Banham has been involved in teaching and professional practice in graphic design and typography since 1991. His studio work ranges from identities, publishing, exhibitions and signage systems, through to public art projects and books. Banham has also been involved in the writing and critique of the graphic design both in the design and mainstream media (radio, newspapers etc) both nationally and internationally.
Multistory Window
The premise of this project was simple – to use glass surfaces within the city to map Melbourne stories. What would conceptually unite the works would be that they will all be spaces looking OUT at the city. These works would appear randomly and unexpectedly, surprising the viewer. Mysteriously scattered throughout the city – in shopping centres, alleyways, tram stops, railway stations – basically anywhere where a window presents a ‘glance’ of the city.
The stories told through the works would range from the intimate to the informative. Most would be true, some may be playfully fictional. We are all used to seeing the internal machinations of the city through windows (window shopping) and perhaps the odd glimpse of the cityscape between these. This idea seeks to invert this relationship by presenting a 'narrative geography' – it is an ‘inside out’ perspective of the city through the playful lens of the window.
What we tested was the research of an optimal site, the 'city' stories of that site, permissions and a prototype site. We tested this by researching possible sites, seeking permissions from all parties and then organising the test site to be produced. Public reaction was gauged by observation.
As one never knows what stories exist within an a ‘view’, the unexpected findings included not only these stories but also the public response to the work. Finding the linkages between the narratives was the most challenging aspect of the writing. A very pleasing surprise was that the Emporium Centre management proved to be even more enthusiastic about the work than I had expected. This has made me confident in forging similar collaborations in the future within private space as well as public space. From the experience of this test site, it has become apparent that future refinements must include protection of the floor-based work, and a consideration of the shifting sunlight and contrast, in relation to the legibility of the type.