03 | Typography
Project Brief
Consider the experience or concept of spaces between in a conceptual and/or physical way. Think about how these spaces connect or disconnect people, places, ideas, thoughts, cultures etc. Investigate the widest interpretation of the subject from individual, cultural and human perspectives. There will be lots of opportunities to draw upon references of different experiences of the diverse subject of spaces between.
Deliverables
1. Strategy
2. Research
3. Design development
4. Specifications/Grid(s)
5. Final outcomes
2. Research
3. Design development
4. Specifications/Grid(s)
5. Final outcomes
Design Strategy
Upon learning about the recent explosion in Johannesburg CBD, I discovered the existence of underground tunnels. I have family members from Jeppe who have long been aware of these tunnels, harboring their own conspiracies and secrets about its purpose. This discovery ignited my concept, aligning with the ‘space between’ as outlined in the brief.
The aim of this tunnel vision project is primarily to educate the Johannesburg locals about the existence of these tunnels whilst analysing the communities' conspiracies. The outcome of this project includes an A5 zine designed along with a large exhibition installation (6m x 6m) intended to be placed inside Johannesburg Park Station. This will be used as an infographic
to provide historical information to the public. An area will be dedicated through a social media tag or blackboard for people to jot the information they would be interested to find out or any information they already know regarding the underground tunnels in Johannesburg. This will ultimately assist to conduct further extensive research of the tunnel system. This will be beneficial for future development of the tunnels in the City of Gold.
to provide historical information to the public. An area will be dedicated through a social media tag or blackboard for people to jot the information they would be interested to find out or any information they already know regarding the underground tunnels in Johannesburg. This will ultimately assist to conduct further extensive research of the tunnel system. This will be beneficial for future development of the tunnels in the City of Gold.
Research
Initial research and concept for chosen topic pitch
More in-depth research
Tunnels Background
Johannesburg is recognised as the largest city in South Africa and is currently home to 5.77 million people. The history of building upon this City of Gold began in the 19th century, where it was founded as a gold mining settlement. During 1932 and 1935 a system of tunnels was built under the guidance of William Pryce--Rossner, an engineer from Wales. The tunnel system connects from the Post Office in Jeppe Street to Park Station and is approximately 2km long. It then also connects to Gandhi Square which covers about 3km from the start of the tunnel. This complex labyrinth is rumoured to have many more entrances and underground coverage.
The tunnels were constructed to transport mail effectively underground. About 900 bags were transported on conveyor belts and then sorted per hour at each end of the tunnel. The tunnels were then closed in 1956 after the expansion of Park Station and its existence disappeared from common knowledge until it caused city infrastructure damage in recent times.
The South African government is currently conducting further research and have discovered the tunnels to have damaged structural integrity. In March 2022, a fire started underground leaving most of the area without any electricity. The following year a gas explosion from the underground tunnels, resulted in further major damage to infrastructure. To date investigations and progressive corrective measures are being taken.
From the little knowledge that locals have gained about this city and its abandoned tunnels, many conspiracy theories emerged regarding its usage since 1956, including being used for a variety of activities from transporting prisoners during apartheid and secret vampire humanoid meetings
Design Process
The final structure chosen was concept 3 which mimics a tunnel. In the final design the structure is a large enclosed rectangular cuboid.
Visual Style
Colour palette
Typography
Image treatment through editing
Grid used for the Zine layout
Final Designs
Through an infographic, both the exhibition and zine will educate people on the history uncovered so far and allow them to share their own stories and conspiracies. about the tunnel in the last section of the wall and zine.
