languages
Something I really want to do in my second year is use my interest in languages much more. It is a little known fact that I have a drive to learn languages, and am advanced in Spanish, studied French for ten years and am currently learning German. Languages are hard to learn, and usually learnt in boring ways that suit only a small portion of academics.
The language learning experience must be revolutionised. It must be made open to creative people, and made more friendly for acamdeic people. I therefore have many ideas in how this could be developed, which I'm excited to take forward next year.
I think it is vital that people have a grasp of foreign languages in a globally connected world, and it is important for the sake of our cultural understanding too. As a visual communicator, I have a drive to make the world a better place. Cultural ignorance blights the UK, with xenephobic behaviour all too common. A project to reduce this through language learning seems an ideal thing to do in my view.
To introduce this idea, I have found a nifty widget for online translations. Bad Translator demonstrates the inaccuracy of online translators. Have a go yourself, and see how different your result is from the original text:
http://www.conveythis.com/translation.php
leeds by night
An interactive photo guide to Leeds at night. http://www.stephengriffin.co.uk/leedsbynight/
This project has been undertaken by Stephen Griffin to document people's interaction with the city at night.
Where Does My Money Go?
Information Graphics have long been one of my interests. Statistics don't have to be displayed in boring ways. There are beautiful examples of maps, charts and graphs available. 'Where Does My Money Go' works as an application to display how the budget is spent. I don't think the website is amazing, but it has its merits and certainly gives inspiration for other designers to improve upon it.
http://www.wheredoesmymoneygo.org/dashboard/#/regional-drilldown/spending=per_capita&focus=04&year=2010-11
Broadcasting Place
Broadcasting Place has won an award at the 2010 RIBA architecture awards; a building built last year designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley architects.
a decent church, finally
I'm happy to see that at least in one place in the world, churches are looking to more edgy designs for their buildings. All to often, churches stick to their old buildings- and when they build new ones, they can hardly be described as cutting edge. To me, the aesthetic and design that churches adopt is one of the major reasons many churches are failing. There are some exceptions however. OFIS Arhitheki shows us it's new church in Krasnja, Slovenia:
New London 2012 Mascots Unveiled
At first, I wasn't sure if I liked Wenlock & Mandeville. In one sense, they have the charm and the friendliness expected of a mascot- and it has been executed in a dynamic way; something London 2012 has seeked to do since it unveiled its cutting edge logo.
On the other hand, is this idea simply 'cheesy'? I'm not sure how well it works, and there's a risk element involved as I fear it could become somewhat of a laughing stock among the global community. Only time will tell.
However, having said this I have concluded that I like them. I like them because they push boundaries; they're relatable, new, dynamic and innovative. I think they'll get a lot of criticism, but they'll be remembered.
The Olympics are often not the festival of unity and diverse culture they're supposed to be. Obviously sport is at the heart, but in some past games, any other areas are forgotten; I felt Beijing 08 was very 'one dimensional' with sport the sole focus. London 2012 is already pioneering design for the new decade as well as being a massive beacon of regeneration though, and it is helping to bring communities together.
As designers, it is often said the final outcome isn't what matters, but it's the process. I think this is true here- if London 2012 and its mascots have pushed boundaries in design and many other industries, its a success. So all in all, I vote favourably.
documentary: the genius of design
BBC 'The Genius of Design'
Click here to watch Episode 1 (available for seven days)
Although this documentary focusses on design in a wide sense, with a focus on product design, it gives a good insight into the reason we design and how it affects the world around us. The documentary itself is well made and utilises filler shots and background music well; meeting expected BBC standards.
Boris' Bus
If there's one thing Boris can talk about, it's buses. Here is his big new idea for new Routemaster buses; even if they bear little resemblance to the original Routemasters.
article: how the internet is changing Whitehall
From BBC News
Web revolution sweeps Whitehall
Never mind the events in Downing Street. There is a revolution going on in cyberspace too.
DCLG website
Work is under way to update departmental websites
Government web activity was frozen during the general election campaign but now that the new coalition Lib Dem/Conservative government is taking shape it has exploded into frenetic life. Continue reading
'Parliamentary Waffle'
Parliamentary Waffle
A glimpse into the life of politicians and their manifestos. Love the simplicity of the design.
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