Labels

DESIGN PRINCIPLES- SENSE OF PLACE


Week 1 (4/1/22) - Week 7 (17/2/22)
Student: Tai Ser Yeet (0345798)
Programme: Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task: Project 2- Sense of Place

Jumplinks :

              INSTRUCTIONS


              LECTURES

              Week 4 (25/1/22 & 27/1/22) /Briefing on Project 2- Sense of Place

              1. Tuesday's Lecture Summary :

              A video regarding subjective definitions of self-portrait was shown in the pre-recorded lecture. The words of female talent from the video have provided a relatable definition to what I had in mind. She states that " a self-portrait represents who you are at a specific point in time" which is undeniably correct because people change and it is very natural to do so. In short, a self-portrait is also a visual depiction of one's self; how I want to be seen by others, and also how I see myself. 

              2. Thursday's Lecture Summary :

              Dr.Charles shared a meaningful quote today that essentially encourages us to stretch ourselves beyond our limits in order to discover one's true potential. That has reminded me that I should just accept the invitation to give a speech at Taylor's College Orientation Day. In a way, the quote shared has given me the extra push to challenged me and try an activity I am most afraid of. That is public speaking.

              Other than that, Dr.Charles took the liberty to bring the class for a virtual trip to the public park at Kota Kemuning. There was a sentence that he mentioned that I thought was crucial for my understanding of Project 2. 


              "Identify a place that is relatable to yourself. "


              A place that brings back memories. Make sure to note down the emotions felt and your own observations while you are at that specific place. It does not have to be a space but it can also be something very specific we can focus on. Being in motion is also counted as being in a sense of place.


              Week 5 (1/2/22 & 3/2/22) / Briefing on Project 2- Sense of Place

              1. Tuesday's Lecture Summary :

              Today was a public holiday so there was no lecture today.

              2. Thursday's Lecture Summary :

              This week was independent learning week due to the Chinese New Year Holidays. Nevertheless, I had watched the pre-recorded lectures regarding the power of observation. It teaches us to look at things from a different perspective. 

              Benefits from being a better observer: 
              • Heightens awareness
              • Ability to identify trends
              • Discover opportunities
              • Spark innovations
              • Enhance opportunities

              "By being better observers, we become better creators."

              Week 6 (8/1/22 & 10/2/22) / Briefing on Project 2- Sense of Place

              1. Tuesday's Lecture Summary :


              Dr.Charles is discussing the Final Project with the class.

              2. Thursday's Lecture Summary :

              Thursday's Lecture consists of consultation of work progress. However, I left the lecture session earlier so I could focus on my work.

              1. UNDERSTANDING THE DEFINITION OF 'SENSE OF PLACE'


              Fig 1.1; Definition of Sense of Place (2/2/22) 

              A place in which a human has developed a deep connection towards and cultivates a desire to frequently return to it.




              Fig 1.2; Using Our Five Senses (Source: Gale, 2022)(2/2/22) 

              Samantha teaches us to use our five senses to determine a 'sense of place'. The five fundamentals act as a guide that I can use when observing my surroundings. This article sparked a memory of my favorite place to shop for groceries. And that was Jaya Grocer at Sungai Buloh.




              Fig 1.3; Explanation on Sense of Place(Source: Jagannath, 2018)(2/2/22) 

              In the article titled, "What is Sense of Place? "(See Fig 1.3), Jagannath, 2018 emphasized the significance of the sense of belonging & architectural design to a person's sense of place.


              Fig 1.1; (Source: Curtain, 2021)(2/2/22) 

              I have labeled the usage of the writer's 5 senses in her descriptive novel. This is to analyze how the sense of place is described from a novelist's point of view and effectively apply it to express my emotions and observation of a place.



              Fig 1.1; Importance of Being Specific (Source: Curtain, 2021)(2/2/22) 

              This particular paragraph which writes about the significance of being specific has made me view my experiences from a different standpoint. All this while, I always thought that company is the most influential in making any moment great and other rest does not matter. Turns out, that wasn't the slightest bit true at all. Yes, having the right companion is key but noticing other details such as the songs playing in the background, architectural designs, and weather are equally as important in creating THE moment. Therefore, I wanted to extract these tips and implement them into my sketches, this time making the location and surrounding details my focal point. 


