CRITICAL THINKING

Packaging

This is a way of transporting, storing and protecting products or goods. This process goes through various levels of analysis before the final work is acquired.

Development                                                                                                                          

Packaging is a technique which dates back as far as early man. During this period, leaves and vines were used to make containers to carry water and food. Since the only thing they did at that time was hunting and gathering.

As they started to develop village settlements, packaging saw some  development to as well. At this point woven sacks were made out of leaves and also wood was employed as a means of packaging.

From villages, cities emerged and hence the development of packaging became more advanced. Blow glass and wooden barrels were employed.

After the fall of Rome , Europe saw no major inventions in the packaging field. During this time the Chinese had invented paper as well as paper packaging. This was a great advancement in packaging,

As rural urban migration begun, the need for packaging to develop was necessary. Packaging was made more durable, efficient and more dependable in its methods. 

In the eighteenth century, tinning was introduced in Europe, in England to be specific by Andrew Yarranton. This development was a big blow to the packaging industry.

In the twentieth century packaging saw a brutal development as more sophisticated methods were employed. For instance in the 1960's polyethylene was discovered and was the preferred packaging. Other packaging methods such as bottling and cartons were used.

Also producers found it necessary to print out their logos and labels on their packaging since they identified that people preferred to buy a particular brand of a product.

 Steps

Primary packaging

This refers to the immediate packaging in which the product is placed directly.

Secondary packaging                                                                                                            

                               

This is the packaging that contains the primary package.

Tertiary packaging                                                                                                               

This step concerns itself with storage means such as warehouses.

• Functions                                                                                                                                  
• Packaging is done for the following functions                                                                  
• To protect  product from any external threat

To identify products

• To contain product
• To make transporting products easy
• To store products
• To inform consumers about what they a purchasing

• Durability 

• Packaging must be able to withstand  different conditions so it can be kept for a period of time without the consumer worrying about the product getting damaged.

Sustainability                                                                                                            

• This takes the environment to mind , hence the material used, the design and life cycle of the packaging are analysed.

Recycling                                                                                                                                 

This is when waste packages can be used to create new products to avoid cases of wastage.                                                                                                                      

• Handling

• This refers to the methods employed in the conveying of products.

• Group packaging                                                                                                                    
• This refers to packaging of products in crates and cartons.

•    Individual packaging                                                                                            
•    This refers to single packaging like putting products in bottles or tins.                                      

Symbols used in packaging                                                                                                    

Fragile                                                                                                                                    

Flammable                                                                                                                              

 Breakable

 Toxic

Radioactive                                                                                                                        

 These symbols help consumers to identify how products in a particular kind of packaging must be handled.             

Problematic packaging                                                                                                           

This refers to packaging that are either one way or the other viable to cause harm to                consumers or are not easy to be conveyed.    

Glass packaging                                                                                                                                     

This form of packaging has existed since 3000 B.C. It is created by melting silica ,sodium carbonate ,limestone and alumina. After the mixture is molded to give the glass its desired form. Despite the fact that it a good form of packaging for some particular products like food, it has its disadvantages making it problematic.                                                                      

Firstly though thin glass is used lately glass packaging when done in group is very heavy for transportation. This increases transportation cost.                                                                    

Also its brittle nature makes it viable to breakages during its handling processes and transportation. This can cause harm to the consumer.

Lastly glass is not easily degradable and not too environmentally friendly.

                                                   

Reference                                                                                                                             

   http://www.europen-packaging.eu/sustainability/what-is-packaging.html                              http://www.uspackagingandwrapping.com/blog/theHistory.of,Packaging.html                  

METHODS OF INVESTIGATION

In this task I am required to make a literature review of two books concerning architecture in relation to form.

Pulsation In Architecture  :  3D The Generative Pulse of Syncopated                                         Rythms

Author                                 :  Goldemberg ,  Eric

Publisher                             : J. Ross Publishing Inc.

