Academic
Exchange Quarterly Summer
2006 ISSN 1096-1453 Volume 10,
Issue 2
To cite, use print
source rather than this on-line version which may not reflect
print copy format requirements or text lay-out and pagination.
Submission
Number: 3133-5z
Submission
Title: AgriProp : Ecological Propaganda
AgriProp: Ecological Propaganda
Cheryl
Beckett,
Patrick
Peters,
Author
Cheryl
A. Beckett, Associate Professor, University of Houston, School of Art, Graphic
Communications Program
with
Patrick
Peters, Associate Professor, University of Houston, Gerald D. Hines College of
Architecture
Beckett
is Associate Professor and Area Coordinator of Graphic Communications and
Peters is Associate Professor of Architecture and Director of the Graduate
Design/Build Studio
Abstract
AgriProp is a collaborative project merging students
from architecture and graphic design to bring environmental statements and a
call-to-action into a public forum. Students worked in teams of four to build a
mobile installation that combines structure, agricultural (living) material and
typographic/iconic messages. The AgriProp serves as a
device to call attention to environmental and ecological issues confronting the
greater
Introduction
AgriProp, a term coined to name four works of ecological propaganda, was derived from the Russian Agitpróp (Agitatsiónno-propagandístskii otdél), the Agitation Propaganda component of the Communist Party used to influence and mobilize public opinion within the volatile period following the Soviet Revolution. Though Agitpróp originally referred to agitation and propaganda on behalf of Communism, the current sense of the word is more generally propaganda, especially socially or politically motivated propaganda, and is not restricted to communist doctrine.
The
works of Agitpróp served as emblems of radical
politics while employing progressive architectural form and materials. Often
nomadic and demountable, these temporary stands or collapsible kiosks were
placed in the streets during special events. Many of the Agitpróps served
specific agitational functions; the design of Gustav Klucis’“radio-orator” in 1922 provided a loudspeaker with
dynamic slogans. Others performed simultaneous functions. Propaganda Stand, Screen and Loudspeaker combined a bookstand,
loudspeaker, screen and an expandable structure possibly used to display
posters. These constructions economized space and utilized materials that
revealed the structure of each function. The formal aesthetic of these
stands—which employed numerous linear supports, wood, canvas and cables painted
in red, black and white—came to embody the Constructivist ideals. The principle
of Construction, from the dialectical triad of Tectonics, Facture and
Construction, informed the Agitpróp through
consideration of “not only literally creating material form by assembling its
elements and parts efficiently to create a viable structure, but also
organizing and giving intellectual form to the overall concept.” [1] The Agitpróp represented the move towards art that functions as part of
daily life rather than merely as detached aesthectic
form.
As with the Agitpróps’ role as
portable propaganda, public placement of our AgriProps
was critical. Strategic deployment in locations specific to the environmental
message enhanced communication with an unsuspecting audience. The use of
deployment methods recalls the role of activist art in promoting social and
political change. AgriProps supplanted pure protest,
propaganda and sloganeering with less aggressive tactics— art, architecture,
and informative design strategies. The AgriProps
prompt positive action—citizen engagement rather than confrontation. Placement
within the public sphere serves as an incentive to stimulate or redirect
ecology and environmentalism with the goal of turning the message into positive
motivation and action.
While
the Soviet avant-garde served as a model for mobile propaganda devices, more
current interventionists also provided inspiration. Numerous activists in the disciplines
of both architecture and graphic art work to advance
social/political/environmental causes through print graphics, performance,
temporary architecture and other artistic means. Reference to nomadic,
demountable architecture in the service of public intervention is evident in
the work of artist Krzysztof Wodiczko. His homeless
shelters are functional objects with the aggressive visual presence needed to
promote dialogue around the troubling homelessness issue. Michael Rakowitz’s “paraSITE” similarly
deals with the homeless, using clear plastic shelters that inflate and are
heated when attached to building ventilation systems. Redesigned
The
precedents for graphic propaganda to push a message are ubiquitous. Martin
Luther’s reformation edicts, the “Uncle Sam Wants You” WWI recruitment poster,
and Che Guevara’s rallying portrait during the Cuban
Revolution are a few iconic examples.
One
source for public installations that incorporates ecological material and
content into construction is compiled at greenmuseum.org, an online museum
devoted to environmentally focused art. Work such as the sculptures of Susan Leibovitz Steinman of Artscape
are often “temporary, and involve community participation or audience
interaction. Designed for multiple functions and meanings, the aspiration is
aesthetically dynamic, conceptually relevant artworks that function as
educational greenscape models of biointensive
gardening, bioremediation, reclamation and recycling.” [2]
These
groups use sanctioned and unsanctioned sites to deliver the message. Deployment
involves a level of risk, exploring the boundaries of ‘freedom of expression.’