              2. EXPLORING VARIOUS LOCATIONS

              During Week 5, I had visited several places and while I was there, I took the opportunity to apply my observation skills and was really in tune with how I felt and why I felt a certain way. With that, below is the list of locations I went to: 

              2a.) My Maternal Grandmother's House

              2b.) One Utama Shopping Mall 

              2c.) Chilli's Restaurant at One Utama

              2d.) My Neighborhood (Basketball Court & the downhill road)

              2e.) Toyota Corona (my father's car which I mostly drive now)

              2f.) Taylor's Lakeside Campus (Starbucks & open space outside the library)



              2a.) My Maternal Grandmother's House

              Ah, grandma's place. Just hearing that could warm a cold heart instantly. That was the exact effect my grandmother's place had on me. Every Friday, my mother and I would take a 30-minute drive to Setapak and accompany my grandparents who lived by themselves. Also, for context, even though both my grandparents lived under the same roof, my family members would still label the Setapak house as "Grandmother's place". Strange, but it is what it is.

              One of the reasons why this small terrace house brought me an abundance of serenity was due to the feeling of safety which I felt whenever I set foot in that house. Being a panicky person by nature, I was prone to worrying about even trivial things. But whenever I was in there, I felt very secure as if the foundation of the house was made of unbreakable steel. 

              On the third day of Chinese New Year, I had revisited my grandmother's place to pay our respects to the elderly. While I was there, I began to tap into the tranquility I felt all this while. Then, it hit me. Now that I am slowly being more independent in life, I had to be responsible for my well-being. But grandparents being grandparents, they would constantly care for their grandchildren even if they have grown up. I felt safe in my grandmother's place was because I was able to rely on someone to look after me. For instance, the meals my grandmother cooked, the tidy bed prior to my mother & I 's arrival e.t.c

              Below are my observations of the house from a designer's point of view. 

              Fig 2.1; Observation 1 (6/2/22) 



              Fig 2.2; Observation 2 (6/2/22) 



              Fig 2.3; Observation 3 (6/2/22) 



              Montage of My Grandmother's Place


              I wanted my viewers to visualize what it is like when I visit my grandmother's place. Everything from the mixture of colors from the furniture and decoration to the background noise of my family members chattering away. Every element of the house plays a crucial role in transforming the place into a space that I could always count on to bring happiness.


              2b.) One Utama Shopping Mall 

              Below are my observations of the mall from a designer's point of view. 
              Fig 2.4; Observation 4 (6/2/22) 

              I have been going to One Utama ever since I was a toddler. It was always the place my family and I frequent for the majority of our hang-outs, meals, shopping trips, and many more. I really can't pinpoint a fact that draws me to the mall. My body just miraculously produces tons of serotonin when I am in it. Perhaps the successful shopping experience I always had has carried forward to my general experience at the mall.



              2c.) Chilli's Restaurant at One Utama

              A way through a girl's heart is through her stomach! And Chilli's has successfully managed to capture my attention through their impeccable Texas flavors. Not to mention, the ambiance and energy from the furniture, decoration & service crews. Even though it is constantly packed with customers, I had always felt as though I was in a private room, having dinner with my family members. The lighting, as seen from Fig 2.5 is designed and installed in a way that only brings an emphasis on the customers dining at that specific table. Being a more introverted person, I prefer a more secluded space in which I did not want disturbance. Thus, I really appreciate places like these. 

              Fig 2.5; Observation 5 (6/2/22)


              2d.) My neighborhood's basketball court

              I used to train alone on this court every single day, without fail. Whatever mistakes I have committed during my high school basketball training, will be reflected right here on this ground. I have grown attached to this place mainly because whenever I was having a tough time at school or during training, this place would always be there for me. It never speaks and acts as though it is listening attentively to what I have to say. Even though it may be old and worn down but I still got gradually improve on my dribbling and shooting skills. Nevertheless, it also motivates me to do better the next day by providing the necessary facilities for training.

              Below are my observations of the court from a designer's point of view. 
              Fig 2.6; Observation 6 (6/2/22)



              2e.) Toyota Corona

              I remember a specific moment in which I just entered my car during a heavy downpour at MRT Kwasa Sentral station. Not only did I feel a sense of relief, but I also felt elated. It was a strange emotion to feel at that moment when my safety was at stake. Nonetheless, while I waited for the rain to subside, I switched on my favorite playlists and jammed in the car. I could let my guard down in there just because I was alone and I knew that my car shields me from any harm. Other than that, the softness of the cushion seats and the cool temperature inside the car makes the entire vehicle very cozy.

