U21084 Manaal Musaliar
Words A Complete Collection Manaal Musaliar U21084 CFP Monsoon 2021
Copyright © CFP Monsoon 2021 Manaal Musaliar U21084 All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher
“A picture is worth a thousand words “, they say but to this I beg to disagree. ‘Words’ is collection of all the assignments completed in the CFP monsoon semester arranged from formats I was most aware of to the ones I’d never even heard of. Through this booklet, one can explore a diverse range of different styles of writing by joining me on my journey with words.
Contents 01 Writing Emails 09 02 19 Formal Email 33 03 Informal Email 39 04 45 05 Describing Objects 51 06 63 07 Checkerboard Bookcase 71 Cane That Curves 08 More Than Storage Skimming Stairs Sustainability Annotation And Summary In The Arts and Crafts Style Building Utopia Mindmaps In The Arts and Crafts Style Genius of Design Conducting Research Concept Note Presentation Exhibition Text Is Less Really More? Truly Unhinged Three Views, One Room Perspectives
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Writing Emails The first segment of the booklet contains a formal and an informal email both of which I had been already been familiar with. Through this excercise, I was able to improve my tone and focus more on description.
Figure 1 Proposed View Note. Exploded view of a mechanical sharpener with closeups. From “How Things Work,” (Unpublished Undergraduate portfolio for CEPT Foundation Programme). by M. Musaliar, 2022, CEPT University. Copyright © 2022 by Manaal Musaliar. 10 Words
To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject : Proposed Representation of a Mechanical Sharpener Dear Ms Austen, As discussed in our previous meeting, this email will delve into my process of depicting the working of a mechanical sharpener. By explaining the various choices that led to the representation as seen in the file Figure 1 attached to this email, hopefully we will be able to expand and improve on the depiction together until we arrive at the optimal representation that is to be printed in the user manuals. An object that seems fairly simple, the mechanical sharpener, is surprisingly rich in its working. The level of its complexity warrants the need for an illustrated guide to be added in the manuals for the user to understand both its assembly and working. As seen in the file Figure 2, the sharpener is composed of 26 separate components that arrange themselves in an almost linear axis to create the final outcome. Placing the main body of the sharpener in the centre of the proposed sheet allows an almost equal number of parts to be drawn on either side. This choice helped provide a sense of symmetry to the exploded view and the main body served as the starting point of the representation. Focusing on the back view of the main body, instead of the conventional method of focusing on the front, allowed me to show the intricacies associated with the fixing mechanism of the 3 different faceplates. Since the object is made mostly of moulded plastic, it relies heavily on the protrusions and crevices of the components itself to attach pieces to each other instead of fasteners like screws and bolts. The decision to focus on the back of the various faceplates in the final representation allows these slight details to come to light. As seen in Figure 2, The sharpener contains a chamber constructed of curved, transparent moulded plastic. The choice to represent its curves with lighter parallel lines was made to accurately represent the form of the component. Writing Emails 11
Figure 2 Exposed Components Note. The various parts of a mechanical sharpener visibile after dismantling. From “How Things Work,” (Unpublished Undergraduate portfolio for CEPT Foundation Programme). by M. Musaliar, 2022, CEPT University. Copyright © 2022 by Manaal Musaliar. 12 Words
The depiction of the sharpener can be made in one major axis but splitting it into different layers, as seen in Figure 1, allows the entire drawing to be more concise. The screws, springs and rods are split into an auxiliary axis as are the pencil grippers and the receptacle. This separation visually contrasts the parts in order to highlight their different functions such as the faceplates which are built to focus on the pencil whereas the springs which exist solely for the functioning of the sharpener itself. As mentioned previously, I would love to work together to arrive at the ideal representation that we need. Please feel free to send all your improvements and suggestions to this email address so that I can incorporate them into the design. Kind regards, Manaal Musaliar Technical Illustrator, M24 Designs Writing Emails 13
Figure 3 Magazine Spread Created on Adobe Indesign Note. Trial magazine with filler text. From “Digital Representation I,” (Unpublished Undergraduate portfolio for CEPT Foundation Programme). by M. Musaliar, 2022, CEPT University. Copyright © 2022 by Manaal Musaliar. 14 Words
