Graphic Connections in Architecture: RSM Design

The psychology of design is an essential ingredient in connecting people to place.

More than simply decorating the side of a building, architectural graphic design is critical to establishing the purpose of a space, the visitor's place within it, and helping to shape the overall experience. Architectural graphic design is about creating a vocabulary of design elements that reinforces the architecture and helps define the context for a place that people will connect with.

Subtleties in design can have a huge impact. A different typeface can completely change the vibe of a place. A well-placed bench can bring moments of comfort. A cool graphic can inspire selfies in the parking lot. These are the emotional connections that drive people, the unconscious aspects that create resonance and transform a visit into an experience.

RSM has operated at the intersection of graphic design and architecture, working with firms like Rem Koolhaas/OMA in L.A., Diller Scofidio + Renfro in Las Vegas, and Snohetta in El Paso, to developing narratives that draw on historical, cultural, or emotional frameworks. Recent collaborations have included working with Tom Geismar of Chermayeff & Geismar. In this volume, RSM document their process, their philosophy, and style, considering how design and architecture work together in public environments.

Published by Visual Profile Books, 2021

Hardcover, 376 pages, full color, 8.3 × 10.2 inches

ISBN: 978-1-73-306487-3