Re_Search


Tuesday, November 6, 2007

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The first assignment in our graduate thesis class was named Re:Search.1 We were asked to examine our thesis through the lens of a single letter, drawn at random. My letter was R.2 I started by brainstorming and mapping out as many R words as I could muster. Our directive was to collect (at least) three each of: tiny objects, huge objects, physical qualities, abstract qualities, places, book titles, events from history, supermarket items, famous personalities, companies and websites related to our thesis.

Re_Search Brainstorm (1 of 3)

Re_Search Brainstorm (2 of 2)

Re_Search brainstorms

I created 36 brochures to house my findings. Brochures were the perfect container for my information as they are a form that is often taken for granted as part of the vernacular of travel. They’re such an accepted component of airports, train stations, hotels, tourist traps, etc. that we often don’t even realize they are there. But they are there, sitting patiently in floor stands waiting to be unburdened of information on the closest wax museum, hot air balloon ride, petting zoo, alligator farm, amusement parks, wineries and more. I’ve been obsessed with brochure racks lately. If possible, I’d love to fill an entire brochure stand like this one:

Brochure rack at Avis Car Rental in San Francisco

  1. I wonder about this trend of Re: anything as a naming convention. Yes, it’s a cute play on linguistic meaning, popularized by designers alike, but it’s a bit hackneyed, no? []
  2. Look Ma! Research starts with R! []

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