To : [email protected] From : [email protected] Subject : Two Tumultuous Weeks At CEPT Dear Aaina, I’ve been at university for over two weeks now and I have to say that it isn’t what I expected it to be. To be fair, most of my ideas about college were based on movies or highly romanticized memories from adults and the real thing is far from it. Is it the same way for you? Starting off, our first week was completely online and we got to try out a bunch of different software. I got to experiment with programs like AutoCad and Photoshop and in that week, I truly felt like a designer - trying to think out of the box, learning things on the fly and honestly, just enjoying myself. In our modern age, practically everything is done online so it’s essential that I master the appropriate software. From being able to seamlessly blend images together or create plans and layouts, the skills I developed that first week will without a doubt be crucial in the future. I genuinely loved tinkering with all the applications, be it making ‘Olivia Rodrigo’ posters on Adobe Illustrator or designing random magazine spreads on Indesign. I’ll attach a few of my samples and I think you’ll be able to see just how much fun I had with them. The next week, things started to go a little downhill for me. Our studio work was focused on freehand drawing, specifically drawing lines. It might sound rudimentary when written down but trust me, it really is a stressful process. We had to draw straight parallel lines on A3 paper without any tools, repeatedly, until they were perfect. In addition to just straight horizontal lines, we had to draw broken lines, vertical lines, 30 degree grids and so much more. Precision is key and that is exactly what the faculty were trying to instill in us. As designers, the smallest of mistakes, be it a single-degree tilt in a building or a slightly warped structure, can be lethal. In order to avoid those mistakes, we had to painstakingly hone our eye for design by critiquing our own work and learning how to make the most basic forms with the bare minimum. Writing Emails 15
Figure 4 (Far From) Parallel Lines Note. One of the first attempts at drawing parallel lines. From “Freehand Drawing,” (Unpublished Undergraduate portfolio for CEPT Foundation Programme). by M. Musaliar, 2022, CEPT University. Copyright © 2022 by Manaal Musaliar. Figure 5 (Almost) Parallel Lines Note. Better attempt at drawing parallel lines. From “Freehand Drawing,” (Unpublished Undergraduate portfolio for CEPT Foundation Programme). by M. Musaliar, 2022, CEPT University. Copyright © 2022 by Manaal Musaliar. 16 Words
My first few sheets were really abysmal but after a few sleepless nights and a nudge in the right direction from my professors, my work began to improve. Just by holding my pencil at a higher angle and making sure not to restrict my wrist movement, my lines went from being undulating to almost completely straight! According to our faculty, these exercises are not just meant to improve our lines and embed the actions into our muscle memory but to also enhance our patience and I can attest to that. Once I started to relax a bit, by either putting on a true crime podcast or listening to some music while doing my work, my lines saw significant progress. I’ll attach my first and last sheets so hopefully you can see how my lines in the beginning were much more erratic when compared to my later ones. Overall, university has been a hectic but enriching experience. I’ve learned a lot about the design field and more importantly, I’ve discovered a lot about myself. One thing that gives me comfort is knowing that I’m not going through this all alone and that although we’re studying different courses, we can still relate to each other. I’m dying to hear about your university experience so don’t hold back on a single detail. Love, Manaal Writing Emails 17
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Describing Objects The next segment of the booklet focuses on descriptive writing. The section describes in detail different pieces of furniture and though it is far from my favoured style of writing, Ithis excercise made me understand the significance of description in the work of a designer. 19
Figure 6 Patterns Emerge Note. With the doors of each compartment closed, the checkerboard pattern of the bookcase becomes visible. By M. Musaliar. Copyright © 2021 by Manaal Musaliar. 20 Words