              Here is a timelapse of me, mimicking the moment mentioned above. 



              2f.) Taylor's Lakeside Campus 

              During the physical Open Day, one of the reasons why my father was immediately on the idea that Taylor's was the university for me was because of its HUGE CAMPUS. Initially, my thoughts of the campus grounds were merely mediocre but when I explored it on my own, I began to recognize every aspect of its beauty. As of today, my favorite spots on campus would hands- down be the library and the open space outside the library. Not only did both spaces promote work productivity, but it has also managed to transport me into another dimension. A dimension whereby the weather is just how I like it (windy), absence of judgment from surrounding peers, and a sturdy shelter to protect me from dangers of the outside world. As you can already tell, safety IS my number one priority. 


              Below are my observations of campus from a designer's point of view. 
              Fig 2.7; Observation 7 (7/2/22)
              Starbucks

              For Starbucks, I have decided to take a different approach to the Sense of Place. And that is the novelist approach. I will be describing exactly what I see, smell, touch, hear and taste while I am in the cafe. Tuning into my 5 senses, here is what I have observed. The smells of coffee brewing and coffee grounds filled my nostrils. I see students staring at laptop screens and chattering with their companions. I hear the obnoxiously loud noise of the blender that blends on intervals. 

              As I am writing this while sipping a cup of hot cocoa cappuccino, the tune "I Started A Joke" by BeeGees plays from the album "Idea" released in (1968). . The aftertaste of the rich chocolate lingers in my mouth. I have my laptop in front of me, the idea of being very productive motivates me to keep going & quit slacking. I feel the cool wind from the air conditioning on the ceiling. There are large glass windows on opposite sides of the cafe, each allowing ample sunlight to shine through. This provides natural illumination and not artificial lighting. But most importantly, the previous crowds of college freshmen trickled away and the atmosphere went quiet again. 



              Below are my observations of campus from a designer's point of view. 

              Fig 2.8; Observation 8 (7/2/22)



              3. INSPIRATIONAL ARTWORKS 

              Textures

              After completing the previous design assignments, I notice that I haven't really explored the various techniques of sketching such as cross-hatching, stippling, scribbling, and more.  Later, I figured I should perhaps try something new in Project 2 instead of sticking to a specific art style for all of my design projects. 

              I went to seek inspiration and came across this article on "How to incorporate Movement in your artworks." And these are the paintings the author has uploaded. 


              Fig 3.1; Contrasting smooth and impasto texture(Source: Scott, n.d.)(6/2/22)

              As we can see, there are different textures for different grounds. Items in the foreground could be heavily texturized with lines, patterns whereas objects in mid-ground and background are smoother in texture. As a result, specific elements from an artwork would emerge from the background and be the first thing that the audience notices first. It allows for contrast to occur as well



              Fig 3.2; Using rhythmic, or repeating elements(Source: Scott, n.d.)(6/2/22)

              Movement is achieved through the repetition of elements.



              Fig 3.3 Directional Brushwork(Source: Scott, n.d.)(6/2/22)

              The brushwork guides the viewer's eyes across the painting, drifting from one point to the next. play with the thickness, length, and direction of brush strokes.



              3a.) Colors & Space

              I really enjoyed how colors have a massive impact on how a viewer interprets the painting.  Certain colors evoke certain emotions and this could guide the viewers into deciphering the actual message of what the artist is trying to convey.

              Other than that, artworks that cleverly incorporate the use of space allow the audience to either feel a sense of individuality in the middle of a wide and empty piece of land; it could also make them feel trapped because there isn't a way to escape from this "space". That is my two cents on interpreting landscape & architectural artworks.



              Some of my favorite artworks created by Stuart Lippincott


                                            Fig 3.4; (Source: Lippincott, 2021)(8/2/22)

              Fig 3.4 shows order and some sort of dictatorship. The sitting figures are sitting in such close proximity, almost as if they were in two separate imaginary boxes. With that said, a rigid system could be depicted as it is rare to see humans act this discipline in real life. Moreover, observing the tiny figures, there is only one person standing whereas the others are all sitting down. This, in turn, emphasizes the power and control held by the tiny standing figure. A sense of hierarchy can be seen due to the large difference in scale between the two tallest figures and the tiny figures at the bottom.

