(Fully Online Postgraduate by Coursework Elective)

It may seem obvious why a fashion boutique stamps a big logo on the front of its commercial premises, however, ask yourself: why do local councils label street signs in their municipality with a council emblem, or why do public parks nowadays have a logo designed to represent them?

Most environments we encounter on a daily basis have been designed to carry a specific visual identity or brand. Some of the more obvious examples include retail stores, shopping malls and themed parks. Today, however, even train stations, public parks and city districts are being visually branded.

In this fully online course you will examine a range of commercial and non-commercial spaces in relation to functionality, consistency, design aesthetic, materials and finishes, and consider the way visual identity has been programmed into them. Through these examples you will analyse and learn how ‘spatial branding’ affects the experience of people using a space, with relation to relevant social, commercial and ethical issues.

You will gain an understanding of the process of planning and designing visual communication systems in the built environment by creating your own concept for a new type of environment, and recording and evaluating how people might engage with it. You will conclude by designing a series of 2D and 3D elements that are consistent with your own visual communication system.
This course includes a series of online lectures, individual and group tasks and site visits (in your locality) that will provide you with insight needed to identify social and commercial implications arising from the practice of ‘spatial branding’.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students will receive course website location and log in instructions via their UNSW email account prior to the commencement of the course.