Checkerboard Bookcase Resting against the wall, placed on the bedroom floor is where you will find the pictured bookcase. Constructed from dark plywood, the rectangular case is essentially a four by two grid of modular shelves consisting of a main frame, a backing piece and shelf doors. Divided into eight smaller units, this versatile piece of furniture is one that stands 70’’ tall and 32’’ wide. The main frame consists of three vertical plywood panels held together by five horizontal panels that work to create eight separate square units, each 16’’ in height and breadth. One unit in each row is alternately given a door thereby creating a closed compartment. The juxtaposition of the shelves with doors to those without them instill a touch of playfulness to the piece. By allowing certain objects, at the user’s discretion, to be hidden away from prying eyes, the privacy and flexibility provided by the closed compartments undoubtedly add a layer of convenience to the bookcase. Each compartment door is equipped with an embellished metal handle screwed at the top and bottom that curves outward to provide a comfortable grip. The contrast between the smooth, continuous texture of the shelves and the raised texture on the handles separates the two in a tactile sense in addition to making the handles easier to grasp. The shelf doors come equipped with a magnetic latching system inside the door on the top and on the shelf itself. This addition makes the shelves more secure and adds to their sturdy feeling. The user is left with the impression that what they store in their compartments is safe behind the additional layer provided by the magnetic latches. Since the doors on the shelves open outward, this piece could be difficult to use if placed in a corner due to the restricted mobility. The bookcase also has a kick plate reinforced with additional plywood to add to its height and stability. Although designed as a bookcase, this piece of furniture can be used to shelve almost anything. From mementos and other decorative objects to clothing Describing Objects 21
Figure 7 Opened Up Note. The doors on each compartment open outward, away from the body of the bookcase. By M. Musaliar. Copyright ©2021 by Manaal Musaliar. 22 Words
items and crockery, the shelves act as blank slates on which the user can store whatever they please, thereby transforming the bookcase into something else entirely. A simple yet effective design, the checkerboard bookcase is one that offers both privacy and security allowing it to be used in endless ways depending on the needs and wants of the user. Describing Objects 23
Figure 8 A Sight To Behold Note. Individual cane rods can be seen emerging from the back. By M. Musaliar. Copyright © 2021 by Manaal Musaliar. 24 Words
Cane that Curves Made entirely of cane and planted sturdily on the floor, the swivel chair commands all the attention in a room. Composed of a unique, seemingly flowing frame and a pair of cushions, this is an innovative take on a lovable classic. Designed to seat one, the sofa promises comfort to all those who sink into its gentle but firm cushions. Ever so slightly worn over the twenty-year course of its use, the cushions come upholstered in a peaceful orange shade, decorated with a printed pattern made of small green and yellow squares. Two separate cushions, one that serves as a backrest and the other a seat, rest soundly on a sturdy cane frame. 45’’ tall and 30’’ wide, the frame is what sets this chair apart. Smooth to the touch and equipped with a slight sheen to it, the base of the seat is constructed out of two thick and rounded strips of cane curved into a circle. Specifically, it has one circular unit at the bottom and another unit above it. The element at the bottom acts as a base whereas the unit above it is inclined towards the back to prop up the cushions. Although simple in appearance, these elements provide gracious support to its user. Below this stands a base made of ten cane circles of reducing radii stacked on top of each other in an organic cone-like form, adding both height and intrigue to the piece. Similar to the base, the armrests of the piece are also constructed with two large rods of cane attached to one another. Originating from the base of the seat, they act as one flowing unit that tenderly drapes around the top of the chair and returns to the base. With no apparent distinction between the arms and the cross rails, the armrest could prove to be uncomfortable when used for extended periods. Evoking an earthy feeling, thirteen separate strips of cane extend from the base curving outward to create an interesting fan-like shape. The inclined circular base unit can be seen acting as a horizontal support here. Combined, they serve as the back unit of the chair. Although visually interesting, in practicality this element might restrict movement on the chair. Only providing support in the Describing Objects 25
Figure 9 Fanning Out Note. The unique fan-like spread of the back begins at 10’’ and extends to 26’’ at the top. By M. Musaliar. Copyright © 2021 by Manaal Musaliar. 26 Words