Although public spaces have served public issues throughout history,
increasingly these common areas are being privatized, with more restrictive
rules and regulations. Issues of freedom are assessed through groups such as
n55. Their Public Things of 2001,
presented a component based system of structures devised to enable people to
utilize space in a variety of public and private ways. Components included the
dispenser (for an audience interchange), the public address system (for
expounding ideas), and various private “home” components such as the toilet,
kitchen, shower, and bed. This dialogue continues in Shepard Fairey’s “Obey the Giant” campaign. On his web site, Fairey provides “urban renewal kits” and a warning to be
considerate when applying propaganda materials:
“It’s all about control of the public
space…If we don’t come across as a bunch of vandals we may find that the silent
majority is actually supportive of public artistic expression.” [3]
These
precedents informed the AgriProp teams as they set
out to command attention through the re-contextualization and juxtaposition of
environmental messages within urban sites. A positive, citizen call-to-action
was emphasized over aggressive guerilla tactics or vandalism. In
Team
Challenges and Strategies
To
maximize the learning through the cross-disciplinary effort, each team member
was challenged to be active in the skill domain of the alternate discipline.
The circumstances of the collaboration offered three logistical challenges. The
first was that the students had different class meeting times with only 1.5
hours of overlap twice per week. The second was that the architecture students
were fourth year undergraduates and the graphic communication students were
graduate students. Lastly, the students from the two different disciplines were
not present on the teams in equal numbers. These three challenges of a short
common meeting time, unequal experience and unequal representation were due to
the adhoc nature of the collaboration, an informal
arrangement between two faculty members experimenting with a new format. In
view of these challenges, it became imperative that each team meet outside of
class to push concepts, assemble research and reach consensus if it was to work
collaboratively toward shared ideas. Due to the time consuming nature of
fabrication and the unpredictability of deployment, the extent and duration of
outside meeting time increased significantly during this phase. Especially
because AgriProp accounted for only half the
semester’s syllabus, it required a rigorous adherence to the project schedule
as well as quick decision-making. Thus the seven-week timetable established
goals and objectives that each team met for each class session.
Research Phase
Each team was
asked to explore the environmental challenges specific to
Siting Phase
Each
environmental challenge suggested a site where its issues were poignantly
illustrated. Also, each challenge suggested a target audience that would be
receptive to the proposed solution.
Therefore, each AgriProp team selected two
sites. The first site was chosen to visually exemplify the environmental issue
and these were photographed as evidence of the stated problem. The second site
was chosen for deployment due to its audience appropriateness, pedestrian
availability, and logistics.
Development Phase
Major emphasis
centered on appropriateness of the architectural form of the AgriProp for conveying the message, fabrication
feasibility, on-site assemblage and aesthetics. As environmental issues were
clarified, the AgriProps took shape through 1/8”
scale models and renderings. The message was refined through choices of plant
material, language, icons and architecture. Each team named their AgriProp, thereby coalescing a visual/verbal identity that
summarized the main message. Critique and
evaluation by related professionals in architecture, design, ecology and art
brought further focus and refinement to the work.
Fabrication Phase
Fabrication
encompassed a wide array of materials and methodologies chosen for their
support of the message and their appropriateness for deployment. Construction
took place in architecture fabrication facilities, printmaking studios, digital
labs, through outside vendors and backyards. Students provided the construction
funds which ranged between $400-$800 per AgriProp.
Each team was responsible for transporting its structure to and from the
various deployment sites.
Deployment Phase
The AgriProps were presented in a wide array of public forums.
The initial deployment was in front of an unsuspecting general public. Each
team investigated a range of options. The uncertainty of guerilla tactics
unnerved two groups that opted to secure permission for placement. Two teams
deployed in unsanctioned environments without incident. All teams remained with
the AgriProp during deployment. They conversed with
the audience while distributing additional factual content and contact
information to assist in advancing their environmental solutions. Sporting
matching T-shirts and designed collateral, the teams were well organized and
appeared to be authorized in their activities.
Beyond initial
deployments, the AgriProps were invited into other
sanctioned locations including the courtyard of the University of Houston’s Blaffer Gallery during an art opening, the George R. Brown
Convention Center during Houston’s premiere green building conference Gulf Coast Green, the atrium of the
local architectural firm of Kirskey Architects and to
a group of high school students enrolled in the Blaffer’s
Young Artists Apprenticeship Program at the university.
Documentation
Phase
Although
unique objects of considerable scale and cost, the AgriProps
are temporal. The triptych and visual essay, as two forms of print graphics,
serve to document. The visual essay compiles research data, exploration and
development, final fabrication, deployment strategies, and a final analysis of
the interaction with audience and space. The essay provides a platform for
contemplation, reports the investigative sequence of events and provides proof
of the design process. The triptych condenses the process and results into a
dynamic 2-D staging arena conducive to public posting.