Date Published                        : 2011

Digital architecture has changed the way in which space is conceived. It is impossible to think of design and mathematics as separate terms after the advent of digital design into architecture; calculus is embedded in the operations that gave rise to a new way of performing in design. The digital field employs its calculating power to produce an extensive array of formal manipulations, at the same time the digital environment transforms the understanding of the object by collapsing the vertical and horizontal. By simultaneously rendering plan, section, elevation and perspective, the three-dimensional devise enables analysis and object to become congruent. The computer does not represent anything, rather it “engenders”.

 ( Goldemberg , Eric , 2011 )

Full citation:

Goldemberg, Eric. ( 2011 ) Pulsation in architecture : 3D the generative pulse of syncopated rythms . J. Ross Publishing Inc. [ Online ]. Available from : E-brary. http://site.ebrary/.com/lib/kolej/docDetail.action?docID=10520079&p00=ineteractive%20architectureppg18[ Accessed 18 August 2014 ]

Summary:

Digital architecture, has provided new ways and means of using space adequately. Through the combination of mathematics and designing, new methods and techniques have been found to help architects in their field. This new technique is a means by which architects can explore and exploit the use of new technologies as they evolve .This allows the architect develop 3D animated samples of buildings. However this technique needs rhythmic proliferations and deployment to make mat-like configurations.

Architectural Design : High Definition

Zero Tolerance in Design and Production : Drawing Into The Cloud

Author                       : Shell, Bob

Publisher                    : John Willey and Sons Inc.

Date Published           :  03/ 2014

Digital architecture has changed the way in which space is conceived. It is impossible to think of design and mathematics as separate terms after the advent of digital design into architecture; calculus is embedded in the operations that gave rise to a new way of performing in design. The digital field employs its calculating power to produce an extensive array of formal manipulations, at the same time the digital environment transforms the understanding of the object by collapsing the vertical and horizontal. By simultaneously rendering plan, section, elevation and perspective, the three-dimensional devise enables analysis and object to become congruent. The computer does not represent anything, rather it “engenders”.

( Shell , 2014 )

Full citation  :

Shell, Bob ( 2014 ) Architectural design : high definition : zero tolerance in design and production : drawing into the cloud. John Willey and Sons Inc. [ Online ]. Available from : E-brary. http://site.ebrary/.com/lib/kolej/docDetail.action?docID=108516488&p00=architectural%20design Accessed 18 August 2014.

Summary

This chapter of this book is a very interesting one. It shows how as a designer one must not chose to criticize what is seen because of probably its structure or form or in relation to space consumed. Instead a designer must avoid these criticisms so that he or she can find diverse ways of reproducing what the eye views as ordinary.

Reflection 

This task has helped me implement my referencing skills which I would use in my various tasks. As a punishment I had to read two books this was not easy but at least I learnt a lot from it.

CRITICAL THINKING

Word Expression

In this task the requirement is to find a suitable word to describe a character. Also you would have to have to use type fonts to give meaning to the word as if it were an image.
Before this is done there must be a good level of mind mapping, this would enable you to expand your chosen topic.


The above shows images of a mind map and a few sketches these principles were applied throgh out this task.

Exercise

img. 1 smart

                                                                  img. 2 persistent

img. 3 evxtrovert

img, 4 positive

img. 5 thinker

In a nut shell one can depict the meaning of the various words due to the presence of some specific elements.

  

Reflection                                                                                                                                                   

This task taught me that its not only images that can send across an idea but also by the simple use of types you can send out any visual message. It has also helped me as a designer to learn how to use some software which are needed in my field. This principle is mostly seen in adverts. 

DESIGN STUDIO CONCEPTUALISATION, TASK 3

Forms

     A form is the way an object looks or it's shape and the components that add up to give that particular shape. An object can be both formed and deformed to suit various purposes. In this task I have been challenged to use simple objects around me to create forms.
    Initially this came as a bit of a challenge to me. I started off with plastic water bottles and disposable cups. I was able to form a few objects but after a long series of try and error, since I thought more of the function of the form than the aesthetic appearance which was wrong.
    I further challenged myself with other materials, such as rubber pipes and light bulbs but my outcomes were very displeasing to me. This urged me on to try other materials to see what possible outcomes I could achieve.
    I finally used styrofoam bowls, pegs, a glass cup and candles to make a form. After making the form I was challenged to give the form a purpose, for me that was like bringing my form to life. The aesthetic of my form made is suitable for two major things aside decoration, which are it could be used as a lamp or to burn incense. This form was very pleasing to me, it resembled a flower because of the bright colored pegs and when a candle was lit in it, it was to like a star that had fallen from the sky.

