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Environmental Graphic Design Changing the Perceptions of Divided Communities through Cultural and Social Connectivity

Schwanbeck, Andrew T
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1364831997

Abstract Details

2013, MFA, Kent State University, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design.
Urban segregation occurs when a city’s diversities create perceived barriers around concentrated clusters of social groups. When these divisions are extreme enough, communities become shut off from the rest of the city and often fall into a perpetual cycle struggle and degradation. Research has shown that the success of a neighborhood relies in its ability to connect with other neighborhoods and economies throughout a city. It also demonstrates that cross-participation enhances the overall capacity of a community to operate both socially and economically. In a segregated city, there is an opportunity to use environmental graphic design elements to help improve the perceptions of a divided neighborhood and reconnect it back to the greater city population. This project explores the value that environmental graphic design elements can create to help promote and improve the perceptions of a neighborhood within a segregated urban landscape. A case-study project was developed with the neighborhood East Liberty, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Historically a thriving neighborhood, East Liberty has been plagued by over two decades of neglect and failed renewal efforts. Despite recent development efforts, many people still avoid this neighborhood. This case study uses a combination of research tactics and design prototypes to produce elements that attempt to improve the experience of East Liberty. The results from this project measured a significant improvement to the negative perceptions of East Liberty and demonstrated the potential to entice more people to visit and participate within this neighborhood.
David Middleton, MA (Advisor)
Kenneth Visocky O'Grady, MFA (Committee Member)
Sanda Katila, MFA (Committee Member)
183 p.
Design; Urban Planning

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Schwanbeck, A. T. (2013). Environmental Graphic Design Changing the Perceptions of Divided Communities through Cultural and Social Connectivity [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1364831997

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Schwanbeck, Andrew. Environmental Graphic Design Changing the Perceptions of Divided Communities through Cultural and Social Connectivity. 2013. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1364831997.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Schwanbeck, Andrew. "Environmental Graphic Design Changing the Perceptions of Divided Communities through Cultural and Social Connectivity." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1364831997

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1364831997
6,425
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.