Uniform Utilization

Incorporating sustainability in design is a way to make a statement. Those who embrace it are sending a message to the world that they are creative, resourceful, and most of all conscious of the future. One individual has found a unique way to send a sustainable message to the world with the use of style. The approach---also a woman’s wardrobe staple—is the little black dress. The innovative individual demonstrating this fashion statement is Sheena Matheiken. Sheena has made a commitment to wear the same little black dress every day for a year. What exactly is the motive behind such madness? Sheena has decided to exercise sustainable fashion by promoting a yearlong fund-raiser called the Uniform Project. The Uniform Project raises money for the Akanksha Foundation, which is opening schools for children in India’s slums. By wearing her dress for 365 days, Sheena has gained attention worldwide. This international interest has not only highlighted the importance of sustainability but also the importance global issues.

            This new spin on fashion design teaches a lesson in working with what you have. Sheena’s inspiration was initiated by constraints. Sheena grew up in India where uniforms were mandated in most public schools. The requirement of such limited wardrobe choices encouraged both her and fellow classmates to spice up their ensembles with accessories. However, little did these school systems know that such a design restriction would arouse a future crusade for educational provision in India.

            Sheena’s efforts are inspiring. Though we may not all have a little black dress to don each day for a year, we can surely do our best to follow her example. Anyone can promote sustainability or better yet, combine such efforts with charitable donations. As much as the environment needs to be nourished, so does our society, and design provides the assets to do so.

            A little black dress can be accessorized and reused over and over again. Sheena’s efforts are the perfect illustration of design salvage. Design is a key element in sustainability and can be used to make a statement or support a cause, as seen in the Uniform Project. Just like Sheena’s little black dress, design is applied 365 days a year. But the question is, just how much do we actually utilize design? Design possesses infinite possibilities, but it is up to us to take advantage of its prospects.

 

Image Source: http://theuniformproject.com/home/daily/t-g-i-f-.html?outfit=529&month=October

 

Blog Source: http://theuniformproject.com/

Steps Towards Sustainable Future

During the lecture Sustainable Innovation, speaker Nathan Shedof introduced the theory of sustainability. He stressed the importance of sustainability from not only a business and design standpoint but from world point of view. Shedof examined several different countries in comparison to the United States and their adaptation of sustainability principles. In relation to these countries, the United States has yet to reach a level of true commitment of sustainable practices. 

            The first country examined was India. According to National Geographic magazine, India is the country with the least consumerist population. India heavily relies on recycling and reusing products because of their economic scarcity. Despite India’s problems with extreme poverty, they may be able to provide hints for American sustainability.

            Brazil is another example of foreign sustainability. Brazil has taken their transportation to a whole new level by building a subway system above ground using buses. These services were created on a budget because of limited economic funding. In Sao Paolo, visible advertising such as billboards have been completely banned from the city. Because the visual impact of advertising is no longer present, the city is much more quiet. Again, this marketing decision could be a part of our answer for a sustainable future.

            As I began to examine Shedof’s examples I saw a trend. The poor and underdeveloped countries are able to grasp a hold of sustainable practices. So why are these less advanced nation states outshining America in their resourceful practices? The answer: financial constraints. These countries are forced to come up with creative solutions because of their limited funds. The problem the United States is facing is a sizable budget. Because the United States is financially privileged, America has grown quite comfortable. America’s security blanket has been stitched together by technology and advanced production methods. Without financial constraints Americans are less inclined to think “outside the box”, hindering any progress towards a sustainable future.

            After mulling over this information I had an epiphany; I developed an amateur theory. Currently, the American economy is suffering. While I am not shying away from the fact that the present recession has stirred up inconvenience and difficulties for American citizens, I also believe that now is a time to embrace our struggles and transform these financial burdens into sustainable solutions. Shedof’s presentation stressed the fact that in the 1950’s, America was a much more sustainable country than it is today. This detail is quite ironic considering all the advancements that have been made in the last sixty years. Today we are able to create an iphone, yet we are still incompetent when it comes to monitoring our human consumption. However, knowing that America had once reached a level of committed sustainability shows that it is possible to revisit the past. But before we can do that we must focus on the present. It is time to take advantage of our struggling financial situation and think long and hard about the incorporation of sustainability as we come up with economic solutions.

            There are still many questions that need to be answered. What does a more sustainable world look like? What does a post-consumer world look like? And what, in fact, is sustainability? These are questions that require immediate responses, and although we are taking greater strides to find the answers, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to gain a consumer’s involvement. This is where designers come into play. Designers create visions that others follow. Society needs a prototype. If sustainability can be presented in a way that is appealing and meaningful, then society is more likely practice a sustainable lifestyle. So where does a designer begin his or her brainstorming process? It begins through observation. Start by immersing yourself in society and the world around you. This way you will truly learn from your surroundings, even other countries. Inspiration begins with observation and now is the time more than ever to take part in the rally towards sustainability.  

