Completed as part of my Master of Design thesis, this project explored forms and methods of representation of urban neighborhoods in an effort to more inclusively and accurately reflect the residents of a community. Rather than focusing on a single finalized outcome — be it a branding system or new identity — the project documented the processes and methodologies I undertook in an attempt to synthesize a range of viewpoints and tap into the true character of a neighborhood. In doing so, I hoped to shed light on the complex network of voices, opinions, and agendas that come into play during this process, while simultaneously revealing the inevitably controversial and challenging nature of developing a project around the identity of place. The final project consisted of a coptic stitch bound book and an installation featuring select spreads from the book, overlaid on a map of the neighborhood.
