OUGD504 - Final Layout

Final Layout Considerations and Reasoning

A modular grid system would be used within the design reflecting the layout of a city which is in a gridded formation, linking the layout to the geographical aspect of the concept. The primary grid system divides a double spread into three sections allowing for space for the beach line at the top, road line at the bottom and the rest of the content in the middle. Equal space is allocated to both the road and beach line and the use of a modular grid split into these horizontal strips means that the lines could be positioned parallel to one another as they are geographically. This structure within the grid system across all the pages means that the lines will be positioned in same place on every page making it easier to follow and to create the sense of a continuous journey through the place. The rest of the space across the spread uses the modular grid as a way of positioning the text.

It was decided that for each activity there should be a 'Title Page' in which the most striking image of the place would be used. The design of the book aims to be visually engaging with minimal written content so it was considered having a large opening image with only a title, showing the place in its best light, would attract attention and be visually engaging for a family. This initial image would encourage people to find out more information by turning the page. On these pages the image is constrained to a strip across the middle of the double spread reflecting the horizontal nature of the lines above and below. 

The headings for each of the places are always right aligned and positioned on the right page in reference to the way Arabic writing is read. The titles are also positioned in relation to where the activity is located, for example if an activity is on the beach line this means that the title is at the top of the space for content. For each activity there is then a second page which contains more imagery and some information about the place to give a better sense of the place. Text on the second page is always positioned on the same page as the actual location on the lines and is placed either at the top or bottom of the page depending on whether the location is on the beach or road. 

The positioning of the rest of the imagery depended on the orientation of the chosen images, however there were some consistencies within this such as:
- no images on the second page go across a double page spread otherwise multiple images would not be able to be used, which is important in describing and creating a sense of the place visually
- if there are two landscape images then these are put side by side to create a strip in a similar way to the title pages
- if there are portrait images then these fill one page in the available space between the lines to create balance between the two halves of the page and content