centre of the frame, the cushions may slip if the user is too far skewed in either direction. With its organic shape and inviting cushions, the chair almost beckons people to sit on it despite its mammoth size. Although slightly rigid, the additional swivel mechanism hidden by the base of the stacked cane provides an unexpected feature to this chair. Comfortable to sink into and sturdy enough to carry more than the weight of a single person, this piece is greater than just a decoration. Void of any visible joints or screws, the entire chair appears to be a natural entity made of simple flowing parts. Transforming wood into something organic and curved, this piece succeeds in creating an interesting and inviting focal point. Describing Objects 27
Figure 10 A Complete Metamorphosis Note. The compartment acts as a niche on which the mirror can rest comfortably. By M. Musaliar. Copyright © 2021 by Manaal Musaliar. 28 Words
More than Storage Versatile and compact, the makeup organizer pictured was purchased recently with the intention of increasing the storage capacity in a hostel room. It now sits snugly in its cupboard from where it is used daily. Composed of three main layers, the curved cuboidal organizer stands 6’’ tall with each layer being 9.5’’ long and 6’’ wide. By utilising its stacking feature, the entire object can be condensed and conveniently placed wherever one wills. Once opened up, we see the topmost layer of the organizer that consists of an oblong mirror attached to a cork board. Equipped with a hole at the bottom centre of the board from where one ought to lift it, the cork serves as both the lid and a layer of the object. The contrast between this layer’s rough cork and the smooth plastic material of the organizer serves as a tactile reminder of their different functions - the organiser meant for storage and this layer meant to be a mirror and a lid. Tucked below the mirror lies the first layer of storage - a 2’’ tall tray divided into four smaller units, apt for housing the most frequently used items. White in colour, this layer is visually differentiated from the lid. With each smaller compartment being around 2’’ wide, the tray allows the user to fit almost any makeup item that they need, provided that they are not too large in size. From lip balm to mascara, the user can store their most used items in the shallow tray allowing for easy, direct access. The ability to organize and store each item in a clear manner with everything laid out in plain sight truly simplifies the process of getting ready. The third and final layer of the organizer is the deepest. This too is divided into smaller compartments. An additional hole in the side of the tray along with the lightweight nature of the organizer allows it to be picked up easily. The 6 inches of depth allows for more items to be stored within its five subunits. The additional depth also allows for the storage of larger items, preferably those used less frequently due to the added time required in accessing this layer. Describing Objects 29
Figure 11 Exposed To The Public Note. The varying dimensions of the subunits of each layer create a host of different storage options. By M. Musaliar. Copyright © 2021 by Manaal Musaliar. 30 Words
Apart from being closed and stored in a cupboard or drawer, the organizer thrives in an open setting. In a larger space, the mirror can be propped up on a compartment of the first layer, allowing easy access to it while getting ready. The compartments seem designed for this purpose and thus allows the mirror to rest on them comfortably without the risk of it slipping. This then transforms the organizer into a small vanity mirror. From being used just as a mirror to being able to store different items based on the frequency of their usage or their size, this makeup organizer truly embodies the term ‘multifaceted’. Describing Objects 31
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Skimming Despite its common use on a daily basis, skimming is somewhat of an unappreciated skill. An asset when dealing with large volumes of data, this next section focuses on honing the art of skimming in order to produce the optimal outcome. 33
Figure 12 Staircase Note. From ‘100 Ideas That Changed Architecture’ by R. Weston, 2011, Laurence King Publishing. Copyright © 2011 by Laurence King Publishing. 34 Words
Staircase The Different Types of Stairs by Using Specific Examples - The stairs we use today were in common use as far back as the Romans - Helical stairs date back to the Bible although they garnered opposing reactions from architects of that time - some like Vitruvius and Alberti saw it as a danger and others like Vasari saw it as artistic expression - English country houses used stairs as the focal point of their space - Major fires in Europe led to Semper’s fire protected staircase and made way for the modern day concern with fire safety - Stairs were again used as expressive tools in the Paris Opera where people were allowed to flow throughout the space - Ramps were used in the place of stairs by FL Wright and Le Corbusier due to their leisurely movement Skimming 35
Figure 13 Sustainability Note. From ‘100 Ideas That Changed Architecture’ by R. Weston, 2011, Laurence King Publishing. Copyright © 2011 by Laurence King Publishing. 36 Words
