tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86959167534295648072024-02-19T08:33:40.445-08:00The High Street, a visual change.For my Honours year in Graphic Design my project is centered around the High Street. In particular looking at how Aberdeen's high street has changed and creating a set of information graphics to present my findings.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-70262811558019056952012-04-25T13:10:00.002-07:002012-04-25T13:10:29.225-07:00Speaking with localsI have been collating all the results and comments that I received from my survey I conducted with local independent business owners. The survey has proven a worthwhile task and will prove very useful in sharing these issues through my project.<br />
<br />
Some interesting comments considered the need for building another shopping centre rather than utilizing current architecture around the high street. Many felt unsupported by the local council, a feeling that their was more interest in big chain stores than a diverse selection of locally ran businesses. <br />
<br />
These comments will be very useful in forming some of my information graphics.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-45351572241439112632012-04-25T13:04:00.000-07:002012-04-25T13:04:01.783-07:00Negletcted High Street?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxfmQE9akPhA8fOL907zBbKChRdyz2iRf8aLAltoUGKM2pbB5VE9iCVgxFnIUmoPxk4k_8zll5ISc198_sDmJBpxeThHhfnRAKLt_BN-2wVEJh7A-uwMfK-uDybjQddniQvTlNfXzq_A/s1600/IMG_9101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxfmQE9akPhA8fOL907zBbKChRdyz2iRf8aLAltoUGKM2pbB5VE9iCVgxFnIUmoPxk4k_8zll5ISc198_sDmJBpxeThHhfnRAKLt_BN-2wVEJh7A-uwMfK-uDybjQddniQvTlNfXzq_A/s320/IMG_9101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Whilst this is not one of the worst examples I've photographed, it still strikes me as totally unprofessional. These blinds have been like that for months with all sorts of assorted rubbish in view. It really is an eye sore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfckrFpEazcgkg1W-1UVZ27BPwPRkAg6BrJnBkhkcJt18P28Fv4I-MGrfcpXlXNWGIm3HwjpvZSo7Q4lmG2cBcmN0uh2OrsxP27T5ktQ_ExkORBYAWr-jcg3nkwX3_sMQgbhO0xhdjZo/s1600/IMG_9110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfckrFpEazcgkg1W-1UVZ27BPwPRkAg6BrJnBkhkcJt18P28Fv4I-MGrfcpXlXNWGIm3HwjpvZSo7Q4lmG2cBcmN0uh2OrsxP27T5ktQ_ExkORBYAWr-jcg3nkwX3_sMQgbhO0xhdjZo/s320/IMG_9110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Towards the West End of Union Street this vacant unit's sign is incomplete and the lettings in the window faded from age. The West End has a particularly high rate of vacant units and many are in need of work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLon-MUOgF2t4-grcf1cbuWMtj4eiTxqtnW-2HWlN7q-5RAKldz8i93s2gUdgbwbFYvK2x-1-d0EOG9ArSZlZrX3bk_zPEEAuJCwB1aJ156dhgLAwpqhsfNmuP9wRtF_VRz9RdJctisDw/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLon-MUOgF2t4-grcf1cbuWMtj4eiTxqtnW-2HWlN7q-5RAKldz8i93s2gUdgbwbFYvK2x-1-d0EOG9ArSZlZrX3bk_zPEEAuJCwB1aJ156dhgLAwpqhsfNmuP9wRtF_VRz9RdJctisDw/s320/IMG_9138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Market Street, one of the main routes to the new Union Square shopping centre has many eye sores. If it's not the horrible appearance of the neglected Market it's the dirty signage like this Bhs sign. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVToRShZjbat0-Dgw31gzsqcbHc3O9DWJaAlLLWVz9OwQS42vGhYIq-vdrujMF7pfcbww_JOyrGvSJyaprD_9ZWgu9XHe90RJ-iGVVPXq71U_JuWYdgVL1ggoblHlDjLrDwaHNwF7oIbE/s1600/IMG_9146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVToRShZjbat0-Dgw31gzsqcbHc3O9DWJaAlLLWVz9OwQS42vGhYIq-vdrujMF7pfcbww_JOyrGvSJyaprD_9ZWgu9XHe90RJ-iGVVPXq71U_JuWYdgVL1ggoblHlDjLrDwaHNwF7oIbE/s320/IMG_9146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Towards Castle Gate, across the road from E&M's. This shops sign has fallen down and has remained like this for a long time. Just across the road one half of the old E&M's building is supposed to be getting turned into a classy Jamie Oliver restaurant. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhLmeb0Yl_3hHXS7K6hyr0uJr72zp7mqSfE0ITJc4O-KNsoFFm0hpcU-Xi-mqsBE2PM-NX4j7MGj8yCslQYtJVfkgz0yAO8YDMu_DniUBr1EJ0jzWImTrPGclr6hagng4Hkrroe6qszo/s1600/IMG_9150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhLmeb0Yl_3hHXS7K6hyr0uJr72zp7mqSfE0ITJc4O-KNsoFFm0hpcU-Xi-mqsBE2PM-NX4j7MGj8yCslQYtJVfkgz0yAO8YDMu_DniUBr1EJ0jzWImTrPGclr6hagng4Hkrroe6qszo/s320/IMG_9150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
