OUGD502 - Studio Brief 02 - Ideas Generation

Many of the ideas discussed were based on the history of the university, predominantly that which suggested the building and the courses were heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement. One idea was to have signage in a similar form to that of colour blind tests, whereby the floor number would be situated in the middle in a typical arts and crafts style (plants, nature, etc) and then surrounded by similar patterns in a different colour so that the number is still visible, but stylised.

The Arts and Crafts Movement is also known for its stained glass designs. Based on this, ideas were discussed around the idea of playing with light, a natural source which continues to link back to the roots of the movement. Stained glass could potentially become a feature around the university, in which light is then projected onto the floor, walls or objects to produce a sense of direction. Although a sustainable method using light, this can be unpredictable and so potentially artificial lights would also have to be used in order to maintain constant projections. However, this would counteract the whole idea of using sustainable and natural materials. Mirrors were additionally discussed in terms of these ideas of reflection and projection.

Whilst looking at responses from the student survey at the same time, it was interesting to discuss how these could also potentially be linked to the Arts and Crafts Movement, and as a way of making this seem more contemporary to fit with modern day and the plans for the design of the new university building.

Other discussed ideas were based on the alumni of the university, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth being two of the notable people, both whom have a similar style of working. One idea was to produce bronze sculptures in such styles representing floor numbers and potentially being accompanied by fly posters to hold more information, taking inspiration from the wayfinding system at The Tanks, Tate Modern. However, for this, size and space would have to be carefully considered, again with the discussion of how these could be made to seem more contemporary.

Responses taken from the student survey were considered most importantly, helping us to produce a potential wayfinding system which would work for both new and current students of the university. The main themes which arose were ideas of light, plants and nature, and colour.