Amber Weaver

Research is the most important part of our project. Artists and references we are inspired by include: Talk about references/artists designers and how the APPLICATION of design thinking methods have been a success/ unsuccessful. Consider in real life contexts. 2 more examples with little text underneath. 

Stephanie Boutari - Mural artist

After completing her master's degree in architecture at the University of Waterloo, Boutari says she started noticing that many buildings across Waterloo Region were "bleak" and "lacked" any sort of character. Similar to the space we had identified in Elephant and Castle. "By adding art, it draws people's attention to their environment. It makes them look at it twice and appreciate the beauty around them," says Boutari. 

A thesis states: (We could not track down the author)

The surface of architecture is presented as a site of conflict between two traditionally opposing imperatives of architecture: to represent social and cultural identity, and the art of its designed construction or tectonics – its structural order, material qualities, modular assembly, modes of production, and functionality. While the former is tied to stylistic traditions, the latter is inherently connected to technology. 

We liked this idea of manipulating the surface so that the viewer uncovers the historical elements that are integrated within the Elephant’s architecture. Through designing a mural that embodies this idea we can create something that has a deeper meaning that just something to decorate the walls to hide the ugliness of the building. 

In terms of design thinking we considered two main ideas the could help us move towards a sophisticated solution. 

Art & Activism 

In terms of these two notions, we decided to favour the former but embrace them both. By creating a piece of art, we’re preserving what activists may be fighting for (which would be the sense of community and cultural history) by creating a digital application – which will exist forever. In turn we solve an issue that although might be the most desired outcome, can be adapted and worked around the new development. 

Human-Centred Design 

William H Whyte- Urbanist 

https://vimeo.com/111488563 

Our aim was create a 2 minute video on a topic inspired by London. 

How well was my project at achieving this goal?

Our video was about night workers and how they set up London for the new day. The only box we had to tick was that the video referenced London which we completed successfully as we included iconic London landmarks such as the London Eye. 

What was unsuccessful?

In terms of the content I feel like we could have none more wide shots of the characters/street with workers in them as the video is mostly characterised by mid shots and close ups. In addition the music is perfect except towards the end, it’s too loud and dramatic. We did try and solve this issue by researching ways to take away that section of the audio, however we found this too difficult as our attempts made the audio sound like it had been edited badly. 

What was successful?

Since this was our groups first attempt at making a video I feel we did very well in general. Due to our shots being random, what we managed to shoot worked well in terms of our idea. In addition, we learnt a great deal about video editing, colour grading, software and how to shoot a film. 

Process of research? 

We used the internet as our main source of research as this is where we found good video references for our starting point. Once we had established what we wanted out film to look like, we were able to source and edit the correct content, rejecting anything that we knew wouldn’t work. 

Have I developed any new skills?

I have learned a great deal in this project. Especially in the video editing software premier pro. In addition I also learned to colour grade, our end result wasn’t amazing, but we managed to create fluidity in tone and feel relatively successfully throughout the film. 

What would I change?

I would like to have had more wider shots to work with, and if we had more time we could have got to know the workers better and perhaps staged some shots to make them look more beautiful. I would also like to edit the audio. 

How have my ideas developed?

We went on our own judgement in terms of our ideas and brainstormed together as a group often. 

What have I learnt about myself?