 

Photo Source: http://www.brunlimited.com/images/layout/image_sustainability-statement.jpg

Designing Relationships

The documentary Objectified by Gary Hustwit highlights our relationship with manufactured objects as well as the designers who design them. In the film, everything from gardening tools, to laptops, to vegetable peelers is discussed.  Ultimately all that surrounds us has been designed. It is our personal relationship with those objects however, that test the object’s true purpose.  In the movie one of the designers gives an important anecdote about this theory. Imagine your house was on fire. You can only grab a few things with you when you make your escape, so what would you grab? You will take with you the most meaningful objects because they review what your personal narrative is—who you are. When designing objects, this is what truly matters in the end.           

            My favorite example of current product design is the designs of Apple electronics. Apple has produced ipods, laptops, iphones, and computer accessories, all which have gained popularity because of their applications and especially because of their sleek designs. Jonathon Ive, the senior vice president of Industrial Design at Apple, points out that their designs are made to have a different appearance in relation to their purpose. It is this simplistic camouflage that revolves around the design principle that less is more. Ironic as it is, these designs have gained a large following.  The reasoning behind such high sales revenue is largely due to the innovative applications of their electronics but it is also because of their design. Apple’s designs are centered on hiding their products functions. This business paradox showcases the current trend in customer taste: function without fuss.

            As seen in the examples of Apple products, the customer’s relationship is key.  When designing products one must remember that these are products that will help interpret a person’s individuality. We are able to learn about who we are and who we want to be by the objects that surround us. A true design is a means of silent communication. A true design is a personal reflection. Finally, a true design has the ability of finding its place in society and in our hearts. 

 

Image Source: http://www.cultofmac.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ive21.jpg

Global Colors

A picture is worth a thousand words, but what about color? How about a color photograph? The answers to these questions are revealed through my favorite example: the amazing photos shot by photographer Steve McCurry. McCury’s photography truly captures a color’s power and magnificence. Each photo displays colors that highlight the human spirit. The colors that are present develop breathtaking compositions, adding to the intimate moments that have been caught on film. A large majority of Steve McCury’s work focuses on culture. He travels to different countries to photograph real events and real people. Many of his shots are candid yet some of his best work has been from his portrait shots.

            One of my favorite portraits is of a little boy in Bombay, India. The boy’s visage is enticing partly because the color is so commanding. The red in the photograph has the utmost dominance in relation to the rest of the colors. The eye thrives off of its intensity, compelling the viewer to take in the features of the boy’s face, particularly the whites of his eyes. It is the contrast of the white and red that acts as the focal point of the snapshot. Color interaction comes into play as well. The reds and teals give the photo a feeling of completeness.

            McCurry also experiments with tints and hues. The incorporation of both color properties allows a sensory liberation. It tears down the physical boundaries set by the photograph, and allows the viewer to personally feel a part of the moment that was captured. McCurry executes the influence of color on a global scale. His photographs are amazing and unique, and the most astounding part of his artwork is that it is simply a piece of our colorful world from the perspective of a camera’s lense.

            There is no question that Steve McCurry’s photographs are breathtaking. However, what is even more remarkable is that these photos have been taken from different parts of our earth. The colors are real and so are the subjects. Each photograph is a moment in time that has been frozen, allowing it to be revisited time and time again. If this is just a portion of the natural design that universal society provides then the world’s color palette is endless.

           

Photo Source: http://www.soulcatcherstudio.com/images/mccurry/Bombay96_red.jpg

Another Brick in the Wall

If a rock enthusiast heard the term “another brick in the wall”, he or she would most likely associate it with Pink Floyd. If a construction worker were presented with the term, he or she would most likely associate it with a request for further assemblage. If artist and color theorist, Josef Albers came across the term he would most likely associate it with the Bezold effect.

            The Bezold effect is an optical illusion by use of color. Depending on its placement, color may appear to be different depending on its relation to different colors. This effect takes place when small areas of color are interspersed. For example, if you look at a plate of red bricks with white mortar, and compare them to a plate of red bricks with dark mortar, the plate with the dark mortar will appear to be a darker red. However, the reds of both plates are exactly the same hue.

            This effect holds true for several color relations. The change of one color can alter both the light and weight of the original. Usually it occurs when the colors replaced or subtracted include black or white. Adding white will bring out the tint of the color and adding black will bring out its shade. This color effect provides a visual deception for its viewer.

            I myself have been a victim of the Bezold effect. This ruse happened about a year ago. I was painting my room and I had purchased a beautiful purple colored paint. I was afraid to go too light with the purple particularly because it would not match the décor of my room. Thankfully, when I went to the store to purchase my paint I found the perfect color. It was not too dark and not too light, but just right, leaving me to feel like a regular Goldilocks.

