I was quickly playing around with some branding-related ideas before class this morning. As you can see, I was exploring some typographic ideas starting with arrangements similar to the current Helvetica wordmark. I incorporated group names into the wordmark with the intent of underscoring that the Lab is composed of its constituent groups; rather different, I think, than the way the two are presented on our business cards, for example. Thinking about the E14 and this typographic hierarchy led me to experimenting with color and layouts inspired by Maki's proposed signage (mid to lower left). I believe the shades of gray work well, blending with the austere, bright, look of E14, but also the aluminum panels and dark gray bands of E15.

It is evident that both an exterior projection on the corrugated aluminum of E14 and on the model are feasible. In general, I think the projection onto the building itself is more impressive.

Two ideas are presented for revealing E14 during a Sponsor Week event using projection. A third idea presents a rough concept for a permanent physical installation on the pipe screen surfaces of E14.

I chose the stairs as the focus for an installation to encourage vertical travel in E14. I propose a simple piece that invokes something of the tradition of reactive spatial installation and that will engage people in ascending through the atria on foot.

The system described in the attached proposal addresses wayshowing as well as other roles of electronic signage and information in the E14/E15 complex. It is intended to provide, generate, and store useful information in a variety of contexts using practical and readily implementable methods.

The current draft details additional modes briefly discussed in the first draft. Current methods are shown and the design of the new system is discussed in greater depth.

The system described in the attached draft proposal addresses wayshowing as well as other roles of electronic signage and information in the E14/E15 complex. It is intended to provide, generate, and store useful information in a variety of contexts using practical and readily implementable methods.

I find it difficult to argue that any of the following are particularly bad. However, the last is perhaps the least aesthetically appealing or informational.

Guaranty Building
Buffalo, New York
Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler

The quintessential example of “form follows function” in architecture, shows how the design of the building can reflect how the building works. The Guaranty Building has three distinct sections: storefronts on the lower level, offices, and mechanical systems on the 13th and top floor. Nevertheless, the building is adorned with ornament that echoes its internal structure.
guaranty_ext.jpg

Grand Place
Brussels, Belgium