In a collaborative team of four, we were asked to rebrand Columbia College Chicago's Design Department’s identity, (which had just split from the Art Department,) and it’s programs: Graphic Design, Illustration, Art Direction and Advertising, and Interior Architecture. After receiving approval for the finalized logo, we divided the deliverables amongst ourselves. I was assigned the task of coming up with a wall graphic outside the new Design Department Office in 623 S Wabash. The wall graphic should be a reflection of the Design Department’s program opportunities, to be seen by current students, faculty, parents, future students, and other visitors.
After making measurements for the wall, I determined the wall could be split in three sections. The only restraints were the tv monitor for annoucements and the doorway that is actually adjacent to the main wall. I decided to make the logo “D” a 3D element; using a laser cutter. The top half is created from two sheets of 1/4” acrylic and will be spaced with 2” spacers inbetween while the bottom layer will be sandblasted to show texture. To compliment the acrylic will be a walnut vaneer to create contrast. After going through numerous student work files and playing with texturous photographs, I determined abstract patterns of my interpretation would be the best solution. In order to reflect all of the Design Department programs, I felt a collaboration for one section of the wall would be an effective way to unify the wall graphic. I was inspired by Interior Architecture displays after initially thinking about paper sculpture.
Thank You!
