Void Typeface

Besides the exciting technique of revealing and concealing, Emil Olsson’s Void Typeface video introduces the concept of a typeface merged with a dynamic light source. Depth is instantly created, and spatial qualities must be considered. Should the light source be dynamic? Should the type be dynamic? Should both? What kind of rules should be set in this relationship? Will typefaces in the future be video files with more dynamic qualities including light and sound characteristics? Will keyboards be used to type these new video typefaces with the same kerning, style changes, sizing flexibility as static typefaces?

The School Food Trust

Blending graphic design, branding, and interior design, The Applemore College Canteen (cafeteria) becomes a transformed dining experience with a small budget. Clean lines, geometric patterns, and a fresh industrial color pallete attracted me to this article. Graphic design and branding should be utilized more often and with more creative intentions in our physical environments rather than just on paper and screen.

The Hills Have Eyes

I’ve always loved the concept of using the surface of architecture as a canvas. Many of my architecture projects in undergrad involved buildings clad with large video billboards. Photographer JR turns an entire Rio favel community into a cubist-inspired canvas. This reminds me of my trip to La Boca, a poor neighborhood in Argentina painted with primary colors. It instantly functioned as a design technique to bring in tourists. With JR’s work, the question is whether the contrast of art and slum architecture becomes a spectacle.

Getting a Handle on Design

I’m excited to see Gary Hustwit’s documentary about industrial design “Objectified.” Gary’s film “Helvetica” was insightful and extremely interesting. Objectified seems similar to Helvetica, in that it makes people aware that everything around us has been designed and has a history of development. My dad said to me once “it’s strange how I forget that everything was designed by someone” It’s true though, we are surrounded by so much stuff, we often block it all out and take it for granted. Read the New York Times review by Stephen Holden.

Is Human Fat The Ultimate Bio-Diesel Fuel?

After reading this article, you will discover that human fat has been used as a source of energy to power the Earthrace bio-boat. Bruce Nussbaum uses the concept of human-fat fuel to talk about the problem of obesity. I see obesity as a good thing in this situation. While ethics may be an issue, fat harvested from humans after they die, can be used to power the globe… so the fatter the population, the more fuel we have! Then again, maybe Nussbaum was right. the fatter the population, more energy will be used to grow more food, which will be consumed at a faster rate. And more energy will also be exhausted to transport heavier loads.

Future Shock: The Movie(s)

Studying and researching ideas related to the concept of our physical world merging with the digital world has become my hobby. It has also made me more aware of technological progressions and their effects of societal trends. Check out these movies from the book Future Shock written by Alvin Toffler. Even though it was written 40 years ago, the themes may be more relevant today than ever before.

Turning 24 Clocks into One

Swedish design firm “humans since 1982” turn 24 clocks into one giant clock. The idea of multiplying a single object to become a form of itself again is very interesting. The clock also goes through a transformation of analog to digital when it multiplies. The piece becomes less about telling time, and more about telling a story of transformation. The clocks now dance and perform a choreographed piece, and the object’s initial function takes a backseat. Check out the review on Core77