E&M's building has remained vacant since its closure in 2007, moss and weeds are sprouting from all over the building. Yet the council have placed posters, "Regenerating Aberdeen" all around the building. Seems a tad ironic to say the least... even these boards are getting a bit grubby.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-42898384146998299082012-04-25T12:52:00.001-07:002012-04-25T12:52:15.085-07:00Then & Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVxUj3DRVwP2QkXDrPxUYV1i9he6JyGDuKJymEiJEJ6kF9qU192fiHNY0eZYbqWmoBdBpuncUBW3TVXzhq3z97e29veC0oHRqkD3eGazxBHzCiM-3VipCDIoCWgWWNRQBgmfkzjK079E/s1600/then&now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVxUj3DRVwP2QkXDrPxUYV1i9he6JyGDuKJymEiJEJ6kF9qU192fiHNY0eZYbqWmoBdBpuncUBW3TVXzhq3z97e29veC0oHRqkD3eGazxBHzCiM-3VipCDIoCWgWWNRQBgmfkzjK079E/s320/then&now.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Using imagery collected from the Central Library I started the tedious
task of finding the locations of these old shop fronts and comparing to
what exists their today. These are a few examples of the ones I've managed to locate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ji3cLVZClE2OTMxb6QJ-g4gHTflKM7z6Dp0bie7jXXsAzI8-Hbc6mYEeNRTHsrI-AqQZohyphenhyphenqMedIiVin6fzwZuJUJZi-mY5dvZVqo8YM1gC8GGPR3ZBtKqgJdOm6xxO4bMTDF_cHl9c/s1600/then&now2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ji3cLVZClE2OTMxb6QJ-g4gHTflKM7z6Dp0bie7jXXsAzI8-Hbc6mYEeNRTHsrI-AqQZohyphenhyphenqMedIiVin6fzwZuJUJZi-mY5dvZVqo8YM1gC8GGPR3ZBtKqgJdOm6xxO4bMTDF_cHl9c/s320/then&now2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJXhgoZX22CtmYU_gyYGOHIJJg60IDky4DvJGAn9gdZGJ3ufRKeE5xOsD0MdJGfQTF9po-MjyehFCd9VjlMGIdnZnHcP-pkf1eqjf8bhI3DtOp07jb5KKprqbFBETgawc6aGN8q1oXyo/s1600/then&now3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJXhgoZX22CtmYU_gyYGOHIJJg60IDky4DvJGAn9gdZGJ3ufRKeE5xOsD0MdJGfQTF9po-MjyehFCd9VjlMGIdnZnHcP-pkf1eqjf8bhI3DtOp07jb5KKprqbFBETgawc6aGN8q1oXyo/s320/then&now3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Interesting how the To Let/For Sale sign on "Union Street Sale" and "Peacocks" has landed up on the same window!<br />
<br />
What has been ultimately interesting about these comparisons is seeing how local/independent businesses have been replaced by the big chains that we see dominating the occupied units of Union Street today.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-54376130354017882932012-04-25T12:46:00.003-07:002012-04-25T12:46:42.014-07:002012 Union Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9xpFfrqOfdIH0SQLsqFLbTulWtgY-377He-j0ePpncJQsTIEJKn87Nubckb8yfYnVaAKOUKkZxkmlquvejUIF7vja46BawBSmHUpH_NBXLAGWnmRUAfNdOJkUAr-WaNllEelsBQbufM/s1600/2012-vacant-units.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9xpFfrqOfdIH0SQLsqFLbTulWtgY-377He-j0ePpncJQsTIEJKn87Nubckb8yfYnVaAKOUKkZxkmlquvejUIF7vja46BawBSmHUpH_NBXLAGWnmRUAfNdOJkUAr-WaNllEelsBQbufM/s320/2012-vacant-units.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Focusing on Union Street, as part of my research I have documented the vacant units and their current condition. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhkifwA03CeRfJ6GhV99zz_k4oP2jNxNn3CxBuSVSEeCyCmOHxUv0dixgIC4_prRyZTfKnDdOW9rJGALrM499H3RfcQ3HX_F28DSzEjElcKumPClwo2frurNE4_su1fh3X3_0YSTe3LU/s1600/2012-current-high-street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhkifwA03CeRfJ6GhV99zz_k4oP2jNxNn3CxBuSVSEeCyCmOHxUv0dixgIC4_prRyZTfKnDdOW9rJGALrM499H3RfcQ3HX_F28DSzEjElcKumPClwo2frurNE4_su1fh3X3_0YSTe3LU/s320/2012-current-high-street.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have also looked at what kind of shops are currently trading from Union Street, to no surprise it's mainly occupied by big chains. Some with multiple stores.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-72602894045587329192012-03-19T05:36:00.000-07:002012-03-19T05:36:55.864-07:00Jims Place, a huge resource of historical imagery<a href="http://excoboard.com/jimsplace/134958">http://excoboard.com/jimsplace/134958</a><br />
