Week 3

On the third week of maths and art we were introduced to the details of our project. At first it didn't seem like too much to do, but now I have hit reality in the realization that it is a huge amount to get done before the end of semester, especially with multiple projects running at once. I need to get my A into G and get some research done before I fall to far behind. Although I am more dreading the design of the playground rather than the essay itself. After the project details were released we moved onto the subject of maths and art again. We experimented in class with the new subject of geomety, and how we can sculpt it and transform it into interesting loops and patterns. For example, a half twist in a strip of paper, and celotaping it together at both ends. This produced an interesting and "infinitesimal" pattern. When i drew a line along the paper it seemed as though it never had a beginning and never had an end. We then began to experiment with different amounts of twisting of the strips of paper, but eventually it just got too messy to continue the exercise. Nonetheless, I discovered that geometry can be sculpted and changed beyond the common squares and circles that we encounter in our everyday lives. This really interested me because I have seen a lot of these kind of artworks and I have always wondered how people come up with this intricate, mind boggling patterns.

Near the end of the lecture we were shown a range of maps that we designed in the past to represent the paths that underground trains travel on in London. I noticed that the map seemed to be very confusing and overly complex. Aspects such as distance, landmarks, and topography  were all used in the earlier tube maps. But it was until the modern map that people began to accept the simplified version of the tunnel system. All people really wanted to know about was which train they needed to catch to get to their destination. There really was no need for over complication. It is now up to me to design a map for Auckland cities proposed rail system.

Given the brief, we were told to go away and design our own map of the NZ railway system. A new loop was proposed to include Britomart, Aotea Square, K Rd, Newton, Mt Eden. Boston Rd, Grafton,

    Newmarket, Britomart. I decided to have a play around with a circular-like structure. I feel that it is easy to understand. (perhaps because I made it). I wanted the map to be as simple as possible. Geography was not an issue as most people dont know where most things are anyway. All they want to know is where and how. I didnt add in all the stops because it was a bit time consuming. But you get the picture.