Study

i need to go to Piccadilly circus and do a study of heights and scales and colours. ask peoples impressions of them? locals versus tourists.

where else in the UK would be beneficial to look at?

Media

how are advertisement squares portrayed in the media? 

usually they promote success and a booming economy - a symbol of wealth and positivity. 

lost in translation - tokyo is depicted as a city too busy and fast for human interaction - all scenes of Hachiko Square are disturbing but distant, as in too much is going on for concentration. 


how successful are these squares anyway?!

shopping malls - sound

within shopping malls what are the rules for sound coming out of the stores? they all compete with each other to grab people in, this noise pollution creates an interior environment with many different levels of noise, disorientating and aggravating

colour pschycology

If all were one colour would the impression on society be different? if all advertisements were a cool calming blue then would we find them so distressing and aggravating?


is it the multi coloured nature of a combination of brands that makes the sight so bombarding and alienating?

Orientation of said advertising squares

why are they positioned where they are? is it just because its a main junction?

is it because of the height of the existing buildings?

are these historical sights of newly created for such commercial new ventures.


once finding a pattern or trend can i apply this to any city??


is it different for different countries?

keep it archy!

look into positioning of signage, heights, scale, colours and sounds. what environment do these areas create?

they create a new interior in an exterior setting.

due to the immersive surroundings of the bombardment of the signs you feel enclosed, not outside.

the high competition of branding creates physical and mental walls.

Advertising squares

FOCUS.

Is consumerism the right word?

it has derogatory meanings and also can be understood as an aid to consumers - needs to be neutral

i want to look at the competition between brands fighting for your attention

After first meeting

Narrowed this down to investigate consumerism and its psychological impact through colours and scale.

read: the eyes of the skin – Juhani Pallasmaa

reading: in praise of shadows – Junichiro Tanizaki

need to talk to: Dr. Alistair smith , FITCH

What case studies have you identified/visited?

Need to look more in depth at: Wimbeldon product placement policies. Times square, Piccadilly circus, Hachiko Square

Three things that you would like to explore

     1. the effects strong competition between brands, in open and enclosed spaces, has on the human mind – is it healthy to have such glaring lights/colours/sounds 24/7?

     2. what are the most successful ways for brands to increase awareness? Massive billboards competing or subtle product placement in films or like Wimbledon

     3. scale of space and how that effects the experience.

Initial thoughts

I want to explore the feelings of isolation and alienation in western culture through architecture and branding. Looking into the psychology of spaces such as hospitals and airports. Also the harsh directness of advertisements and branding to catch our attention, and the psychological effects these have. Interested in classic Japanese architecture as a comparison.