The AgriProps
AgriProp: Green Shield was developed
by architects Gloria Hernandez, Belinda Kanpetch and
Richard Kresse, and graphic designer Eddy Roberts who
also provided the final data.
Their focus, a proposed highway
expansion along the I-10 Katy Corridor, is expected to increase particulate
pollution by 42%. In response to this issue, Green Shield serves a dual
purpose, as both an information kiosk and bench for bus travelers of the
corridor. The map on the kiosk displays areas of dense airborne contaminants in
relation to schools directly impacted. Green Shield provides an inviting place
to relax while awaiting the bus ride home. The structure supports the message.
The metal backrest of the bus bench has circular perforations to signify a
filter. Inserted plant material articulates Green Shield’s proposed solution of
planting a green buffer along the corridor to reduce particulate pollution.
Choosing an appropriate location to
engage a larger audience is a crucial component of the Green Shield objectives.
A bus stop along the very route that is impacted became the logical choice,
providing an audience of Houstonians that travel the Katy Corridor and are
familiar with the areas affected by the expansion. Deployment during rush hour
captured the attention of the evening commuters and passersby.
AgriProp :
Of
AgriProp : First Flush Filter was developed
by architects Raven Bell, Blake Krause and Brad Naeher
and graphic designer Kathy Kelley who also provided the final data.
Of
Floating
within a thin metal framework, First Flush Filter’s acrylic core displays a
cross section of a bioretention system. Near the
base, a perforated drainage pipe extends through the tank. Participants pour
contaminated water onto simulated pavement watching it flow into the bioretention core, be decontaminated by filtration through
layers, and then trickle out the drainage pipe at the base. Observers learn
about bioretention through interaction and
information silk-screened onto the structure.
AgriProp: Refuse CUT was developed
by architects Margarita Christensen, Yousef Foteh and Chris Lloyd and
graphic designer Ray Ogar who also provided the final
data. Refuse CUT warns of the effects of clear-cutting in
Refuse
CUT evokes a denuded construction site by penetrating “land” (soil encased in
acrylic) with a collision of natural and manufactured building materials. Words
of lament, along with iconic representations of displaced flora and fauna, are
silk-screened onto relevant materials, reinforcing the relationship between
displacement and land development. Additional messages and imagery appear on
mock survey flags surrounding the main structure.
Conclusion
The
determined efforts of the students overcame the compressed schedule making the
project a general success despite specific shortcomings. Within a week, the
teams advanced environmentally based concepts supported by compiled data, but
articulating these concepts via a mobile structure proved a bigger hurdle for
each team. One group struggled through this phase and was plagued by it
throughout the process. Since neither the architects nor the graphic designers
had previously built a structure of this scale and complexity, critiques often
concentrated on the built form. Models allowed scrutiny of aesthetics,
anticipated fabrication issues and message communicability. However, the translation from 1/8” models to
full-scale structure occurred in less than two weeks. Only small changes were
feasible once fabrication began. Construction went well though unexpected
glitches caused each team to improvise solutions. A $400 CNC-cut
perforated metal sheet was dimensioned incorrectly leading to manual cutting.
An eight layer silk-screened map was ruined on the last pull requiring hours of
labor for the cleanup, sanding and re-screening. There were also amazing
triumphs. 600 pounds of dirt was securely held within a transparent acrylic core,
and bus riders were comfortably accommodated on a portable cantilevered bench.
Students managed to work together in teams, yet divide tasks when necessary.
The efforts required to accomplish the full-size fabrication, five deployments,
various presentations, and the final documentation maintained a high level of
intensity across the entire project schedule.
Assessment of the outcomes allows refinement of the process. A
time increase for the project’s duration was suggested by the extraordinary
commitment required by the faculty and students. The weight of the AgriProps and the difficulty of their deployment
demonstrated the need for a greater emphasis on design for transportability.
Lighter weight structures increases the potential for more numerous
deployments. Yet, as an uncommon cross-disciplinary effort, AgriProp
merged differing expertise within a common exploration. The project’s premise
challenged the students to merge the architectural, agricultural, and
typographic/iconic into an organic whole. The students considered ways of
solving
Endnotes
[1] Anatole Senkevitch, Jr., “The Sources and Ideals of Construction in
Soviet Architecture”, in Art Into Life:
Russian Constructivism 1914-1932, 117. In Art Into Life: Russian Constructivism 1914-1932, organized by
[2] http://www.greenmuseum.org/content/artist_index/artist_id-8.html
[3] http://www.obeygiant.com/main.php?page=engineering
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Gruson, Edith and Staal, Gert, editors. CopyProof: A New Method for Design Education, 52.
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“Constructivism and Productivism in the 1920s,”
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Constructivism 1914-1932, organized by
Sholette, Gregory, “
Interventionism and the historical uncanny: or; can there be revolutionary art
without the revolution”, April 2, 2004 (draft) at
www.16beavergroup.org/sholette/massmoca.pdf
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