              The soft, white light shining above the two giant figures and the darkness engulfing the tiny people gives the illusion that both of the giant figures are held captive by the tiny people.

              Wow, the immense amount of design principles incorporated in this artwork is phenomenal!


              An overall observation of Stuart's work
              In the majority of Stuart Lippincott's artworks on the Behance website, he only ever use mainly two sets of colors to give life to his works. He frequents shades of orange, green, blue, and grey.  It was a mixture of warm and cool tones which gives a very distinct contrast to his design, making the focal points stand out from the rest.

              As for space, I can't put my finger on it but his usage of the element produces a fantasy, futuristic and spiritual-like storyline which I quite like as it gives character and a feeling that there might be an alternate reality compared to the reality we currently face.


              Movie set build for Squid Game

              Fig 3.5; Staircase of Squid Game (Source: The Architecture of Squid Game, n.d.)(11/2/22)

              Just looking at the participants in green walking up the stairs made me feel uneasy. As if they were walking through an endless maze with no way out. I found that the bright, pastel colors used in the design were ingenious as a playful demeanor is brought out. Not only that, a juxtaposition of the old(the players) and the young(child-like architecture design) is seen in this movie set.


              4. WORK PROGRESSION 

              4a(i).) Deciding on a location 
                 
              Fig 4.1; Chilli's Restaurant (6/2/22)                          Fig 4.2; Neighbourhood Park (6/2/22)


                 
                  Fig 4.3; Grandma's house(6/2/22)                            Fig 4.4; Grandma's house(6/2/22)


                 
              Fig 4.5; Starbucks at Taylor's(6/2/22)                    Fig 4.6; Neighbourhood park(6/2/22)


              To be frank, I still could not decide on a location just because each of them has its special place in my heart. I do have ideas on how I could implement various colors to evoke a certain mood but then again I wasn't certain about the composition. How do I recreate the structure of the place without entirely copying it and instead, adding my own unique touch to it? But as the saying goes, if you never try then you will never know. Not wasting any more time, I have picked the first location because I could picture it to be the most suitable scenery for my project. (See Fig 4.1). 


              4b(i).) Executing of idea

              Fig 4.7; Outline for Sketch #1 (6/2/22)   


              I have roughly sketched out the outline of the subjects for the first step. 


              Now it is ready for the next stage which is... drum roll... WATERCOLORING!

              I chose this type of medium because watercolor paintings are not harsh on the eyes and they blend very well together due to the water. Additionally, the blurry effect of the artwork makes it feel as though the design is extracted from a person's memory. Hence, I wanted to give it a shot.




              Fig 4.8; Colouring Sketch #1(6/2/22)   

              I adore warmer colors in general as it allows me to feel very comfortable and cozy inside. Thus, I assigned a yellow-orange color palette as my artwork's foundation color (See Fig 4.8). Since watercolor is shear in nature, the yellowish color would then influence the final product. A yellowish tint which is similar to old photos can be seen.




              Fig 4.9; Completed watercolor painting of Chilli's (6/2/22)   

              After the first layer of color, I colored in the rest of the work using muted colors to ensure nothing stands out as a focal point. I did not want to create unnecessary emphasis on an object.


                 
              Fig 4.10; Original (6/2/22)                            Fig 4.11; Black & White (6/2/22)

              After I was done with the watercolor painting, I transferred the outcome to my laptop and played with photo filters. The photo on the right(See 4.11) is a Black & White version of the artwork whereas the one on the left is the original.

              The Black & White version instantly transport me back to the times when non-colored pictures could only be printed. Somehow I felt nostalgic when I look at Fig 4.11 despite not being born into that era until much later.




              4a(ii).) Deciding again on a location

              During Thursday Lecture on Week 6, Dr.Charles briefly advised one of my coursemates to develop her own interpretation of her chosen location and execute it in her own way. Feeling that I might have made the same mistakes as her which do not fulfill the criteria of Project 2, I began thinking of ways I could modify the finished painting (See Fig 4.10.) But to my dismay, my mind went blank. So instead of wasting more time, I went back to the drawing board and started choosing a different location instead. In the end, I set my eyes on my neighborhood park. (See Fig 4.6)

              I also realized that due to the time constraints, I would just stick to digital media instead of the traditional medium as I find it much easier to execute my ideas there.



              4b(ii).) Executing of idea


              Fig 4.12; Progress 1 (10/2/22)   


              This is a time-lapse of my work progress.