            When I got home I proceeded to paint my room with the purple paint, but as it was applied to the first wall I was outraged. This was not the same color I had so meticulously picked out the week before. In a heated fury I drove back to the paint store to demand my money back. I found the same employee who mixed my paint, and I vehemently waved the color swatch in front of his face. He told me to calm down and assured me that he had mixed the correct paint. We compared the color number to the can and he even showed me the physical proof of the same paint stick he had used to mix it just hours before. I was speechless; in complete denial. I had double, even triple-checked my color source before I purchased the actual paint! How could this happen?!

            Once I returned home, I found that there was no other option at the moment except to keep the “light” purple color as a temporary accent wall. The next day after the paint was completely dry, I returned my furniture to my room. After everything was back in their ordered place, I was astounded at the finished décor. This time it was not because of the wrong color but it was because of the right color! The purple color I had originally picked out was staring right back at me! I was dumbfounded.

            Months later I enrolled in an art class that taught an introductory course in color theory. It was not until then when I discovered the answer behind the painting mystery and mayhem. I learned about the Bezold effect and realized that the physical color of my paint had not changed but the color relation had changed. When I first began to paint my wall, the three other white walls that surrounded it made the purple appear lighter. After I moved my black furniture back in to my room, the color returned to the original darker shade I had perceived at the paint store. Ultimately, it was the purple’s relation to the white and black accents in my room that caused my painting perception to go awry.

            Color is a real concept we come in contact every day, and as you can see I know from experience. It is conceptual part of a design, whether it is used for decorating a room or a constructing a brick wall. It is an omnipresent force and a powerful influence on perception. So what am I most likely to think of when I hear the phrase “another brick in the wall”? Purple paint.

 

Image Source 1: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01121/bezold-effect_1121079i.jpg

 

Image Source 2: http://media.photobucket.com/image/purple%20paint/naomifuj/purple-paint.jpg

Color My World

The world of color surrounds us all. It is alive and real and fueled by society. One major attribute of color in our world is color association. We associate color with many things. Take the color blue for example. When we are sad we may use the term “feeling blue”. But why would we choose this color as an expression of our feelings? It is because color can evoke emotion. Color is identified with the senses. It is more common to feel excited or happy when we are surrounded by bright and warm colors, where as dark, cool colors entice a feeling of serenity or sadness.  Part of our association comes from the colors we see in nature. Yellow is seen in the sun, red and orange are seen in fire, blue is seen in the sky and water and green is seen in the trees and grass. Because nature is a physical presence, it allows us to become in tune with our senses and therefore compliments our association with color.

            Psychological effects are only part of the effect color has on our world. Color is accompanied by hues and values, all of which hold a place within society. The properties of color are interactive—a tint or shade can add depth or intensity. It is color that gives the images we see distinguishing properties and characteristics. It has a life of its own and can enhance or change its surroundings. Color plays with our perception. Everyone perceives color differently. What might appear purple to some may appear to be blue to others. 

            Design can be emphasized by color as well. Color has the ability to enhance dimension or camouflage unwanted elements. It can highlight detail or emphasize dominance. Different hues can add balance to a composition or create spatial properties. Everyday holds the potential to discover a color’s many attributes. Whether it is design, nature, or society color will always be waiting to invite you in to its engaging world.

 

Image Source: http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs42/f/2009/102/7/0/bleeding_color_by_CAM_Photography.jpg

It's an Abstract World After All

When you look at the image to your left what do you see? There is no question that the answer is a little boy. But why is it that this image has the ability to draw an immediate recognition? It is because of its realistic, life-like qualities. This painting, called Escaping Criticism by Pere Borrell del Caso, is an example of Tromp L’oeil. Tromp L’oeil is the art of painting realistically, so as to create an illusion. When translated, it literally means, “to fool the eye”. This is a technique that shows up in society frequently. It is the ultimate portrayal of visual texture and can be seen in architecture, sculpture, interior decorating, and paintings. However, if properly defined in terms of design, Tromp L’oeil brings a whole other meaning to “fooling the eye”. In order to understand such a theory, we must take a minute to turn down an opposite path and examine the style of abstraction.

            Abstraction by definition translates as a visual representation that may have little resemblance to the real world. Abstraction can occur through a process of simplification or distortion in an attempt to communicate an essential aspect of a form or concept. In the art world, paintings, such as those of Pablo Picasso, have gained universal recognition as abstract art. But what if I was to tell you that del Caso’s Escaping Criticism could be categorized as an abstract work as well? How is this possible you might ask? It is possible because no matter how realistic an artistic illustration may appear, that image will always be just that—an image. No artist, no matter how skilled or careful, can possibly reproduce every detail of a natural subject. Therefore any painting could be called an abstraction.

            The definition of Tromp L’eol has never held so much truth or so much irony. It is a style that is commonly defined as “deceptive painting” and indeed it has done just that in more ways than one. Not only has this style learned to “fool the eye” but it has learned to fool all in which its definition encompasses. This ironic design style is the perfect example of visual illusions. No matter how astounding an image is reproduced, it will always lack the entirety of its original, physical properties. My social design theory: it’s an abstract world, and we’re just living in it. 

Image Source: http://www.suncoastart.com/images/escaping-criticism.jpg