THE BEAUTIFUL MEME - Redesign Union Jack Brief

Context

 

On the 18th of September 2014, Scotland will vote for independence. In one day the economy, culture and identity of the UK could irrevocably change forever. A culture and identity that is most evident in the Union Jack that symbol of nations united. Whether it is flying from the turrets of Balmoral or badly printed on an overpriced mug in a London gift shop, the flag is an icon that is recognized worldwide. What will happen if we remove the Scottish saltaire?Forget the Olympic logo, this is perhaps the most difficult and potentially contentious design problem we've faced in the last decade.

But it's also an opportunity to redefine the identity of Great Britain to redefine the future.

 

Brief

 

Preempt Scotland's independence from the UK and redesign the Union Flag

 

Preparation/Research Suggestions

• Research the origin and elements of the current flag
• Consider reproductive implications. Can a child draw it?
• Think about what modern Britain represents
• Pre-empt negativity. E.g Scotland/Tourist trade/political parties

Evidence for this project students should submit

• Evidence of research and understanding of the political implications of the re-design
• An ability to fully explain all design decisions in depth.
• Examples of the design working on other national flags
• Examples of the design working in context 

 Mandatory Requirements

• On new UK flag design
• Ongoing evidence of all design development
• Presentation boards articulating the selected research development, resolution and contextualization of your working practice.