OUGD603 - Brief 8 - Scrap Paper Notebook / Journal - Brief Analysis

Brief Analysis

- Create a notebook using found / reclaimed papers 

- the design should celebrate the papers within it and their different qualities 

- should be suitable for note-taking but also versatile and multi-functional 

- should be appropriate for and appeal to designers 

- should be contemporary and functional

- should be suitable for travelling with

- should primarily use found or scrap papers

- should have a luxury and quality feel

- the papers should be the focus of the design 

OUGD603 - Brief 8 - Notebook / Journal - Research - Existing Designs

Existing Designs 

Cuaderno Notebooks

- The Cuaderno range of notebooks uses a different type of grid or line within each notebook and plays with these in different ways throughout the notebook.

- The cover designs are minimal reflecting the type of line used within the book.

- The use of foiling on the coloured cardstock of the cover creates a refined and quality feel to the design.

- In some pages rather than applying a block of lines directly to the page they are instead fit within a shape creating more geometric formats 

- The lines or grids within the notebooks never take up a whole page of a notebook instead the blocks of lines have been applied to the pages so that it looks like they are expanding off the pages. 

- A combination of lined and blank paper is created on the pages as the line designs do not cover the whole of each page. This provides the opportunity for the user to use the pages in different ways e.g. drawing and writing.

- In some cases the designs are used across a double page spread or the same design is mirrored on the other page making the spreads part of the same design.

- Lines in Cuaderno 3 and 4 are curved and angular leading to the user having to adjust how they would use the notebook, with the use of these lines creating more experimental layouts. 

- The varied and experimental layouts of some of the books question the functionality of the notebook and how to use the notebook

- In some cases the pages are filled then shapes are applied over the top of these to create negative space within the pages and a sense of layering of shapes within the design.

Evolution Print Notebook 

- The sizes of this notebook makes it perfect as a travel notepad 

- The layout of the pages encourages the user to define what type of idea they are writing down by separating the page into sections. The different sizes of the sections restrict the user encouraging them to keep a note brief or to develop it further, with the size of the section relating to the type of idea e.g. a small section for quick ideas

- Potentially the way the pages are divided up means at some points the width of the line is not very big making it harder to write within these areas.

- The quote at the beginning of the book 'Ideas come to us in different shapes and sizes' underpins the concept of the book with the 'size' of the idea dictating the size of the space used for it on the pages.  

OUGD603 - Brief 8 - Notebook / Journal - Development - Notebook lines

Notebook Lines

To work out what line width would be appropriate for within the notebook different variations were printed out to see how they would look in real life. These were also compared with other notebooks to get a sense of their functionality. It was decided that the second set of lines would be the most appropriate for a small notebook and still make it easy for people with different sized handwriting to use the book.

For the arrangement of the lines within the book it had been considered in previous initial ideas that these could be rotated to create angled lines and negative space within the pages making blank areas of space to also write on. 

To create this idea it was considered that lines could be printed onto a sheet of paper then when layered within the book at an angle and cut down this would naturally rotate the lines within the book whilst creating the geometric shapes within the pages and lines. Creating all the pages this way however might be quite awkward to write in because of the angle of the lines, so this would have to be tested to see how function the concept would be.

Alternatively it was considered that the lines could be clipping masked to fit within a geometric shape. This would allow the lines to be straight and potentially more functional to write on, whilst still allowing both lined areas and blank spaces to be created. By clipping masking the lines into geometric shapes this would recreate the same shapes that would be made if the lines were straight with the pages then rotated. This allows the idea of the layering and quirky shapes to still be created within the line design without the need for physically doing it to the pages. Potentially these pages could also be rotated within the book so that the pages were cut in different ways creating physically geometric pages.

These ideas were tested digitally. A block of lines was created and rotated in different ways so that they overlapped and expanded off the pages in different ways. The block of lines was placed over two artboards to create two different pages with the same block of lines. Rotating the lines in this way reflects the process of layering and rotating the pages that will be used within the book to create the book format. Rotating the lines created varying degrees of angled lines which would encourage the user to rotate the book to use it making it more interactive and playful. Negative space is created within these designs allowing each page to be multifunctional.

In the other experiments a rectangle was layered over a double spread of straight lines. The clipping mask tool was them used to cut the straight lines to match the shape of the rotated box. This allowed the same forms to be created within the pages however all of the lines would be straight making it easier to write within the design. Negative space was also created within this design making them similarly multi functional to the other idea.

The block of lines in the first experiment and the rectangle used in the second were both sized to be the same as a double spread within the book to reflect how other pages are rotated within the book with the same process being used with the lines digitally.

It was considered that each page could be cut to a completely different geometric shape however this perhaps lacked the consistency of using the same shape but at different angles over the pages.

