Where Wildflowers Bloom

This blog is intended to showcase even the simplest of planning efforts in design as well as my calculations for the Environmental Data Poster. Things always evolve throughout the design and creation process, but it ensured that I had a direction I was aiming towards. Planning in scribbles that take the ideas out of my head and into a vision to follow I know I wanted some woodland planting, some animals and reference to the mounds! A1 is a big piece of paper. Crafting a poster demanded a delicate balance between presenting engaging content for a diverse audience while delving into the complexities of environmental data. To strike this balance, I carefully selected information that would resonate with a wide readership, focusing on delivering the final figures that were both compelling and comprehensible - rather than the workings. Biomass: Using an online biomass calculator, I determined the biomass of each tree based on its type, size via height and the conversion of girth to diameter...

In the survey phase of Alney Island, my exploration unearthed intriguing traces of resourceful practices deeply intertwined with the site's rich heritage. Notably, the river edge is said to have been a hub for Schoenoplectus lacustris cultivation, a reed utilised by communities for crafting baskets and various goods. Furthermore, the malleable nature of willow, thriving in the moist conditions of Alney Island, has historically made it a valuable resource. In my conceptual framework, "Tides of Time," I aim to pay homage to the city and island's history while projecting visions of an ecologically conscious and environmentally protective future. By weaving these two layers together, I aspire to narrate a tale that bridges the past with a forward-thinking, resourceful ethos. The legacy of willow withies, utilised by diverse societies over time from Vikings to Medieval Europe (two poignant periods in the history of Gloucester), becomes a poignant thread in this narrative. ...

I have recently delved into the fascinating realm of Plant Blindness as context for my dissertation - a phenomenon suggesting that humans often overlook the profound significance of plants in their environment. This concept proposes that, amidst our focus on animals and other facets of the natural world, we may be neglecting the vital role that plants play in sustaining life. I am definitely a believer, even by witnessing the personal change in noticing, recognising and appreciating plants. But while grappling with this idea, I've found myself contemplating whether our detachment from the natural world, increasingly distracted by the man-made, contributes to this oversight, rather than a preference for other other natural elements more deserving of our attention. I'm in the process of compiling research and hope to have a supportive outcome! The concept of Plant Blindness has evolved through observational studies, educational assessments, and experimental studies that expose pa...

The two images below are my initial design response for the spatial configurations for Alney Island. The second rendition is more ‘organised’, but a preference for the first means a return to the drawing board! As expected. The objective now is to decide what aspects to retain, modify, or transform. The underlying concept of 'The Tides of Time' draws inspiration from the island's rich history and its unique location amidst the tidal River Severn. This response mirrors the fluidity of waves and the rhythmic ebb and flow of water. Navigating the vast scale of the project poses a challenge. How does one design a space of such size? The overarching goal is to transform Alney Island into a  visitor attraction, enticing people to not only visit but to stay. Envisioning boujee holiday cabins positioned over the water, alongside tree houses nestled in the woodland, the plan encompasses a diverse array of activities and a heritage trail meandering through the site. The aspiration...

Whilst I maintain a sceptical stance on graphic design and computerised image generation, I am definitely a fan of AI's ability to swiftly bring ideas to visual fruition. When tackling the expansive canvas of Alney Island, where numerous features dot the landscape, the utility of AI lies in its capacity to conjure up multiple representations aligned with one's conceptualisation or, perhaps more commonly, in very unexpected ways. Granted, luck or precise prompts play a pivotal role in yielding nearly instantaneous visuals that occasionally hit the mark. Take, for instance, a prompt that envisioned "a large timber climbing frame for children, inspired by Victorian industry - to include mill wheels, set in a woodland clearing in realistic style." Another prompt requested a "Contemporary art installation in a riverside nature reserve inspired by Viking runestone." While these are not flawless, they offer a swift and efficient means to convey ideas for posters, ...