<br />
Stumbled across this website and found lots of useful information and photos of Aberdeen. kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-83409757012946737182012-03-15T13:58:00.001-07:002012-03-28T05:37:49.170-07:00Mary Portas independent review into future of high streets<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaenmzwG-58aL-tmX8hJByHP-PkLAXKCmJNXzpxhqtPnQrCS2C_gJjuuWvT9XF32QTMBP3dpjWgOAHGxcnlMILe8HBIf1C0LM9f9lLyj4jKn3wZoQtiLKZRpUJvcv6zOP038F-LBX7IA/s1600/327666_288386927871748_117257651651344_773350_1028864676_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaenmzwG-58aL-tmX8hJByHP-PkLAXKCmJNXzpxhqtPnQrCS2C_gJjuuWvT9XF32QTMBP3dpjWgOAHGxcnlMILe8HBIf1C0LM9f9lLyj4jKn3wZoQtiLKZRpUJvcv6zOP038F-LBX7IA/s400/327666_288386927871748_117257651651344_773350_1028864676_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Mary Portas website</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1855989460"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maryportas.com/news/2011/12/12/the-portas-review/">http://www.maryportas.com/news/2011/12/12/the-portas-review/</a><br />
<br />
Mary Portas has appeared in the media a lot over saving the high street and her ideas to do this. She has also had television programs highlighting the issues of the high street. Having had a quick look through her review it contains lots of useful information and statistics that I could use in my project. <br />
<br />
Really like the illustrations on Mary Portas website, they have a nice energetic vibe. That's how the high streets should be!kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-88653077647386563892012-03-14T13:29:00.001-07:002012-03-15T12:45:06.229-07:00The changing British high street<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="mp4downloader_embedButtonInitialized mp4downloader_tagChecked " frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qJy3t4B5hWg" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center; width: 560px;"><button class="mp4downloader_btnForIFrame " type="button">Download Video as MP4</button></div><br />
<br />
Searching Google for some information on the British high street I found this animation created by someone also studying Graphic Design. The animation is simply a scrolling high street showing an evolution from the old independent shops, to the big brands taking over. For example taking a classy looking fashion outlet called 'Tailor' and replacing it with 'Primark' as the animation scrolls by.<br />
<br />
This is a very clever idea. It's simple but visually illustrates the change that most if not all of Britain's high streets are facing. It fits in nicely with what my project is looking at and could be quite good inspiration into my own project development.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-63917941691992136032012-01-18T16:12:00.030-08:002012-03-19T08:08:31.237-07:00Bruce millers over the years<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtUUARq7wRac4Me3nrNMOlmGMDtxcDjI3P2pfu-mQK_b6zioRjdvk4rz6vkYkUXuld9HSLNDcPbj8cbwGavRSWUEJu0P4I3EeLauQZm64p3S1RAs0cGY9vYTW_kFQzVZmm8XePwrucb0/s1600/bruce-millers-old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtUUARq7wRac4Me3nrNMOlmGMDtxcDjI3P2pfu-mQK_b6zioRjdvk4rz6vkYkUXuld9HSLNDcPbj8cbwGavRSWUEJu0P4I3EeLauQZm64p3S1RAs0cGY9vYTW_kFQzVZmm8XePwrucb0/s320/bruce-millers-old.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Millers first shop, George St (1900-1977)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9-zkYwUYnnDhdZWW407FCd6Y0Z6EQfJwFHCoT_FOE2WUey1n-_cakJ1NGy4O8hYMgz6w9rIsKuHEPGEzJ_hx9l7Z6QUvbrWKmgo0lnu99Z0azA1FDO_6Gv1rYQAWZ0VCxrbNbnf4NNc/s1600/bruce+millers+george+st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9-zkYwUYnnDhdZWW407FCd6Y0Z6EQfJwFHCoT_FOE2WUey1n-_cakJ1NGy4O8hYMgz6w9rIsKuHEPGEzJ_hx9l7Z6QUvbrWKmgo0lnu99Z0azA1FDO_6Gv1rYQAWZ0VCxrbNbnf4NNc/s320/bruce+millers+george+st.