Design Problem

There is precedence for successful collaboration between architects and graphic designers. However the final result of this relationship is typically a building where each discipline partners to create complimentary work strictly within their specific silos of knowledge. The architect will serve as key stakeholder and design the building while the graphic designer plays a supporting role and apply the color palette, textiles and wayfinding. How can this paradigm change?

Research Questions

What does a successful collaboration between a Graphic Designer and Architect look like when the result is not a building?

What role can sustainability play in this type of collaboration?

Where would this type of work live in the world?

Outcomes

This project produced three separate outcomes based on the three initial research questions. Additionally an article was published about the collaboration and the dress was accepted into a juried exhibition in Canada.

Both the graphic designer and architect were able to work outside of their typical comfort zones from their field’s design process and create pieces that were a blend of the two disciplines based on their overlap in patterns. It is the collaborators’ hopes that this project serves as solid confirmation that our questions are necessary to further our individual professions.

Credits

Designers: Eric Benson & Lois Weinthal

Connected Writing

“The Intersection of Identity Within Pattern & Structure: A FLYSPACE Continuing Collaboration”

Connected Exhibition

“The Wearable Arts Awards,” City Hall Galleria, Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada (2011)