I was often told that my work had something missing and that it didn’t flow naturally; frequently it was a conceptual and theoretical issue or even minor inconsistencies in my graphic work throughout a project.
My main objective this summer is to build upon my strong abilities including information design, graphic work and hand sketching/drawing whilst trying to improve my computer aided drawing and modelling skills on Rhinoceros and AutoCad. I have purchased a Theoretical Book (K. Lynch, the Image of the City), which will potentially allow me to work in a much less narrow-minded sense towards all aspects of my work, but particularly in its early stages.
Over the course of summer I will begin to upload proof of self-directed tutorials, from analysis to perhaps working examples of my own. By reading the shown info graphics books below, I will be able to understand how certain work examples are achieved from concept through to technical graphic delivery. My drawing skills will become stronger from the reading of Perspecive Drawing Handbook, perspective sketches of my own will be uploaded too.
A list of books that I have recently bought are shown below. Note, that there are more Information Design books in my possesion, I cannot upload anymore pictures for some reason!! Anyway, their details are listed below too.
Note that allot of my money was spent on the following material in order to push myself in the right direction at the start of this self directed study.
Architectural Visions: Contemporary Sketches, Perspectives, Drawings
'Jonathan Andrews' 2010
This book is extremely inspiritational, it provides hundreds of non-photorealistic visualisations from various landscape architects and architects. The unique thing about this book is the fact that it explains how all examples are achieved from working techniques to processes. Before buying this book I always struggled to understand how certain visualisations were accomplished, e.g. rendering digitally processed or hand done (watercolour, marker pen etc etc..)
Architectural Visions will be by my side at all times when my hand meets pencil next year, without a doubt. A couple of pages from this book will be uploaded soon for the benefit of those who may be interested in buying this absolute beauty.
Data Flow V.1: Visualising Information in Graphic Design
'Robert Klanten, Nicolas Bourquin, Thibaud Tissot & Sven Ehmann' 2008
"Visual metaphors are a powerful aid to human thinking. From Sanskrit through to hieroglyphics to the modern alphabet, we have used ciphers, objects, and illustrations to share meaning with other people, thus enabling collective and collaborative thought. As our experience of the world has become more complex and naunced, the demands to our thinking aids have increased proportionally. Diagrams, data graphics, and visual confections have become the language we resort to in this abstract and complex world. They help us understand, create, and completely experience reality." Alan Woo.
I find that this source book is extremely useful, it provides an array of thousands of non-linnear flow charts, mollecular and three-dimensional diagrams to view and gain motivation from. It will remind oneself that complex information is better displayed in an absract and aesthetically pleasing form rather than being laid down on a simple bar chart. I think that abstract graphic forms are capable of holding a greater wealth of information than inflexible 'linnear' visuals.
Some examples will be uploaded onto blog shortly.
An expensive buy, but certainly worth it.
Information is Beautiful
'David McCandless' 2009
Another book which focusses on numerous case studies (information graphics). Good read. Stimulating.
Information Design: Source Book
'IID, Institute for Information Design Japan' 2003
Another important archive of information design to follow for one that is interested in such media. However, half of the text in this book is indeed, Japanese. It is essential to consider the fact that if this archive did not have an English subscript many people would fail to comprehend the unique work shown.
Compared to my other books relating to information graphics, this one emphasises all aspects of information delivery from graphic design to interactive signage. The author evaluates the nature of certain project briefs and their contexts and regulations, thus showing the reader why the final mode of information delivery was a practical solution.
The Information Design Handbook
'Jenn & Ken Visocky O'Grady' 2008
"crammed with essential design principles and trouble-shooting tips, it provides you with all the keys to creating effective information graphics for every application - whether intended to guide the user around a document, help them plan their lives, or direct them around a physical environment. It also looks at how to itegrate different types of information design into an overall scheme, be that for transport networks, public sector organisations, or retail companies" Product Description.
Information Design Workbook
'Kim Baer' 2008
"As part of Rockport's Workbook series, this book will walk you through the process of creating effective information design, from determining the audience and content and writing a project brief, to research and testing. Case studies in the book range from print projects to interactive and environmental information systems - all of which include detailed designs that are informative, inspiring and useful." Product description.
This book is very similar to the 'Information Design Handbook', both being descriptive, but more importantly explanatory about every portion of this design area. These two books will become beneficial towards my interest in Information design. It will raise my understanding of how a certain project is carried from initial intent to the release of suitable graphics.
The Image of the City
'Kevin Lynch' 1960
I have not actually read this little book but was introduced to it by Ed Wall, my lecturer at Kingston University. Our class was given a set list of applicable reading material to inform our theoretical and conceptual site report. The suggested few pages explore how people interact with urban space paying particular reference to the relationship between man and fundamental elements such as paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks.
I am looking forward to starting this book as soon as possible.
Landscape Architects Pocket Book
'Siobhan Vernon, Rachel Tennant & Nicola Garmory' 2009
A unique source of landscape architecturally related information that I will undoubtedly find useful at any given time, whether curious or struggling to find such information elswhere.
"Covering all the major topics, including hard landscaping and soft landscaping as well as planning aand legislation, the pocket book also contains a handy glossary of key terms, useful calculations and helpful contacts. Not only an essential tool for everday queries on British standards and procedures, this book is a first point of reference for those seeking more extensive, supplementary sources of information, including websites and further publications." Product description.
Perspective Drawing Handbook
'Joesph D'amelio' 1964
This book has been bought in order to boost my drawing ability significantly. Since I prefer non-photorealism in terms of visualising designs, I must improve my drawing ability as discussed, typically detailed perspective drawings which will make my propoasals more compelling and convincing.
It is basically an instruction manual, providing the reader with illustrated drawings. Later on I will upload my own perspective drawings. Hopefully my drawing knowledge and ability will have improved after reading this helpful book.
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