Water Fluoridation has been acclaimed as “one of the best” public health achievements of the twentieth century. Most of the European countries, however, have stopped adding fluoride to their water supplies many years ago, leaving the question: is water fluoridation really necessary?
The challenge of this project was to develop an information graphic diagram that showed statistical and historical data in a way that could show the relationship between them. The study and analysis of this complex topic shows that both opponents and proponents treat this matter in a very unilateral way, often displaying information that is only pertinent to their argument.
The proposed solution is a diagram that relates important information of different aspects of this topic in one cohesive visual system. The main visual strategy utilized to achieve this was to use a circular timeline. Circles can be used to incorporate different sets of data while maintaining a cohesive visual form. The horizontal wedges display the relationship between the tooth decay rate and the year when fluoridation began/stopped for each country. The vertical wedges display important historical figures and key events that either triggered discussion or generated news about this topic. The circular arrangement allows each category to be read independently, but also allows a certain data to be correlated with another data in a different category, allowing the viewer to draw conclusions about this topic. Smaller versions of the diagram were repeated bellow it to highlight other important findings.
Snip is a book that explores the barber shop universe in the city of Toronto. It can be read as collection of images of one of the best shops in the city and/or as an introductory profile of some barbers, providing rich insights on how they began their careers and what they have to say about this industry today.
The solution for this book was to use a different mix of elements and visual strategies to speak about this world in different and subtle ways. The first aspect is the use of full-bleed photography. They show a wide variety between wide, mid-range, and close up shots, creating a rhythm that resembles the environment of a barber shop. The only black and white photographs are featured on the cover and on the chapter spreads, giving a visual brake from all colours from previous pages and preparing the reader for the next chapter. The visual treatment of the type and the teal colour reflect the “barbicide” products that are present in all shops. The quotes of the barbers are mixed with small collages of elements that can be found in these places, adding a quirky aspect to the spreads. The folios were also placed and designed to reference the barber poles often found in these shops, giving an insight into what it feels like to be in such places.
Mezcla is the Spanish word for “blend” and it represents a selection of images of contemporary architecture present in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona. The challenge was to create a book that translates the spatial and visual experiences of a viewer who goes through these places.
The solution for the book format, layout of the cover, inside spreads, and back cover all came from one concept: the viewer as he would experience an architectural space.
Each spread features one quote and it can be unfolded, revealing more of the building, mimicking the experience that one would have when walking and exploring the building. As each spread is unfolded, the reader can choose which spreads or parts of the spreads it can be unfold. This constant shift and play displays different compositions and juxtaposition of images, mixing different materials and environments.
Samba is a magazine that reveals and explores the various facets of the Brazilian culture. The main challenge was to create and develop a magazine that would appeal to its target audience, showing important aspects of this culture that could be understood not only through the articles, but also through the intelligent use of images.
The feature story talks about the makeshift culture in Brazil known locally as “gambiarra.” It is the ability to come up with quick solutions for problems of the everyday life. The following images show two solutions: typographic and photographic.
Photographic approach
This solution uses a makeshift soccer ball to explain the article. The images show a soccer player interacting with a tape ball that is not the ideal, but still can perform well enough to provide a momentary solution. The photographs also focus on the relationship between the player and the ball, indicating the ability and mastery that he has over it. It creates a very optimistic atmosphere, with saturated tones that continues to communicate how this practice is embraced and valued in Brazil. Lastly, the type treatment of the headline and pull quotes were inspired by the pattern and texture of the tape ball.
Typographic approach
The typographic solution uses twigs to create the word “gambiarra,” displaying not only the word, but also indicating the simplicity of the solution and how it was made out of found elements that could have been easily ignored.