Sustainability Sustainability in the Building Industry - Focus has shifted from running costs to other factors like their lifecycle or footprint - Brundtland Commission suggested in 1987 that sustainable development was important and led the sustainability movement - The book Silent Spring which talked about destructive technologies had a similar effect and led to the formation of organisations like Greenpeace - Buildings use half the world’s energy and now the footprint also includes energy used in their construction, extraction of materials and their delivery - Building regulations are being updated but existing buildings are still unsustainable Skimming 37
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Annotation & Summary An excercise in reading productively, this next section follows the annotations and then the summaries of the two given texts. A crucial skill when it comes to research and retaining information, snippets of the annotated text can be found on the left accompanied by their summaries on the right. 39
Figure 14 Highlight Reel Note. Annotated excerpt from ‘In The Arts And Crafts Style’. Adapted from B. Meyer. Copyright © 40 Words
Summary In The Arts And Crafts Style Barbara Mayer The given excerpt from In The Arts And Crafts Style by Barbara Mayer traces the Arts and Crafts Movement from its conception in the UK to its roaring fame in the US. Started as a response to negative British sentiments regarding the Industrial Revolution, the movement aimed to bring back craftsmanship and the love of honest construction to the public. Although pioneered in the UK by William Morris, who repopularised the use of traditional design methods, the movement began to flourish in America only after the publication of Eastlake’s book Hints on Household Taste. The move- ment’s ideas of “simple lines” and “a cohesive style” began to take root in the American design community. At its height in the early 1900s, the movement led to a host of societies and exhibitions being formed in America. Due to the general interest in its aesthetic, pieces began to be mass-produced for the American public. Unlike the move- ment’s precursors, Frank Lloyd Wright, who highlighted the importance of inte- grating nature with design, believed that the effective use of machinery would bolster creativity. As a result of mankind’s superficial nature, the Arts and Crafts Movement which began as an opposition to industrialisation eventually spurred mass production and slowed down only in the face of war. Annotation and Summary 41
Figure 15 Notes Galore Note. Annotated excerpt from ‘Building Utopia’. Adapted from T. Benton. Copyright © 2021 Manaal Musaliar. 42 Words
Summary Building Utopia Tim Benton The fifth chapter of Tim Benton’s Building Utopia titled Modernism: Designing A New World 1914 - 1917 delves into the various contradictions that define Mod- ernism. Created with the intent of social emancipation and to alleviate the strife of the inter-war period, the movement eventually disintegrated to becoming just a style. Deeply entrenched in the politics of the era, Modernists classified themselves as either ‘Functionalists’ or ‘Formalists’ and often argued over the relevance of aesthetics in design. While the functionalists believed in the absence of deco- ration in a space and building in a way that exposes the reality of construction, formalists believed that design is the marriage of function and form. Modernists seemed to agree that architecture had a revolutionary nature and wanted to aid in solving the mass-housing crisis but squabbled over how to achieve this. This theological rift existed in all aspects of the movement, from the importance of ‘anonymous design’ and style in architecture to the under- standing of the term ‘zeitgeist’. The text goes on to state that the tumultuous social climate forced designers to align themselves politically in their work and this polarization is what ultimately kept the movement alive. Characterized by its contradictions, Modernism both succeeded and failed in what it set out to do. Annotation and Summary 43
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Mindmaps An interesting and unique way to organise data, mindmaps focus on building connections with the collected information. This section holds two mindmaps, the first summarises an article and the second captures the essence of a documentary. 45
Figure 16 Arts and Crafts Movement Mapped Note. A mind map summarizing Barbara Meyer’ ‘In The Arts And Crafts Style’. By A. Gilankar, I. Kuwar, L. Mehta, M. Musaliar. Copyrig 46 Words
ght © 2021 By CFP, Archit Gilankar, Ishani Kuwar, Lia Mehta, Manaal Musaliar. Mindmaps 47
Figure 17 Mapping the Genius Note. A mind map summarizing the documentary ‘Genius Of Design’. By CFP, A. Gilankar, I. Kuwar, L. Mehta, M. Musaliar. Copyright 48 Words
t © 2021 By Archit Gilankar, Ishani Kuwar, Lia Mehta, Manaal Musaliar. Mindmaps 49
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