Statement of Inquiry:
How can printmaking, through the process of creating blueprints, help us explore the relationship between architecture, identity, and the built environment?
Related Concept:
Expression, Structure, Identity
Global Context:
Personal and Cultural Expression – Exploring the role of architecture in shaping our identity, how specific buildings or landmarks reflect cultural values, and how engineering influences the environments we live in.
Brief:
This project focuses on the technique of printmaking to create ‘blueprints’ using blue paper and white paint. Students will use cards, small toys, and found objects, such as models of landmark buildings or representations of their own homes or condos, to create unique prints. Through this process, students will explore the theme of “Who We Are” by reflecting on how the spaces they inhabit and the buildings that surround them shape their sense of identity. This project also provides an opportunity to discuss the roles of architecture and engineering in the creation of these spaces, considering how these fields contribute to the structures that influence our daily lives and the identities tied to them.
Inspiration:
Museum Links:
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York features exhibitions on architecture and design, which highlight the interplay between architecture and identity.
- The V&A Museum in London offers insights into architectural history and the relationship between architecture and culture.
- Artists & Designers:
- Le Corbusier, an architect known for his influential ideas on modern architecture and the relationship between space and human experience.
- M.C. Escher, whose work explores structure, space, and perspective, could inspire students to think about the way structures interact in our environment.
- Companies/Products:
- LEGO Architecture sets, which allow users to create models of iconic landmarks and buildings from around the world, providing a hands-on connection to architecture and design.
- Paintings/Artworks:
- Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” offers insight into the emotional connection to personal spaces, while
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural drawings can inspire conversations on the fusion of form, function, and identity in built environments.
- Landmark Building
- Marina Bay Sands:
- Marina Bay Sands, located in Singapore, is an iconic example of modern architecture and engineering. With its futuristic design and unique three-tower structure connected by a “SkyPark,” it stands as a symbol of innovation and urban development. The building has become a global landmark, blending luxury, entertainment, and technology. Students can explore the design elements of Marina Bay Sands, such as its use of sustainable features and cutting-edge architecture, to understand how such buildings contribute to the identity of a city and its people. The building also offers a discussion on the integration of engineering and architecture, which can inspire students to think about how modern structures can reflect cultural values and adapt to the needs of urban populations.