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Millers, Loch St (1983-1983)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67-YyUUSEGIxlbZMJJqtuilntyDTAyRmx8o15UVllCmM6uk8gefT0EvXs3jnzqFE0BTZjgENRok3Nk5ZjRMqSPcevcUfr2FA_R3Ce-lcPG1nvrOycs5utZNUdj-5tQt_VlLMeQdtM8_k/s1600/bruce-millers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67-YyUUSEGIxlbZMJJqtuilntyDTAyRmx8o15UVllCmM6uk8gefT0EvXs3jnzqFE0BTZjgENRok3Nk5ZjRMqSPcevcUfr2FA_R3Ce-lcPG1nvrOycs5utZNUdj-5tQt_VlLMeQdtM8_k/s320/bruce-millers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Millers, Union St (1983-2011)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
It's interesting to look at the changes to the shop frontage over the years, symbolizing changes in consumerism and the graphics that appealed. </div>kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-26030309508550386582012-01-16T15:34:00.057-08:002012-03-18T16:11:24.882-07:00The future of our high streets?<div style="text-align: left;">It doesn't take much searching to find an empty shop unit on Aberdeen's busiest high street, union street. I walked the length of union street with my camera to document these, below are a few of the empty units.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHU7VmKKtKqCs7QBWrwXNojARVWZsB66up8jJmr5GiaQgO7rZy5SW-HBz6Ldo0MKpB2wOjouOSidn9H01AHkbcQe2FS9S_YqGVqpk3Xphh9CCU-I3Cw8dd2PeKdyL6oyZtEK6adWoKfQ/s1600/bruce-millers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHU7VmKKtKqCs7QBWrwXNojARVWZsB66up8jJmr5GiaQgO7rZy5SW-HBz6Ldo0MKpB2wOjouOSidn9H01AHkbcQe2FS9S_YqGVqpk3Xphh9CCU-I3Cw8dd2PeKdyL6oyZtEK6adWoKfQ/s320/bruce-millers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Millers Jan 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">One of the more recent and iconic names to close its doors was Bruce Millers. 111 years of trading in Aberdeen came to an end on the 6th June 2011. Leaving another hole in union street.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYiGwntomuiGkOjz0hLmE6WddxF2-rkucUguWPfpsrq8M9K1wkv9bhz5wcJcqwTGGbbbkwTUssqJ48sIcOlFn7blAja16hKca7H1g8heX4dgC7DsZ2oSKqqXCJdE4nZeKtbRBwtG8jJU/s1600/union-st-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYiGwntomuiGkOjz0hLmE6WddxF2-rkucUguWPfpsrq8M9K1wkv9bhz5wcJcqwTGGbbbkwTUssqJ48sIcOlFn7blAja16hKca7H1g8heX4dgC7DsZ2oSKqqXCJdE4nZeKtbRBwtG8jJU/s320/union-st-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unit on Union Street, Aberdeen. Jan 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Union street is supposed to be Aberdeen's busiest high street, it's supposed to be the heart of shopping in Aberdeen. Yet units like this are being left in very poor condition and really do impact on the visual appeal of the high street. The windows are dirty, out of date posters, out of date properties being advertised and incomplete signage. This doesn't look welcoming and impacts on the appeal of the surrounding shops.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyYJVvZZpcDX5pNQtp38BPVfft0Z9fjiYpRI8-f-oBX-7CcNiUrwJSQUPoaYVwCiG99MyH2vRHuR0UzI26ygnGP8XxceQZJkoQpLPB2ZOkQ5Dy543cr7N904nZrIs-6dRr2bP6eT7fvA/s1600/e%2526m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyYJVvZZpcDX5pNQtp38BPVfft0Z9fjiYpRI8-f-oBX-7CcNiUrwJSQUPoaYVwCiG99MyH2vRHuR0UzI26ygnGP8XxceQZJkoQpLPB2ZOkQ5Dy543cr7N904nZrIs-6dRr2bP6eT7fvA/s320/e%2526m.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esslemont & Macintosh Jan 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Ever since this department store closed on the 5th May 2007 this huge retail unit has laid empty. It currently has council messages on the boarded up windows. It really does look awful and situated near the likes of marischal college it is terrible. