Site Analysis- Paris, France

       Paris, France has been a flourishing city for centuries. It is a Centre for European culture and artists from all over the world. The city's multicultural environment can be admired in several museums, galleries, churches, popular meeting points, and shops. Paris is one of the most luxurious places that are appreciated.

       Local patrons, visitors, and tourists often connect the city of Paris to it’s outstanding museums, parks, cuisine, and social interaction. Popular museums such as the Louvre and the Orsay Museum, lure in many visitors to the city. Both of these museums are filled with multicultural inheritance. Furthermore, Paris consists of many elegant and diverse parks. Jardin du Luxemburg is one of the most popular parks in Paris; it is located twelve minutes, driving distance, from the Landor office. Next, there are many landmarks that serve at cultural icons for Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, and Arc de Triomphe. Food/Cuisine is one of the passions to the Parisians. The most typical French food is a baguette (long bread stick); a baguette is generally added to a glass of wine. Lastly, people in France are known for a classic stylishness and conservatism in dress. The French are generally polite, but very private. Moreover, a formal greeting is expected, and sometimes a traditional European kiss on the cheek will be displayed- one kiss on the left, and one kiss on the right.

       The neighborhood of the Landor office building is very similar to the rest of the city in Paris. The site is in an urban area, generally with six story high buildings. Hotels, restaurants, homes, entertainment facilities, and markets occupy many of the surrounding spaces.  

        Paris has a typical Western European climate. The summers are usually warm and comfortable while the winters are cool, yet generally above freezing. The average temperature in Paris ranges between 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter and 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. January is typically the coldest month as opposed to July, which is the hottest month. It is slightly warmer in Paris rather than in the outskirts of the city. Also, the driest season is between March and May. In addition, the windiest months are between November and January, averaging 21 to 23 km/hr.   

        Paris has one of the most efficient public transportation systems. Mass transit such as the Paris Metro, the public bus, and the commuter train (RER) all run effectively and are very organized. Each system generally arrives on time and very frequently. Although some people own and drive cars such as Fiats, most of the population takes advantage of the efficient and accessible public transportation provided. 

Concept Model

Concept Sketches

Concept Model #1

Concept Model #2

Concept Model #3

          When I was put to the task of creating concept models, at first I was stumped. I have never been asked to take a piece of abstract art and transform it into a model; this task was for sure a challenge that i was determined to accomplish. As I analyzed my elements and principles in design, such as line and pattern, I came up with a few over lays that became the start of my concept. I thought of ways to create layering and translucencies with the use of line and patterning. By off setting some of the shapes and lines from my initial overlays, I reached satisfaction. I created an abstract composition with horizontal lines, geometric curves, circles, and I used the three primary colors in some areas. Next, I created a few models. My mediums were bristol board, tissue paper, translucent paper, and recycled plastic. The models were formed to correspond with my designs from the over lays of elements and principles in design to the abstract composition I created. 

Art Analysis and Diagramming

Assimilation
Adam Hill 

Medium: Synthetic Polymer on Canvas

      When researching abstract art I became very interested in this piece of artwork. Artist, Adam Hill is an accomplished painter, graphic designer, and illustrator. His style of aboriginal art caught my eye and made me very interested in his work. Most of his pieces are similar with the influences of landscapes and social justice. Hill’s piece of artwork is called Assimilation and it depicts many of the elements and principles of design.

       There are thin and thick lines in Assimilation. Straight, horizontal line is the dominant element used ; furthermore, because the artist used wide horizontal lines in the sky, it makes the work look wide. Also, the straight horizontal lines in the sky direct the viewer’s eyes from the top of the artwork to the bottom. Adam Hill used realistic color in his work. This painting is mostly cool with the use of blue and green; however, Hill uses orange which also gives the feeling of warmth. The blue and green used in this work gives a sense of depth.
       “Assimilation” is a painting of a landscape filled with trees, clouds, and a skyline. There is a circle in the sky which is representational of a sun. Also, the artist emphasized shadows casting from the trees and shrubbery. By observing the shape as a sun and the casting shadows, the viewer can continue to conclude that the landscape is depicting the late afternoon. Light and shadow work together in Hill’s piece to communicate to the viewer the time of day it is. The sense of space goes far beyond what you see in the foreground. Hill’s different sizes in the objects stretch the viewers sense of space. Proportion plays a huge role in this artwork, because as the objects get smaller it gives a sense of great depth.

       The various formal elements interact well together in Hill’s piece of art. The use of line, color, shape, light, and proportion all transform this abstract art into a three dimensional landscape scene. Artist, Adam Hill used synthetic polymer on canvas as his medium. Hill continues to create artwork that are influenced by landscapes and social justice. 

My Diagrams

Composition #1 (final)

Composition #2

Composition #3