Postcard to John Linn

Precis

Manxman Piano by MH Baillie Scott (Artifact)

MH Baillie Scott pioneered the 'Manxman' piano in London, England during the year of 1896. Six to seven years later, around 1902-03, the masterpiece was ready for use. This hand crafted piano was caringly constructed from ebonized mahogany, carved wood, pewter, mother of pearl, marquetry of stained woods and silver-plated handles and hinges. Baillie Scott’s rectilinear form appears to be simple and thought provoking in construction, by simply adding barriers to enclose a box around the instrument. The dimensions are approximately, H 3’ x H 4’ x D 2’. This was a new concept of the 1980’s due to the fact that the piano was generally complex with many carved embellishments. His unique idea was to hide the keyboard, music stand and candleholders behind broad doors, which in return would downsize the mass of the instrument. Alongside the bland black box, Baillie Scott incorporated eye-catching artistry detail on both the inside and the outside of the container. The dominant paintings and materials provide contrast in color and texture by his placing of mainly browns, greens and creams against the black base. This was a style technique he portrayed in much of his artwork. The Manxman piano was commented and admired by the critics but, unfortunately it never turned out as a commercial success. Its estimated production in London was a mere 40 examples. In addition, Baillie Scotts’ piano failed to sell until 1910 when, a piano dealer, J.C. Shirwin & Sons of Hanley, Staffordshire decided to purchase it at a discount price. Some critics believed it was much similar to a 17^th-century Spanish chest on a stand or inspired by ‘an old strong box of the Elizabethan period’. Coincidentally are both forms that inspired The Arts and Crafts designers of the late 19^th century. (http:// collections.vam.ac.uk)

Similar

The ‘Biscuit Tin’ by Boorne & Stevens Huntley and the 'Manxman' piano were designed around 1903. However this is not the only similarity they have in common, both are also containers enclosing a good. Lastly, both are lavishly decorated in the appropriate places for the viewer to enjoy.

Different

The ‘Bean Bag’ is much different from the ‘Manxman’ piano in many ways. First, the beanbag is used to be relaxed and comfortable while sitting while the piano is designed for proper posture and concentration while using the instrument. Also the beanbag is made of soft fabric while the piano is constructed of solid wood. The beanbag contains small Styrofoam balls and the Manxman has a piano in it. Lastly, the piano would be found in a sophisticated living area while the beanbag would be more likely found in a playroom.

Communication

Communication is about the process in which information is being passed from a sender to a recipient in order to create a shared understanding.  

Paths of Communication:

Print Materials:

We chose to design a poster to give more information about our program as well as about the Greensboro bus system.  Featuring the logo, it would also function as a branding mechanism.

People:

 We felt that a t-shirt would get the message out if a lot of people wore them on the same day.  It would get a question started in peoples' minds.  What is this?  Why is everyone wearing the same shirt?  

Http:

The picture above would be an image that would rotate on UNCG's homepage.  People may have noticed students walking around in t-shirts with the same logo, as well as posters.  Seeing it on the website, they might think Oh, I've seen this! What the heck is it? When they click on the logo on the homepage, they would be directed to a series of images like the one below, which describe our studio and what we are working on:
Products:

One product idea we came up with was a series of decorated bus sculptures (similar to the Big Apples in New York, or the cows in Kansas City), which would also function as benches at bus stops.  

Places:

This is a model of a booth that we would have at the Tate Street festival.  It would reinforce the logo, as well as provide seating, like a bus shelter.  

Other:

For out finial advertising technique, we chose to paint the "Rawk" on the UNCG campus.  It was yet another form of branding.

Codes + ... to aviod a "mousetrap"

For this project we had to take the knowledge we have, the models of our shelter bus, and the bus shelter model to define the codes, ergonomic, and proxemic requirements for them and support human activities and needs for people with varying abilities.

Being required to consider another’s needs and activities in one’s design was a new experience, and was at first found to be nothing less than inconvenient. It was a vehicle for an ample amount of onerous research. In accordance with the research, this requirement, to consider others, has the ability to deduct from or entirely change ones design by rearranging or dictating new measurements in one’s ideation. However, while evaluating others needs may be time consuming and frustrating, we found it to be a necessary and beneficial evil that brings new life to design.

In light of our above experience, it is important to define design before giving designers advice on the subject. Design: To decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), typically by making a detailed drawing of it. (Apple Dictionary) Since designers impact the function and the appearance of an building, garment, or object, it is imperative that designers ruminate about their targeted market. Primarily, universal design should be a vital characteristic in a designers work. We all share life on this earth and we must work together and consider others to survive, connect, and harmonize.

Since others are important for design, America has established codes as a requirement. These codes are here to aid, and guide designers throughout their designs as well as help one to consider the needs of everyone. Furthermore, since some of these codes are based off of Davinci’s scale of the human body, they help the designer keep their designs at an comfortable proportion. 

In summary regarding codes, ergonomics, and proxemics we have entered into a new chapter of design. It is this chapter that will aid and give rise to a careful thoughtfulness of others. Instead of limiting our creativity, as so many have conjectured, these three standards will open new realms of thought. One can let these canons confine them, or one can allow them to set him or her free. 

Ice Breaker Project

Sketch the following campus spaces 

People Eating

People Relaxing

People Relieving 

People Sleeping

People Standing in Line

(don't know why that gray box is there :/ )

Lounge Chair in Watercolor

Lounge Chair in Watercolor for Robert

(first time for watercolor, but it's really neat and fun to work with) :)