02 Editorial design 1: Heen en weer

02 Editorial design: Heen en weer

The Project Brief

This project requires students to develop a unique concept for a hardcover printed book dealing with someone whom they perceive to be a person of worth or a person whose story is worthy of telling.

Students are required to conduct in-depth research on/with the subject, develop an editorial concept and narrative strategy, write partial original text, develop a design concept and execute selective imaging components of the book. Students are also required to produce convincing prototypes- presentation boards with 3-D mock-ups. Please note that students are not expected to execute a complete book, but only selective parts, which are classified below.

All text and imaging need to be original and self-generated by students. No exceptions will be made. If other people's source materials are used, students need to rework it substantially to 'make it their own' and original sources must be appropriately credited.

Deliverables

1. A3 Presentation boards showing all components and spreads
2. PDF of all final flat designs including:

2.1 Dust jacket/outer cover; inner cover

2.2 Two different endpapers

2.3 Title page

2.4 Imprint/copyright page

2.5 Contents page/s

2.5.1 One completed chapter

2.5.2 Three additional chapter titles with a minimum of one additional spread of each of the additional chapters.
3. PDF of full written work

Design Strategy

Hannes van der Walt

My grandfather is an 89 year old (still practicing) architect of which he is the only living member left of his firms founding members. He has lived a rather extraordinary live, however although he has had plenty of experiences and opportunities, his way of living and expressing himself is what truly inspired me to choose him as my subject matter. Although he has achieved plenty, he was never one to brag, his work was award enough. He is a family man and enjoys company of others and to exchange experiences. He is one for keeping memories alive, and has kept all things of sentiment, big or small whether it be from his 4 children, himself or his wife of 60 years. He is a collector, creator and idealizer of all things creative, and his passion for creating will never die. He has faced a number of obstacles as his live progressed whether it be health struggles, financial struggles, war obligations, and family misfortunes, it never effected how he viewed living to the fullest. He is a hardworking man who earned his success not by luck but by never giving up. His positivity and passion is how I would describe him and is what inspired my book.

A story worth telling

Subject documentation

Mood boards

The tone of my mood board was inspired by my grandfathers precise nature in completing tasks and ultimately how he lived his life. In contrast the mood board combines these simplistic designs with organic and textured visuals, alluding to his 'creating process' as an architect. My main inspiration was drawn from a sketch he drew for the 'Joolblad' whilst studying at the University of Pretoria, titled "Russiese vrou" (as seen on the first moodboard). The expressive manner in which he drew the portrait became inspiration for how I ultimately approached my own drawings.

Experimenting with media

The final book

Cover and slipcase

Title and copyright and content pages

Heen en weer, hier na daar. Johannes Hendrik Van der Walt or to me, “oupa” was privileged enough to observe and experience the world over the passing of 90 years. As everyone can imagine, along with my grandmother constantly reminding me, that is quite some time and a lot of memories to keep track of. When asked to tell me about his life he sighed humorously and asked what era he should begin with, he’s seen about all of them.

It's strange how people immediately gravitate towards career and accomplishments when asked to talk about themselves, when in fact the true stories are hidden in the unexpected mundane moments. Nevertheless, Hannes was born in Aberdeen, raised barefoot and constantly with a packed suitcase.

“Dank vader ek het nie n advokaat geword nie”. Hannes has had a rather positive experience regarding university, which convinced him that he was meant to study architecture. He didn’t find any classes rather difficult and enjoyed every bit of the opportunities provided to him, annoying right. But nonetheless there were pleasantries and struggles.

His family didn’t have much money therefore while they were back in Upington he spent most of his days studying, taking the bus and studying. He didn’t mind, this is what it took to achieve his goals. “Besluit dis wat ek wil doen, sodat ek kan doen wat ek wil doen”. This way of thinking opened doors for him.

The seniors were made aware of Hannes’s drawing skills and asked him if he could make a sketch for a poem written by Fleur de Villiers, which was published in the 1957 student yearbook “Trek”. Hannes agreed and commissioned the pencil drawing titled “Russiese vrou”.

Students will be students. There remained a few pranks here and there, like the poor Afrikaans lecturer whose fate depended on how quickly a string burns through, releasing a cascade of water directly on top of him. Mostly long nights of work, bus rides, and long walks to campus is what it came down to. He always says one of his biggest motivations was the fact that flunking wasn’t an option, he was only given this one chance, better do it right.

“Alles”. This was the detailed response my grandfather gave me when asked what he liked about my grandmother, Ronnie. After meeting her at church he was pleasantly surprised to find out she lived across from him in 9de laan. A six-year age difference meant he had the privilege of being her personal chauffeur throughout her matric year, his ride of choice a pink Peugeot with red interior.

When Ronnie was asked to describe Hannes, she smirked and said it was definitely love at first sight. He was hardworking, motivated, and always had a positive mindset. His Elvis- hairstyle is what sealed the deal for her. Most importantly he was a good listener. My mother, their youngest, remembers them not having a single fight, which to most people seems impossible. Only stern yet calm words were shared, and then they, together, resolved the problem, along with a bouquet of flowers of course.

My grandfather refers to my grandmother as his person. He solely believes some people are connected and bound to find one another. She has stayed throughout his successes and struggles and accepted each of his flaws with a smile. They would do anything for each other. Still will.

Hannes met his first partner not by luck but pure window dressing coincidence. Hannes was working at Vaskus tailoring shop for some extra cash while he was studying. Vaskus, the owner, knew he was an architecture student and introduced him to one of his customers, Beyers De Wet Hartman.

From 1949 Hartman was a practising architect in Kroonstad. Vaskus and Hannes had built a friendly relationship whilst working together; he even dated the owner’s niece. Vaskus knew Hannes was passionate about architecture and even asked to see a few of his university projects from time to time. Hartman on the other hand was a loyal customer and friend of Vaskus and was asked to design a project for him, but only on one condition. Hannes is to be his right-hand man.

The firm along with its three partners were responsible for the designs of over 200 church related buildings. Hannes enjoyed these projects as he felt like it made his parents proud, coming from a very religious home. There has not yet been a record of another architect firm achieving this. Some of the most recent churches include the NG church at Tygerspoort along with the church centre at NG Skuilkrans.

Over time the firm designed and constructed 25 vacation apartments, all along the Natal coastline. Hannes adores the beach, when asked what projects he gravitated to the most during his time at the firm his answer was simple, the apartment buildings at Margate. He used to leave early mornings and drive all the way to Uvongo for meetings and return at nighttime in order to construct the Chamonix vacation apartment building. Till this day it remains one of their most famous projects, which he took charge of. The firm also takes pride in Kommaweer, Esmezeè and Carpè Diem located in C-front.

Although his movements and abilities got a bit slower, he never turns down an opportunity to assist with a project. Hannes today, is the last living member of the firm and therefore feels accountable to share their stories. To be an architect is more than designing plans and making sure all client needs are met. It’s about taking risks, designing with your heart, and making sure that you always have a full tank of gas.

Hannes wishes he could go back and feel the excitement of seeing one of his finished projects for the very first time. He wants to hear the voice of his colleagues again, talking about their next move. But most importantly he wants to feel how his pencil glides over paper, producing all the ideas which once were only dreams.