COP2 Evaluation

My essay explored the relationship between Graphic Design and Architecture, and how Graphic Design has shaped the identity and impact of Architecture throughout history. One of books that informed my essay was ‘Graphic Design and Architecture: A 20^th Century History’ by Richard Poulin. This book revealed the various elements of Graphic Design that have existed within Architecture and the built environment throughout history, and suggested that Graphic Design is an important factor in making the Architecture memorable and timeless. My essay explored how buildings and structures utilise Graphic Design to aid the communication of their identity, and to create a powerful impact on society within their time, as well as up to this day.

For my practical project, I designed supergraphics that could be applied to the existing Architecture of the ‘Royal Armouries’ Museum. The brief asked the supergraphics to strengthen the identity of the museum, as well as to make it stand out and attract visitors. From exploring in my essay the different Graphic Design techniques that were used throughout history to make Architecture that was memorable and iconic, I was able to apply this knowledge to my designs and make the ‘Royal Armouries’ museum potentially fit into that category. The choice of creating supergraphics was particularly inspired by the ‘MoMA QNS’ building that I discussed within my essay. The use of supergraphics is bold and modern, which I thought would be appropriate for what I am trying to achieve. The ‘MoMA QNS’ building inspired how I view the use of supergraphics and revealed the potential of how to work with the buildings Architecture to create an even bigger impact. Furthermore, the theoretical research done for my essay inspired how the identity and message of the museum can be communicated on its exterior/Architecture. Throughout history, graphic marks and imagery have be used to reinforce what the building stood for. During the Egyptian period, for example, hieroglyphs were applied on the stone temples of King’s and high officials, to represent their power and tell their story. During the middle ages, stained-glass windows were used in Churches to represent the teachings of Christianity, which also created power for the church as most of the people at the time were illiterate. This, and other research, reveal how utilising Graphic Design to communicate what is inside of the building, on the outside, strengthens the overall power and impact of the building and its Architecture. For this reason, the outcomes I creates for this project were inspired by what is exhibited within the museum. The illustration supergraphics I created are meant to represent the vast collection that the ‘Royal Armouries’ holds, and to strengthen their identity by making the Architecture appear stronger and more iconic.