Gehl Architects

 

Gehl Architects have produced some of the most intriguing visual graphics that I have come across. The diversity of the work that they produce is outstanding. This includes the rendering style and the type of projects that they undertake. 

Visual for a Micromobility ecosystem

This visual uses white space effectively to focus the readers attention on the most important features. I like the way they have used speech bubbles to illustrate the purpose of this sheet without using text. The colours are subtle and not overpowering, making the image easy to look at and sets a positive and coherent  tone for the images. I don't like the gap of white space in the top image. It makes sense as the cyclist is moving from one space to the next, but I feel as thought it makes the building in the left side of the image harder to read. 

'People-first' transportation action plan for a car centric city

This image is easy to follow and makes it obvious for the reader what the action plan is for the scheme. The images work well with the bold text and give small examples of how the solutions will be enacted. I personally like the cartoon like style and bold colours that Gehl have chosen to use as it draws you into the graphics. I think the image could be improved with some context to the wider surrounding city. However, this could be shown on a different sheet so that the page doesn't get to over crowded. 

Reducing air pollution through urban design

This hand drawn sketch followed by the fully rendered image is a great representation of how conceptual a quick sketch can develop into a final deign. I think its important for a company to show that they can create hand drawn images as it is more relatable for many clients to initially understand. It also shows that the company have fully thought through the design proposal. 

In the sketch, I like the simplicity of the line used, and the combination of white space and shading to show the reader where the main zones of interest are. I don't like how the shading gets too overpowering at the end of the street, as it looks as though the pedestrians are walking into a dead end instead of continuing along the path. 

In the rendered image, I really like the time of day the designer has used to show the space. This adds to the appeal of the walkway and makes it feel relaxed and safe. There's not much that I don't like about the final image. However, It is very typical of a visual created with a software, so it lacks any unique characteristics specific to the designer that would be portrayed by a hand drawing.