Big & Green: Towards Sustainable Architecture in the 21st Century
Pure + Applied & James Hicks created an exhibition featuring design strategies in the environmental movement of architecture since the 1960s. The emphasis is on large-scale structures (from Conde Nast skyscraper in NYC to Eastgate building in Zimbabwe) with an international scope. The framework for discussion of the 50 projects comes from the five "green" categories: energy; light and air; greenery, water, and waste; construction; and urbanism.
The project's success is a result of an integrated design effort. International-type icons are employed on the directional signage to designate building functions such as restrooms, conference rooms, and cafes. Color-coding is used in conjunction with the icons, which corresponds to walls painted the same color in each conference or service area. A naming system is developed for the conference rooms with the entire building plan keyed to a world map; city names are assigned to rooms based on their coordinates on the globe.
For a commission, DropShop manages the customer experience around an eBay auction, from photography through shipping. The overall objective is a retail presence that communicates the startup company's function and identity, while making a strong dramatic statement. All aspects of the design program, including website, architecture, corporate identity, etc., work holistically to establish a strong brand. The identity, graphics, and color palette are simple, clear, and bright. This communicates a friendly, non-intimidating, yet compelling message.
Dynamap reveals three layers of imagery - street grid, neighborhood delineations, and subway map - depending on how the map is viewed. By changing the angle of viewing, three different thematic layers can be seen. It is lightweight, flexible, durable, and contains no electronics. Maps of urban areas are continually referenced and generally contain an overwhelming amount of data, rendering them difficult to use. This map supports wayfinding in areas where complicated spatial relationships exist.
This system of environmental graphics serves not only as wayfinding devices but also communicates the library's visual identity. A combination of dynamic and controlled elements was designed and placed to identify, direct, punctuate, and complement the architectural statement. Identification of the library's various sections, open spaces, and rooms was achieved through the use of large fabricated numerals juxtaposed in various architectural elements.
The Nature Conservancy of Utah is developing an interpretive site along the Great Salt Lake to inform donors and visitors of the rapid loss and importance of critical wetland habitats. Visitors drive a gravel road onto the wetlands, entering through an arched gateway. A large, trestle-wood pavilion, with fan-shaped roofs, provides a gathering space and an interior series of curved exhibits embrace the upright piles.
These well-known books on the parking garage have become some of the most recognizable and widely discussed additions to Kansas City's redeveloping core. The people of Kansas City were asked to help pick the titles of the books in order to truly represent their city. When first asked to design this project, Dimensional Innovations was asked to create a small graphic panel on the center of the book spines. When the vision grew to giant books, the challenge was to reproduce the books in a realistic way and within a set budget.
The Robin Hood Foundation initiated an effort to remodel or create ten new libraries in New York City public elementary schools with money raised from corporate donors. In 2004, the foundation continued the program with a second cohort of 21 new libraries in neglected schools throughout the five boroughs. The designers named the project The L!brary Initiative and designed a simple, flexible identity based on the wordmark.
Concepts were targeted at providing an emotional connection to the environment. Probably the most popular part of the program is the human-size mosaics, which greet visitors at the changing room entrances. The relaxed posture and friendly demeanor of the images provide a tangible personality to the entry.
Batman's Hill was the starting point from which Melbourne was mapped. The Hill was removed to make way for the extension of the railway system to Spencer Street in the mid 19th century. This marker, of monumental scale, identifies the location and height of the original Batman's Hill, which is now located in the Docklands redevelopment area. Interpretive panels on the nearby pedestrian bridge illustrate the significance of Batman's Hill and the development of the Docklands area.
