Rant
Back in 2003 eleven German designers decided that the official FIFA logo for the 2006 World Cup sucked. In fact I’d wager a few more than eleven but it was just these particular eleven designers that decided to do something about it. They launched 11 designer to have a shot at designing a better identity. (they were obviously too busy designing to think of a better name)
I’d have subbed most of them before half time but there are one or two that score. Let’s hope for the Germans’ sake that they play football better than they design football. (via Unbeige).
Update: Craig flip flop flyin’ Robinson has kindly pointed out that the name 11 designers was very probably inspired by the German football magazine 11 Freunde (11 Friends). Thanks Craig. (Check out Flip Flip Flyin’s cool Mini World Cup)
Gary Butcher
Posted on Tuesday, 20th of June 2006 Permalink
Following on from the destruction by Hastings Borough Council of a unique 1934 chalet block at West St Leonards sea front, we are now faced with the demolition of a truly beautiful facade in Hastings Town Centre designed by local architect, Henry Ward, in 1924. The building was once the home of the local newspaper, The Hastings and St Leonards Observer, and F.J. Parsons Ltd who installed heavy printing presses suspended upon two feet thick reinforced concrete floors. Unfortunately the building has stood empty for the past 16 years. It’s my favourite building in this particular conservation area and I truly find it beyond comprehension that the future of the facade is in doubt when it could be incorporated into a sympathetic development to enhance this conservation area. If you would like to lend your support to the objection of this disgraceful development, please do. Link
Nathan Usmar Lauder
Posted on Thursday, 9th of March 2006 Permalink
Across the West coast of America the familiar sight of the Union 76 ball is fast disappearing. Since being bought out by ConocoPhillips these iconic gas station signs are being replaced by more conservative, and a whole lot less spherical totems.
With a fervour reminiscent of London’s endeavours to save the Routemaster buses a web-based campaign started by L.A. based bloggers, Kim Cooper and Nathan Marsak aims to save the 76 ball. I’m petition signatory no.987. Please pay the site a visit and take it into four figures. History will thank you.
Gary Butcher
Posted on Wednesday, 8th of March 2006 Permalink
Aimed purely at the newbie’s to design. This book is an enlightening read for graduates embarking on or developing a career in design. The book introduces the target audience to obstacles and considerations that a graduate will face when thinking about taking the leap from a cocooned university environment into the harsh reality of the design world. The book features interviews with leaders of the design industry including typographer Neville Brody and fashion entrepreneur Paul Smith.
In terms of concluding or exploiting the punchy title, McCormack lets it down with the content. He doesn’t tackle the question, have a standpoint or place any personal opinions that echo or reference the title. I can only imagine that, the title may have seemed suitable as the book touches on the surface of the practical aspects of getting on within the design industry and attempts to remove some false, glossy stereotypes of the day-to-day realities of being a designer.
The book was a bit of a let down as I expected something that was going to be a clever attempt to exploit and uncover some harsh truthful realities about design, but instead should have been titled ‘Design for Beginners’- as it turned out to be a safe surface examination of the design industry.
Vikesh Bhatt
Posted on Friday, 10th of February 2006 Permalink
An historic two-storey chalet building, described as “architecturally unique, a notable representation of the spirit of the age and an important example of 1930s concrete construction” by John McAsian Partnership – architects of the recently restored De La War Pavilion, Bexhill, is currently under threat of demolition by Hastings Council. Allegedly the decision to demolish the block was made without consultation and without expert advice.
The recently established Chalet Restoration Action Group (CRAG) has been working to save the chalets and restore them to their former glory.
National heritage societies have expressed their concerns with press releases.
Adam Wilkinson of SAVE Britain’s Heritage said: “SAVE is extremely concerned about these buildings. Their demolition would be completely unnecessary”.
The Twentieth Century Society urges the local council to rethink the future of the building and work with those who want to bring it back to life.
Please add your signature to the petition. Link
Nathan Usmar Lauder
Posted on Sunday, 22nd of January 2006 Permalink