              First of all, during the research process of Project 2, I was very intrigued by the usage of brushwork to create a sense of movement in the painting. Hence, seeing that I could add in some texture to enhance the visual interest of my second attempt, I have decided to go for it. Moreover, I also incorporated the stippling technique on the pavements, giving the impression of a tiled surface. A mixture of heavy and light-weighted lines was used to increase variety. 


              Next, I tried to experiment with the given brushes from the Autodesk Sketchbook mobile application.

              Fig 4.13; Trying out a digital acrylic brush for leaves(10/2/22)   


              Fig 4.14; Airbrushed leaves & shadows (10/2/22)  

              I have added shadows for the area under the trees and placed warm colors for the leaves as an imitation of the autumn season.


              Fig 4.15; Silhouette of Boy & I(10/2/22)   


              Lastly, I drew a picture of myself and a dog by my side, staring into the distance. The dog beside me is Boy. My dad gave him that name when we took him in for 2 weeks to treat his injured nose before letting him wander back on the streets. A little backstory, Boy is a stray dog who hangs around my housing street. It never bites and is extremely gentle with humans that stop to pet him. Fast-forward to the present, I would occasionally feed him treats and water when he comes by our porch. Gradually, I became very attached to Boy and misses him very much whenever I am away for most days. I would say he is my "happy place" and I would never trade him for anything in the world. Thus, if I have to leave and choose something/someone to bring with me, I would pick Boy. Hence, my chosen subject of focus besides myself.


              Fig 4.16; Close-up of "Boy"& I (10/2/22)   

              Animating My Final Piece

              Since I saw how much Dr.Charles likes animations done by my peers as well as my seniors, I have decided to give it a go. Even though I have never attempted to animate before.

              It was definitely time-consuming as I had to make slight changes to each and every frame in order for the animation to flow seamlessly. 

              Final Outcome #1

              Although it is not my best work, I am glad I gave it a shot. The background music I chose was a calm song with medium-paced beats.


              Feedback from Dr.Charles
              Dr.Charles suggested lengthening the duration of the animation following the chosen song. He also mentioned editing the animation for more than one song. 


              Final Outcome #2
              And the second song I chose was a song I had listened to at a Starbucks cafe in Taylor's Campus. A wave of nostalgia rushed over me as I listened to the tune. That exact feeling is what I intend to translate to this animation. That song is called "I Started a Joke - Bee Gees.


              Final Decision
              Both song choices were great but I can only pick one as my final animation.

              In the end, I went with the calming background music because I loved how the opening of the song matches the beat of the moving sunrays & shadows of trees.


              FINAL OUTCOME FOR PROJECT 2: SENSE OF PLACE






              Here is a side-by-side comparison with the reference image:
               
                 
               Fig 5.1; Neighbourhood Park (6/2/22)           Fig 5.2; Final Outcome for Sense of Place(10/2/22)

              Short Rationale

              A sense of movement is the main design principle depicted from my final outcome. The shadows of the trees as well as the trees themselves are gradually reducing in size, clearly determining that a rhythmic pattern is present. Next, emphasis is put on the dog and me through the glaring sun rays shooting out of the gap created by the trees. Not only that, continuity can be found among the sun rays coming from above, the directional brushstrokes of the hills, and the stippling techniques of the pink pavement. We are also able to distinguish the hills in the foreground and background due to their respective width. Lastly, the different thicknesses of brushstrokes and dots seen from the hills display variety in my design.



              FEEDBACKS

              Week 6 / Feedback For Final Outcome

              Telegram response from Dr. Charles: 

              I think it's very good! However, I wished the animation would be a longer loop. Perhaps it could be for as long as 2 complete ambient music.



              REFLECTIONS

              Compared to the Exercises & Project 1, Project 2 was the toughest assignment so far but the most interesting one of all. Aside from the obstacles caused by the time constraints, I have discovered my weakness in expressing my thoughts in words. For example, I found it difficult to describe how I felt whenever I visited the One Utama Shopping Mall. But nevertheless, I felt that Project 2 has provided a chance for me to practice communicating my thought process and ultimately, be able to write it with full clarity.

              During the commencing of Project 2, I became more in tune with my surroundings through the power of observation. Just by observing, we are able to understand the world in a better view and eventually, lead to better decision-making in the future.

              REFERENCES










              Labels:

              Comments

              Post a Comment