Overall it was decided that the pages with the straight lines cut to geometric shapes would be used as this would make the notebook more functional at a small size (A6 or A5) whilst retaining the same quality as the first idea. It would also make the book easier to produce as the pages will be able to be bound as a block rather than rotating all of this type of page individually.

OUGD603 - Brief 6 - Research Brief - Indoor Gardening - Initial Ideas - Sketches

Initial Ideas Sketches 

- One idea was to base the planters around different features within a garden. Miniature / indoor gardening is often influenced by full scale gardening. With this in mind it was considered that elements of gardens could be constructed in three dimensional designs, with areas left for plants to then be included within the design. Leaving areas for plants would make the gardens come alive and create a more realistic sense of them being gardens, providing context for the designs. It was considered that the designs could focus on a particular aspect e.g. a shed or pond and allow plants to be integrated into these. Alternatively Garden Design plans could influence the design of the planters and allow the design to become more representative of a garden as a whole with multiple features seen within a garden. Different types of gardens could be represented such as formal gardens, allotments, family gardens etc and use features that define these types of gardens.The designs will be quite compact and functional for 2 - 3 plants. The designs could potentially be made from wood or acrylic with etched designs on this. Alternatively moulds of the models could be made on the vacuum former and they could be made from concrete. 3D printing could also be used. The designs would be quite refined using block shapes and simple lines to create a contemporary aesthetic to the designs

- Another idea was to reflect different environments / landscapes. From research it was found that different types of plants thrive in different areas within the house because different climates are created in different areas. Miniature gardening often tries to recreate these different landscapes / climates that the plants come from to create a natural environment for the plants. The designs would visually represent some of the different landscapes / climates in the world such as the desert, jungle, woodland etc. It was considered that close up textures of these different environments could be created on the top of planters with a space for a plant to be added. This would create an abstract representation of each of the climates, creating a contemporary and refined aesthetic. The desert could be represented through a sand dune pattern or cracked ground, a woodland through leaves and tree stumps. These could be created using moulds of models then plaster on concrete would be used to create the raised designs.  Alternatively more complex designs could be created by creating varying heights in the land and the addition of more elements from the environment. For example sand dunes could be created to reflect a desert,  elements such as tree trunks, logs and rocks could be used to reflect a jungle habitat and tree trunks leaves and mossy areas to reflect a woodland.
Alternatively these elements could be created in a flat design and layered one behind one another to create areas for plants to be put between the layers. The colour of the final designs could also signal the type of landscape that the design represents with a desert reflected using yellow, a jungle reflected using dark green 

- Another idea was to use the forms and shapes and textures from different houseplants to create pattern designs for planters. The designs could be quite abstract using close ups of leaves allowing the shapes within these to become more noticeable and perhaps less recognisable as leaf patterns, whilst still complimenting the plants that would be used within the planters. Refining the designs to simple shapes and colour palettes would create a contemporary aesthetic to the design. Different types of house plants could be reflected across the range to make them representative of the selection of house plants on offer.  Potentially some texture could also be added to the designs to recreate a sense of the physical qualities of the leaves / plants. The designs could be slightly more zoomed out to allow more elements of the plant to be seen within a design such as leaves overlapping and interacting with one another, or the shapes of flowers etc. 

OUGD603 - Brief 6 - Research Brief - Indoor Gardening - Research - The House Plant Expert by Dr D.G. Hessayon

The House Plant Expert by Dr D. G Hessayon

Chapter 2 - Displaying Indoor Plants 

- you can consider plants as 'green pets' which are looked after as individual specimens in a particular environment
- can be considered as 'living decor' which improves the appearance of rooms within the house
- plants are chosen based on the environment within each room 
- plants can be combined or grouped together 
- indoor planting can be influenced by what exists outdoors
- plants should be in keeping with their surroundings e.g large plants in spacious rooms and small pots on window sills
- use ideas from different sources e.g. TV, magazines
- group less significant plants and allow bold plants to become specimen plants

- The Specimen Plant - 'flowering or foliage plant grown as a solitary feature 
- The Indoor Garden - 'is a container filled with several plants' - pots are hidden or removed 
- The Pot Group - 'a collection of of plants in pots or individual containers closely grouped to create a massed effect'
- The Terrarium - ' a glass or transparent plastic container inside which plants are grown. The top is either naturally restricted or covered with transparent material' 

The Specimen Plant

Good Specimen Plants include :
- Architectural Plants: Cyperus, Araucaria heterophylla, Fatsia Japonica, Palms, Yucca, Ficus benjamina, Diaeffenbachia 
- Climbing Plants: Cissus, Monstera, Passiflora, Philodendron hastatum, Philodendron panduriforme, Rhoicissus, Scindapsus, Stephanotis
- Hanging Plants: Chlorophytum, Columnea, Nephrolepis, Zygocactus
- Multicoloured Foliage Plants: Begonia rex, Caladium, Codiaeum, Cordyline terminalis, Nidularium, Rhoeo
- Flowering Pot Plants: Begonia tuberhybrida, bulbs, Cyclamen, Gloxinia, Hydrangea, Pelargonium, Poinsettia, Rhododendron simsii