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxNszlcWvNC_5aIYRvllZTb6FGPYbDS7-14X0OjP81zzENFzj8rFXpOkOpJkU3q41PtEB77YRTfQHYTCi1xuBvBaIB0wsovXl5stY57PjdAREiapSOB_qrmkERwkliS-XJQMuJ0ZCsmM/s1600/union-st-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxNszlcWvNC_5aIYRvllZTb6FGPYbDS7-14X0OjP81zzENFzj8rFXpOkOpJkU3q41PtEB77YRTfQHYTCi1xuBvBaIB0wsovXl5stY57PjdAREiapSOB_qrmkERwkliS-XJQMuJ0ZCsmM/s320/union-st-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unit on Union St Jan 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Are high streets destined for failure? </div>kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-8776282083470024632011-11-20T11:00:00.084-08:002012-03-14T13:16:17.942-07:00The Great British high street<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="mp4downloader_embedButtonInitialized mp4downloader_tagChecked " frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z2tD6R-Xi1w" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center; width: 560px;"><button class="mp4downloader_btnForIFrame " type="button">Download Video as MP4</button></div><br />
<br />
A great video looking at what the British high street actually is. The video starts off looking at how big brands make up most of the shops within towns, claiming that 41% of towns around the country are described as "clone" towns. Towns dominated by well known retail brands and only a handful of independents. Much like Aberdeen where most brands have more than one store, some like Next having three!<br />
<br />
It discusses keeping a balance of the big high street brands in order to get consumers on the street and the diversity of services and products that independents can offer to local towns. <br />
<br />
"I prefer the smaller boutiques as before you can get one off items, rather than everybody wearing the same shoes." Quote from a Stevenage shopper.<br />
<br />
Independent stores are good for local economy, they work and live within the towns so spend their money locally. They don't take their profits out of the local town like the big brands.<br />
<br />
Norwich has managed to create a community of independent shops, this has been helped by the local council supporting them.<br />
<br />
"If you shop in a chain of shops then you could be anywhere but if you've got independent shops then it helps retains the cities identity." Norwich shopper. I strongly agree, what is the point shopping in another town to buy something that you could have bought in your local town? Ever since Cult has opened in Aberdeen I've never seen so many Super Dry jackets!<br />
<br />
"Google reports that 60% of consumers shop online for products they intend to buy in store so the high street still plays a role. People like to interact with product that they prior researched online or alternatively they do their research in the high street, then they order online."<br />
<br />
This is where the high streets advantage lies, physical product experience. Through the use of technology, the Internet is pushing to replicate the the product experience with good presentation.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-71589067861245822472011-11-19T21:03:00.005-08:002012-03-06T09:35:23.448-08:00Some iconic names...A long afternoon in Aberdeen's central library proved useful, throwing up lots of interesting imagery of a historic Aberdeen high street. Here are a couple examples and some thoughts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDSb_SSOBpnBFZBI4uGK4OKHyC5YZUp_IItwDyxnwSpL-pI6pc1MQQ4dh2g5R5QNTdP9MkD_14kjviJPfdwzgKp2zI8VbYdrS6WCRS7B9SxKH6aA7ysYbe3kqzNw_9uVzFrBCTCB5lbg/s400/woolworths-1979-union-stree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Woolworth at its 1979 Union Street home</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Located where Primark currently is on Union Street, an old household name that in 2008/9 succumbed to its debts and went into administration closing all of its 800+ high street shops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7811187.