Group Growth
Due to members absences and minimal work produced we had to focus on the branding side this week. With 2 weeks to go we were still missing this imperative pieces of the puzzle. Unfortunately, only one member for the graphics team came to the creativity meeting, so we just focused on the Made in House Logo.
As a group we looked at all the initial drawings and voted on which one we preferred and why. When comparing it with the animations, website and interior we felt that the logo seen below was the best initial sketch to develop. We then watched the graphic designer illustrate this in illustrator which was fascinating as I had never used this programme before, so it was interesting to see someone else’s approach. From this we then developed certain aspects of the logo, so we were all happy with the outcome seen in the bottom right below image.
Personal Growth
This week proved most intriguing, sometimes frustrating, but also very engaging. From last week’s mini task of finding out personality types I felt this weeks in person meeting was the first time we truly worked as a team and gained a really promising outcome. By taking the lead of the meeting I found myself sometimes coming across quite strongly but with reason.
By becoming really picky on a certain line of the logo sometimes I did have to stop myself becoming overly critical and I quote myself ‘sorry to be really picky, can we just move that line one click up’ but we all laughed about it and I think at that moment, it honestly reflected all our passions for the project as we were all wanting the best outcome. Even though not all members were present, for the first time we felt like a cohesive group working with the same narrative.
Research
From last week’s discussions I went back to the drawing board and reconfigured the layout. From the critique taken on board it allowed the space to develop for a much more comprehensive way finding. Now having the exterior and interior zones allocated it was time to focus on the interior finishes of the space. Considering previous research of Feng Shui, Colour phycology and style I could now navigate the interior décor. Focusing on the style, foremost it must work ergonomically for without, this the space would be ineffective.
From initial discussions and questionnaire feedback the one thing that nearly all picked up on was the flooring. This cold cheap flooring that was just uninspiring was the first thing I decided on. For the ground floor for a more homely atmosphere, I chose a dark herringbone oak to play on that depth of colour that was found in the colour research. Even though the existing flooring in the Barbara Hepworth building has a light tone, for the new studio having a dark floor wouldn’t work so I chose a much lighter oak in the same style to create that blank canvas whilst still having that warmer tone and consistent design across both levels.
I also heavily lent on my initial secondary research The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well (2016) by M.Wiking. Roughly translated from danish Hygge mean fun. As this space is ‘unlabelled’ and doesn’t fit within one style; Hygge, which first appeared in the 1800’s was a perfect choice because it isn’t a style, rather a concept, a lifestyle choice. It is a very atmospheric concept which focuses on the Five dimensions seen in Chapter Thirteen; Taste, Sound, Smell, Seeing and the Sixth sense of Hygge.
There are lots of things within the book that have been applied to the space, for example, there is a designated kitchen, obviously you can’t have certain appliances such as a hob or oven for safety reasons . So by swapping your typically oven unit and replacing it with a vending machine still allows for food. Within Chapter Four, Food and Drink; instead of having your typical British junk food it will focus on food inspired by Hygge seen in Fig 2-4.
Fig 2,3,4
Chapter Six of M.Wiking book (2016) focuses on the home; cleverly listing 10 things that make you home more Hygellig. See fig 5. By incorporating these ten things into the Postgraduate space will give the space a USP that the university is currently missing. Some things such an open fireplace are far too much of a health and safety violation so within the library this is still incorporated but has been changed to an electric fire. This creates this Hyggekrog which translates to a nook that is essential to Hygge concept.
Fig 5
Finer details such as more tactile elements such as ceramics will be incorporated from Postgraduate students work and the softer fixtures such as blankets and cushions will be primarily made from wool to bring that nostalgic heritage feeling of Yorkshire textile history. After some internet-based research, I sourced this authentic small business Yorkshire Blankets who hand make all their products from cushions to dog collars focusing on Yorkshire wool based in Yorkshire. Not only does this business fit within the design ethos but supports a local family run business that can become a strong relationship for design students who are wanting experience within the textile industry.