The Brutalist Playground

Event Branding / Typography / Fabrication / Print Production / Merchandise Design / Environment Design / Copywriting

A branding and marketing concept for an exhibition by the Royal Institute of British Architects. The design is inspired by Brutalist architecture and playground markings. This project was produced during my time at university.

Brief

During my time at university, I had the chance to hone my poster design and event branding skills in a project for the Royal Institute of British Architects. We were tasked with creating a single, printed poster for an exhibition entitled: The Brutalist Playground.

Inspiration

Inspired by the brutalist architecture movement and playground markings, I set out to create a design that captured the essence of these distinctive styles. My approach involved extensive research into the history and aesthetics of brutalism, as well as an exploration of the different materials and techniques that could be used to bring this style to life.

Process

This project saw me continually hone many skills as a graphic designer, beyond just poster design. Alongside developing my skills in typography, composition, and image production, I also gained valuable experience in research, event marketing theory, methods of outsourcing, collaboration and fabrication. This project allowed me to push the boundaries of my abilities and explore new areas of design, equipping me with a diverse skill set that I can apply to any future projects.

For example I designed a custom typeface for the project, using simple, angular shapes to create an interlocking block letter design. To stay true to the Brutalist ethos of championing texture and materials, I decided to cast my poster in concrete. I created a jelly mould using laser-cut MDF letters and poured concrete into it to create the final product. This required a high level of precision and attention to detail, as well as a deep understanding of typographic principles. Through this process, I also learned a great deal about working with new materials and exploring unconventional design methods.

I also had the opportunity to develop my outsourcing skills by enlisting the help of some children I knew to write the word 'Playground' out in chalk. This helped bring the playground element of the design to life, and reminded me of the importance of collaboration and working with others to achieve a shared vision.

Outcome

I decided the evolve the project into a more comprehensive event brand identity at my own accord. Creating further collateral including tickets, a VIP pass, and merchandise. This enabled me to enhance my mock visual skills, specifically my technical proficiency in using Photoshop.

This project proved to be a tremendously beneficial learning experience, allowing me to hone my skills in a variety of areas. Not only did I gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of research, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail, but I also developed a wealth of knowledge about about working with new materials and exploring unconventional design methods. As a result I felt empowered and confident to tackle new challenges in the future.