The Pot Group 

Pots are combined because:
- they create a bold display. Plants at the back can be bigger to add height 
- small leaved plants work well when combined with large leaved plants 
- not all the plants have to be perfect when grouped together

The Standard Group : 
- taller plants and ones with darker green leaves are placed at the back 
- foliage plants create framework whilst flowering plants add colour
- different leaf forms can be used against one another 

The Professional Group 
- pot holders are decorative and have different heights
- the plant at the back is much bigger or raised up 
- the pot holder at the front has a flowering plant 
- a trailing plant is used in a medium pot 

The Display Window 
- an windowsill is changed into a tiered design 
of flowers and greenery
- glass shelves or plastic are put across the window 
- pots are arranged across the shelves 
- useful for cacti and succulents 

The Pebble Tray 
- Plants that need high humidity work well in a shallow tray 
- used on a windowsill 
- gravel is placed within the tray and this must be kept moist 
- plants are grouped 

The Collection
- 'the basic purpose of the Collection is to highlight the individuality, rarity and or beauty of each plant'

The Vertical Display
- horizontal
- traditionally a corner display unit with shelves 
- using the same coloured foliage will create a mass of greenery 
- metal or cane plants stands are portable

The Indoor Garden 

- people still prefer to grow plants individually rather than as a group 
- has the same benefits as The Pot Group
- potting composts used within the container, or alternatively peat, sand, gravel / pebbles
- the containers are hidden
- 'the 'natural' effect is much more dramatic' 
- higher humidity, root insulation and a reserve of water are benefits of this style
- can lead to less ventilation and increased likelihood of pest and diseases

Single Planters
- single planters are the most popular indoor garden 
- can be long metal, wood or plastic troughs or cyclindrical or cubic containers
- the size of planters varies depending on space available

Hanging Basket
- suitable plants: aporocactus, asparagus, begonia, campanula, chlorophytum, episcia, fuschia, hedera, hoya, lobelia, pelargonium, scindapsus, setcreasea, tradescantia, zebrina, zygocactus
- container need to be suitable for indoors
- best to use a large waterproof container with wires, chains or chords
- peat based compost used
- plants need to be chosen based on the conditions 
- fixed to the ceiling or a wall

Multiple Planters
- multiple planters contain multiple containers pushed together 
- units can be watered individually so different types of plants can be grown alongside one another 

The Mixed Bowl 
- foliage plants and flowering plants are used in combination 
- large plant at the back , with bushy plants in the middle and trailing plants in the front 

The Miniature Garden
- mimics an outdoor garden on a smaller scale 
- decorations are used to create this effect 
- difficult to upkeep 

The Dish Garden
- dish of succulents 
- usually has drainage holes 

The Living Screen 
- trough is needed with trellis or poles stood within this that rise to the ceiling  
- acts as a living screen and divides a room 
- pots are put into the soil 

The Pot - et - Fleur
- foliage house plants used 
- glass tube is put in the centre between the hidden pots 
- this is filled with water and cut flowers can be used 

The Terrarium 

- covers or almost covers plants with glass or transparent material 
- air flow is low 
- moister air than in the home 
- delicate plants can be grown 
- planting depends on the conditions it is placed in
- ferns and green leaved plants in shady areas 
- direct sunlight suitable for orchids, Bromeliads and exotic foliage plants
- containers can easily be found 
- fern cases popular in 1850s
- glass and soldered designs becoming popular 
- plant window popular in other countries 
- Bottle Garden also used to be popular

The Plant Window
- has a glazed door which is opened to get to the plants 
- gravel hides the pots of the plants 
- has an external pane of glass 
- popular in Germany, Scandinavia, Holland and some part of US
- usually built when the house is built 
- suitable for Orchids, Anthuriums, Bougainvilleas, Columneas, Caladiums and Acalyphas

The Bottle Garden 
- difficult to make 
- needs special tools 
- bottle must be clean and dry 
- a paper cone is used to pour in gravel 
- charcoal and seed cutting compost added 
- compost is firmed with a tamper
- compost is then built up
- plants are added usually about six, with a trailer and tree like plant
- a fork and spoon end are used to plant the plants
- little water is needed
- seal with a stopper / lid

The Fishtank Garden
- uses an open topped glass container 
- the same materials are used within the planter
- the ground can be landscaped 
- suitable for ferns, crotons, fittonia, maranta, cryptanthus, Calathea, Selaginella, rhoeo
- flowering plants such as african violets, and orchids 
- cacti and succulents should not be used 
- needs to be well lit
- cover the top with a sheet of glass with bevelled edges