Project: Visual Communication Industry Research
Industry: Architecture, Brutalism
I formed a large concrete letter B in order to represent the crude and abrupt style of Brutalist architecture through both it’s literal material, shape and texture. At 300kg and standing at 634 x 460mm high, the shape gave off an imposing and stoic impression. As a free standing sculpture, the B can be experienced through a range of angles and touched as the reader is given a sense of raw Brutalism.
I split the project into two sections: The proposal consisted of a 300 x 300mm concrete tile with my concept silkscreened and miniature concrete type set within a silicone mould. The final 300kg piece was created by manually mixing and pouring into a polystyrene mould. I had planned to incorporate a removable tile within the shape in order to deliver a more interactive experience for my audience. However, this compromised the structural integrity of the piece.
A Macro lens captures the textures and natural cracks from my initial concrete typography test.
Polystyrene shuttering - holes puncture and scar the concrete.
Initially the B was set to be viewed in the studio. However, due to it’s immense weight it had to be abandoned within an alley way. Unexpectedly this unwarranted location for my exhibition instilled a sense of publicity within the piece. People walking past would engage with the piece by scanning the silkscreened type and even climbing on top of the B. Creating interaction between Brutalism and the public.