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7811187.stm</a> - BBC news article on closure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Woolworths was a place to pick up bargains. In its later years it faced stiff competition from pound shops and supermarkets who began to offer the same kind of items so really lost its place in the market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However the name Woolworths has been "re-born" over the Internet. The name was purchased and turned into an Internet shop (<a href="http://www.woolworths.co.uk/">http://www.woolworths.co.uk</a>). I have to admit I only discovered this myself whilst doing some background research into Woolworths. Having a browse around the website it is in a very competitive marketplace with Amazon and even eBay. The most interesting aspect though is that someone decided the brand itself was worth purchasing and turning into an online shop, nostalgia? As an Internet brand I think people are more likely to google Amazon or eBay over Woolworths.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My fond memories of Woolies was the cheap pick n' mix which they are offering online. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtq0OJ30ppC80NrtSRRZTuNPdUNWuAnYQyUvt7MPg1E5kL_X8JggMxA2mrfXEwoxegLUtdDHdep4caBsuA3sl-xA2NleGIh8pWaqbo2m4CnLuU-vtspHwHK-t44AsQQwbJJvUvlyGks8/s400/bruce-millers-george-street.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Bruce Miller & Co in George Street 1900-1984</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving to Union Street in 1984 where it would remain until its closure in 2011 after 100 years in business. (<a href="http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/2293917">http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/2293917</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bruce Millers was a very iconic, local independent business situated in Aberdeen. It's a great shame that a company with such local heritage has closed its doors for good. Independent shops offer a welcoming change from the super brands that are all very much in uniform nationally. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to try get in touch with people who worked at Bruce Millers, especially the owners. This could prove fruitful in providing information of how trading over the years has changed and allow me to look at how graphic design has influenced a change in consumerism. Does good design and strong brands create enough desire that the high street is no longer required? </div><span id="goog_1688862189"></span><span id="goog_1688862190"></span>kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8695916753429564807.post-66761126743697941632011-11-02T13:40:00.000-07:002012-03-14T06:58:14.264-07:00Ghost town...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiaxsS46u5TwwmVk7TGAd4UMLI-H49pGcLVcUSQINvFAyYC1D64Ahel6jpYg9W4TAbuZ5M8bUFZsL81eGOHWM5LlJ_PpACl2gvEVTcK-yIfbQWMTU2DUc9miYugEH1i2oDw_cOhyCppM/s1600/DSC02732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiaxsS46u5TwwmVk7TGAd4UMLI-H49pGcLVcUSQINvFAyYC1D64Ahel6jpYg9W4TAbuZ5M8bUFZsL81eGOHWM5LlJ_PpACl2gvEVTcK-yIfbQWMTU2DUc9miYugEH1i2oDw_cOhyCppM/s320/DSC02732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The high street has been coming under increasing pressure from retail parks, shopping centres and the biggest of all, the Internet. With the rescission many high street names are closing their doors, but some have changed the way they operate. Some have headed down a root of Internet trading.<br />
<br />
Esslemont & Macintosh was once a massive department store on Union Street in Aberdeen, closing its doors 5 May 2007. Ever since closing, leaving a huge store in Aberdeen boarded up. In the last couple of years many more retailers forced to follow the same path. <br />
<br />
The purpose of this project is to look at how graphic design has been used by retailers and brands and how this has changed over the years to influence a change in consumerism. Looking at the influence of technology.kSmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16554791921898348652noreply@blogger.com0