Parallax 1

Parallax: the same event is depicted from various points of view. After selecting the best images, an optimal sequence is developed and assembled (bottom) similar to how a film scene is constructed from a series of different camera angle shots.

Parallax 2

Another example of parallax and sequence.

Richmond exterior space

Urban planning was used as the framework to test some of the basic semiotic concepts. I introduced the students to the concept of "Imageability" as put forward by Kevin Lynch in his book The Image of the City. Many of the ideas in his book, integrated with the semiotic knowledge, were used as a starting point for visual explorations about the city, in this case a study of the idea of interior and exterior life.

Richmond interior space

Visual explorations about the city, Study of the idea of interior and exterior life, one of two posters.

Semiotic triangle

Semiotic triangle. Diagram from course syllabus.

Types of signs

Relationship of different types of representation (iconic, symbolic, indexical) to object and interpretant.

Sign relationships 2

Another diagram of sign relationships.

 

Parallax

Applied semiotics - Graduate seminar, VCU

I conducted this seminar on how basic semiotics can be used to develop a generative process for ideas and images in a design environment. I presented the semiotic theory within the context of architecture and urban planning. After the analysis of the basic terminology: icon, symbol, and index, students had to build an image sequence - parallax - that was later developed into a sign matrix and an applied project.

1990


Documents
Semiotics Syllabus (152 KB) application/pdf