Reflection
   In the end I found out from this task, with the right ideas people can make use of little things which seem insignificant to make things of value and to me that is creativity at its best.

the above are initial forms made

the purpose of this final work is to be a lamp

METHODS of INVESTIGATION

         This task is one which concerns itself with the subject of forms, relating it to architecture since architecture deals greatly with the concepts of forms. Finding ten books which relate to architecture, is the requirement of this task. Hence, below are ten books which relate to architecture..

Interactive architecture by Fox, Michael , Kemp Miles

Pulsation in architecture by Corser , Robert

Architectural design : high definition : zero tolerance in design and production by Shell, Bob

Architecture form space and order by Frank Ching

The iconic hose

Architectural design with sketch up by Alexender C. Schreyer

Design and form , revised edition by Johannes Itten

Georgian architecture by James Steven Curl

The last decade by Jahus Shulman

Architectural graphics by C. Leslie Martin

20th CENTURY DESIGN, TASK 4

Conceptualism

This art style begun in the 20 century. Conceptual artist concentrated more on ideas than objects. They were able to indicate that one object can have many ideas.
Conceptual artist do not put too much details of objects in their work many artists who used this style also used methods from existing works of Marcel Du Champ.
These group of artists believed that they may do the work but it is the audience that gives meaning to it.
This art style was greatly influenced by dada and has also found its way to the 21st century.
Some conceptual artists include of course Marcel Du Champ, John Cage and Hans Haacke.
In graphic design today conceptualism is a evident in a lot of areas especially advertisement. It an essential for the growth of a good designer.
Conceptualism , is a way of capturing the attention of your clients very easily as a designer.However one must be careful not to over use it or else you would just leave your client confused trying to grasp the intended message you are sending out since this art form is a platform which generates a lot of deep thinking.

Exercise

I am an artist or graphic designer who wants to make a work based on conceptualism. The object I want to talk about is light. After carefully thinking it through I have come out with some concepts of my own.
Now as a designer I can use any of these images and say they are light, what matters most isthe idea behind it.

in this image it well known that without light a tree can not grow hence I dub this work light.

over here deth means darkness loss of light so I can chose to call this light as well.

without sunlight man would not have energy to move I can as well call this light

this image of a baby in her mother's arms can be called light since it signifies life

Reflection                                                                                                                                             

I have learnt more about an area of art which really amazes me how abstract ideas can represent simple things around us. I would try my best to adopt this as a designer if I have not already because it is going to be of great use to me if I am able to masteer it.                                                                                       

20th CENTURY DESIGN, TASK 3

Surrealism

" Although the dream is a very strange phenomenon, and an inexplicable mystery, far more is the inexplicable mystery and aspects of our life confer on certain objects and aspects of life".
                                                                                                              by G. de Chirico

This is a movement which begun in 1924, in Paris. It was brought to life by artists and writers who sought to someway, somehow bring to life dreams or the subconscious world in their works. To these set of people the consciousness of an individual did not give way to opening up the doors of imagination, hence this principle they developed this abstract art style.
This art form unlike dada brought the inner self of the artist, it was a platform on which an artist could depict his psychological ideas about the world we live in and how in his dreams it may seem or to him how he desires the world to be.
This art style is one which is completely abstract, in the sense that it deals not with reality but more of imagination. It an art style which has undergone a wide range of development over years and is even currently been used today especially in science fiction movies, cartoons and even fairy tale stories like " Alice In Wonderland".   

Reflection 

This is an art form which deals with a great level of  creative thinking, it sets the human mind running wild. This art style is most suitable for designers who desire to do illustrations for children's stories, movies or anything in relation to that. It is a way of getting to know how to present your own world to the actual world.

