Surface Test

FCD 558 Intro to Design Thinking Topic
Design Exercise #2; Surface Test
Isabella Biliski 501117352

I chose a cool toned palette, this reminds me of lush greenery and water. Green and blue
as my crayon colours on a light green pamphlet, from a previous trip. I found myself looking at
the ground but searching for interesting textures, instead of only watching where I walk.
Sometimes pictures can blur texture whereas a rubbing can capture a texture that a camera would
not.
The first surface test was on an arched cobblestone road, made from cubed stones and
compact gravel. I was really attracted to this design because of its rich history that dates back to
Roman times and is still intact today. The old cobblestone road made me think about all the
people who have walked here before me and even the people who built the road. The colour once
I used the crayon was more purple, which in Roman history only the powerful and privileged
were allowed to wear, the colour tyrian purple was reserved only for high ranking officials.
For the second surface test, I wanted to do a manhole cover. I came across an “aqua”
manhole cover which relates to the water systems. Romans were very advanced in infrastructure
and the newer manhole cover identifies the evolution of these systems. This surface relates to my
original colour scheme idea involving water.
This design exercise made me feel like a part of history. I found a new appreciation for
the craftsmanship and evolution of roads, pathways and infrastructure.