Meaning 2 - Interactions Between the 3 Levels of Meaning

Designed by "Banq" - (Photo from www.furniturefashion.com)

Representational

The interior design of this room is a representational form in design. The designer was inspired by Banyan trees, which have similar, natural curving branch growth. Immediately your attention is grabbed by this room because these natural waves are not typically found or used in interior design. This is purely used for an expressive purpose. Although you may not realize that the room was inspired by a specific tree, the design does signify that you are surrounded by an organic wooden flow that emulates the form of a tree. It relates to an abstract visual because if you keep in mind that it was inspired by a Banyan tree, the entire form and look of the tree has been deconstructed and re-imagined for the interior design of the room. Symbolically, it visually denotes nature, environmental protection, and organic form.

Abstract

The airy and wavy formation of the structure is an abstract interpretation of the organic and natural formation of a Banyan tree. The spacing between the panels denotes an almost microscopic analysis of a tree's rings. The spacing also signifies aeration and gives a sense of openness, traits of nature that have been abstracted and placed within the fundamental structure of this design. You can tell that the room represents a natural wood formation, but the reconstruction of the basic forms and curves of a tree have created this abstract interior design. The symbolism we can take from this is an immersion into a natural, organic, and woodsy setting. This invokes thoughts of environment, nature, and greenery.

Symbolic

This kind of complex design is symbolic of organic, environmentally friendly living. Although it is created with wooden panels, and the usage of bamboo, when it surrounds guests of this restaurant, they will be reminded of nature by the wood textures and form. The curves of the structure indicate a natural form (in comparison to an average room with four corners and a flat overhead ceiling). By being placed inside this room, you cannot help but feel immersed in a nature-like setting. The scene is even complimented by dim lighting, setting the mood and opposite of bright artificial fluorescent lighting.

Meaning 1 - Blog Exercise

REPRESENTATIONAL

This photo of a "Fish Umbrella" is a representational form in design. The cartoon-like eyes, mouth, and air bubbles make it obvious, but the use of this item in the rain is a clever way to signify it is an underwater creature. The color of the umbrella is orange, the most common color used to denote a goldfish. The additional fins and tail found at the top and back of the umbrella signify enough information, based off color and fins, to assume that the umbrella is in fact a fish, and not some face drinking raindrops. 

(Photo from http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ARBQqIWsL._SX342_.jpg)

ABSTRACT

This abstracted artwork, originally titled "Raft of the Medusa" by Gericault (view the original), was re-imagined by the artist Poesia. The composition remains intact, but the addition of sharp, bright geometric lines signifies a modern twist and interpretation of the original piece. This original artwork from the 1800's now leaves a Modern artwork impression, the new lines and color correspond with the existing image, depicting movement and emotion exuding from the injured people.

(Photo from http://poesiatranscend.com)

SYMBOLIC

This is the logo for Hieroglyphics, a Hip-hop collective from Oakland, CA. This symbol has become one of the most recognizable in the music industry, and Hip-hop culture. The simple "smiley face" has a third eye, symbolic of the pineal gland and a higher state of consciousness. The three eyes denote this, while the facial features signify an individual's understanding and belief in higher consciousness, and enlightenment. The concept of one's "third eye" has been recognized by several past civilizations, cultures, and religions.

(Photo from http://www.hieroglyphics.com)