Yves Tanguy Indefinite Divisibility1942, Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York

Max Ernst, The Elephant Celebes (1921), Tate, London

20th CENTURY DESIGN, TASK 1

Cubism

 This is a form of art which initially was just an idea and later became a style of art. This style which is very distinct is aimed to depict the idea of a fourth dimension. It is also purposed to expose the world in it's true form and not what it might seem or we imagine. This form of art style is a movement which was initiated by some historical artists.
Now though this was a one big movement, there two main groups of artists who started this movement, they can be refered to as cubists. These groups were the 'gallery cubists' and the ' salon cubists'.
Gallery cubists included artist such as Pablo Picasso and  Georges Braque , these artists displayed their works in art galleries on contract basis.
On the other hand, salon cubists depended greatly on money received from the public as aid. Artists who fell in this group included Jacques Villon and Raymond Duchamp-Villon.
The thought of who started cubism is a subject well debated. In some opinions Picasso is the founder of cubism whiles others believe it was Braque. Well Picasso is said to have made the first cubist painting ,Les Demoiselles d' Avignon  in 1907 but was only displayed publicly in 1916, This painting had all the elements of cubism which are geometricity, simultaneity and passage, 
Braque also made paintings of L' Estaque landscapes which was done in 1908 and was described as an image of cubes.
Due to the above facts I would conclude that due to early exposure Braque's work helped to develop the idea of cubism but Picasso brought about it's principles. In short the two artists had their own roles to play concerning the emergence of this unique art style.
Cubism has been an art form which has stood the test of time concerning the fact that it begun before the first World War and is still alive today.

Reflection

This task has introduced me to new art forms I knew nothing about. I has broadened my scope of art history. It would serve me very useful in my other tasks and modules since all these new ideas would guide me in making very critical and precise decisions on the kind of work I must produce at a certain time.

 an image of Picasso's still life with compote and glass

http://arthistory.about.com/od/modernarthistory/a/cubism_10one.htm

Some suggested reading                                                                                                                               Antiff, Mark and Patricia Leighten. The Cubism Reader.

Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008.

Antliff, Mark and Patricia Leighten. Cubism and Culture.


Exercise

In this task everyone is given a task to shoot an instagram video and put it in #vstud2 on instagram. This was to help us understand the cubism in depth since we were making our own cubist video.

CRITICAL THINKING

NAVIGATE ME.  

This is a very challenging task, in this task I am required to make a sort of map using words only. It is to be in a sequence as if I am directing someone to a particular place. I must also support my work with pictures as proof that I have actually been to these places.
     Now as someone who hardly leaves campus I found it hard to try to find a suitable place in mind. I have been to places but I had no images connecting to them and I had totally forgotten the directions to these places.
      Finally I set out on a journey by train to two very beautiful and interesting places with two of my friends. These places were Serdang  and nu K.L. sentral. It was exciting and fun and I was able to capture images of these places. On arrival back on campus I made my map with words.
     This task though fun really opened my horizon to other parts of Malaysia and this was a wonderful experience for me.

Reflection

  I learnt from this task that there various ways of carrying out a message or information without using images but with word and the right typography I can get my thoughts, ideas and intended message as a graphic designer across very easily. 

On my way to the train station. 

Still on my way to the train station. 

At the train station. 

At the train station. 

Waiting for the train. 

Serdang here we come.

At Serdang. 

At Serdang. 

At Serdang. 

Wow...Nu Sentral. 

Nu Sentral. 

Nu Sentral

Below are the images of my sketches from first to last responsibility

img.1  first sketch

img. 2 Second sketch

img.3  third sketch

img,4  fourth sketch

After making a few sketches I now would try them on a larger sheet of paper to see how it would look on a bigger sheet.                                                                                                                                              

Reflection                                                                                                                                                

This task has made me understand that I do not need only images to depict moments or events and also to give direction but with type fonts and their right arrangements, I can easily do so. It a principle which would be of great use to me now and in my professional world to help me become a very good,  broad and creative designer since creativity is mainly what this task is about.