I hate walls: an introduction to 1+1=3 and 2+3=100.

I'm a graphic designer, who after years of teaching in a university graphic design program, am now teaching in an interior design program. I have found my views changing on my own field as well as how I teach because of this new perspective. I've also been entertaining this enduring craving to produce a designed experience more tactile than that of an online or print work. Interior design and architecture are the most tempting for filling this hunger.

After realizing how often I'm emailing out links to resources I find online, I've decided instead to build this into a blog. This will act as a place to track how these latest discoveries are molding my views on design and provide a forum to create discussion around these topics.

I hate walls. This man vs. nature thing is overrated. I would like to see a more intelligent solution to integrating design with nature so that they co-exist. This has been represented under such names as "green design" and "biomimicry". Instead of focusing on the technical aspects of conserving energy, or analyzing the biology behind nature, I am more interested in the physical/visual design of spaces and how they can collaborate with the user in a cohesive way using the second and third dimensions.

1+1=3, 2+3=100.

1+1=3. A project is more than the sum of its parts. When two things combine, a new meaning is created. A tree + a rope can = a swing (youth), or a noose (death). All depending on how those two elements are combined and shown.

2= Graphic design.
The needs of information to be communicated is changing as technology surfaces in more places. It used to be that design was solely based on static media, such as paper. This medium offers the designer total control over the space, but has only as much influence on the user as the user is willing to accept the message (or not throw it away). Communication of message is the primary goal with graphic design: to inform, persuade or entertain the viewer. This influence can only increase as the mediums increase.

There is a tendency of the design industry to identify themselves as a designer of a particular medium. In an article some years ago in Communication Arts, a writer said that instead of identifying ourselves in terms of "we do brochures, business cards, websites, or magazines" we should focus on the communication solution designers provide. Instead the focus should be on the delivery of solutions, no matter the medium. When we do this, both fields will expand.

3=Architecture.
A structure for providing a livable space. This is my perception of it for now. I don't feel like I am exactly qualified to define this entire discipline. My guess for this is much less educated than that of graphic design. ;) Until this changes, I will base my views on this assumption.

100=Design + Architecture.
If these two fields are combined, I believe the ability to impact, communicate and direct the viewer will increase. For instance, consider the impact on a hospital that is designed to take care of the patient physically as well as mentally by having the graphic and architectural designed as a whole, and not a separate dimension. This would also help the medical staff in transferring information between themselves and the patients.

A study in this idea will be realized namely in a foreign study experience in London during the summer of '06. This in itself will require a new post. :) I look forward to posting the information I find on this blog, and hearing your take on this as well!

Sincerely,
Corrine