The research process consisted of library research using secondary sources such as books, articles, journals, and documentaries along side observational research. Both Medieval and Revival Gothic with their differences was throughly researched. The focuses of research on the Gothic style included; the characteristics, evolution, ecclesiastical and royal connections, historical and architectural significance, regional differences, and construction.
RESEARCH
PRODUCTION
Everything element in the production process was carefully considered in reference to the subject matter of the book and compliments the Gothic style. This includes the paper, the size and square composition, the the book cloth and end paper, the binding style, and the colours. A example of this how the soft white textured paper was chosen to give the pages a slightly aged appearance and tactile element that brings the masonry photographs to life.
DESIGN OUTCOMES
Typography was used as a large part of the visual identity for the book. Two Gothic inspired fonts were created to be used as the primary typeface. I aimed for the book to have an imposing impact on the reader at the start that will carry through the entire book. One moment I wanted to stand out to recreate the awestruck feeling when you first walk into a cathedral. This moment is when the contents pages are folded out to reveal the decorative gothic typeface fused with illustrations of Gothic characteristics.
Typography
Maps
Maps were designed for the contents page and on the page before every Gothic site. They are used as a tool to guide the audience to each of the sites from the nearest tube station. Street names, approximate times for walking distance, and recommended places for eating, breaks, and photo opportunities are included. In the contents they show the Gothic sites in proximity to each other using the River Thames as a reference point.
Photography is a significant part of the visual imagery for the audience and a way to extract the architecture bringing it to life on the pages. photographs are purposefully never boxed in on all four sides to achieve this effect. This is shown through incorporating Gothic shapes by using them to remove parts of the photographs and by creating a transparent background in certain parts following the forms of the architecture.
Photography
Illustration and photography is used to create diagrams that visually educate the audience on the characteristics, terminology, and mechanics of the Gothic style. This is intended to help the audience have a better understanding of why and how it was created and what it accomplishes when visiting the Goth sites.
Diagrams