MillerKnoll sponsored a participatory contest for OSU interior design students to design and customize the casing for a Framery Q soundproof pod. I participated in the competition focusing on the historical aspect of Ohio States University and the history of our beloved mascot, the buckeye nut, or as we refer to him, Brutus. This graphic exercise taught me the importance of returning to a brand's roots and traditions to be reminded of the meaning behind its core values, specifically, the Ohio State University brand.
The Framery design uses an illustrative technique that drives feelings of nostalgia. Focusing on the simple elements that compose a buckeye tree, I wanted to reiterate the importance of Ohio’s history. The elements used are the buckeye shell, the nut, the leaf, the tree, and a buck. I manipulated the illustrations in scale and orientation with an underlay of an abstracted line work of the texture of tree bark. The colorways used are aligned with Ohio State’s color identity to create a holistic connection of history to the present. However simple, it evokes a contemporary take on the anatomy of a tree that holds such great importance. This pod would allow students the opportunity to work in a place that reflects what it means to be a Buckeye at its roots. This design aligns with the values of Ohio State, as the simple nut has been transformed into an object that stands for resilience, community, innovation, and equity.