building. The structure is now grade II listed, and three of the categories used to judge a building on its grade status are Architectural Distinction, Architectural Rarity, and Intactness. These three words are particularly poignant in regards to the current state of the building - as a structure it has become know for its distinct shape, and it is one of the last remaining examples of hyperbolic architecture in the UK. Now standing empty, there is an uncertainty to its future and a questionable longevity to its iconic form. These words formed the basis of the design experimentation for the poster series.
Typeface
To create a unique visual style for the project, a typeface was chosen to be used across all design material. The typeface Agentur, by Good Type Foundry was selected due to its unique letterforms. In particular the structure of the curved letters creates the appearance of a 3D stroke weight changing direction. This fits appropriately with the research undertaken on the physical shape of the hyperbolic roof, and will create a direct connection between the design work and the original form of the structure.
Colour
The most appropriate colour scheme for this project is black and white, as it reflects the current derelict state of the building, its fading history and its uncertain future. It also represents personal feelings of grief and creates. The colour red could also be used as a representation of the building's brief occupation by a Little Chef restaurant.
Primary Designs
Experimentation for the poster designs was undertaken using the selected typeface, a range of found imagery, and selected words and phrases gathered in the initial research phase.
Feedback on this initial experimentation concluded that the typeface was very appropriate to the context of the project. Peers commented that they preferred the edited black and white photos rather than the coloured versions, as it felt more representative of the themes of the project. While positive feedback was given to the warped text that mirrored the curves of the building, but some felt it was too obvious and didn't create any additional context.
Secondary Designs
Moving forward with this feedback, more attention was given to the type treatment. An aesthetic was developed using a gradient drop shadow that created a ghost like 3D appearance.
Feedback during a peer critique for these secondary designs was more positive, with many stating that the gradient drop shadow effect was very visually appealing, and created a unique style for the project. It was noted that the most successful design incorporated the more abstract imagery of the hyperbolic rood form, rather than the whole building. It was suggested that this style be expanded to incorporate the three key words from the research findings to create a triptych of poster designs. Although the colour red was appreciated within the context of the project, most found that the simplicity of the black and white created more visual impact.
Poster Triptych
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
OUGD603 - Brief 11 - Markham Moor Concept Generation
Concept Generation
There are numerous possible outcomes for this project, but drawing on my own design preferences and specialisms the most obvious outcome would be a publication, and a poster series. Both would document a visual exploration of the structure, its historical and architectural context, and the significance of the building from a personal viewpoint. They would allow this information to be shared with a new audience, creating further awareness of a piece of history that could otherwise easily be lost. Printed material could be extended beyond paper, exploring a range of other materials appropriate to the project, including concrete, wood, or material.
There are numerous possible outcomes for this project, but drawing on my own design preferences and specialisms the most obvious outcome would be a publication, and a poster series. Both would document a visual exploration of the structure, its historical and architectural context, and the significance of the building from a personal viewpoint. They would allow this information to be shared with a new audience, creating further awareness of a piece of history that could otherwise easily be lost. Printed material could be extended beyond paper, exploring a range of other materials appropriate to the project, including concrete, wood, or material.