About the Project
About Phase I: In the fall of 2018, we received a VCUarts Exploratory Research Grant to develop Patterns of Place, an interdisciplinary research project that investigates methodologies of study used to examine regional and vernacular patterns. We see this project as an opportunity to create a catalog of naturally-created and man-made patterns that exist in the three regions of Virginia - Coastal Plains, Piedmont, and Mountain - as well as the dialogue around their histories, sources, meanings, uses, and impacts. Through public exhibits and discussions, we also see value in bringing together design professionals from around the region as well as individuals that engage with these patterns. This phase of research has involved a group of designers and academics from each of the three regions in documenting patterns and motifs.
About Phase II: In the fall of 2021, we collaborated with the middle Of broad (mOb) design studio, an interdisciplinary and experimental design lab uniting the departments of VCU Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Graphic Design. The collaboration took the form of a mOb mOment which is a short-term project focused on getting design students out of the studio and into the city to document patterns of place. Project participants included VCU students participating in the mOb studio during their fall 2021 semester with the support of mOb faculty and VCUarts faculty serving as mOb mentors.
The Process
In Phase I, project participants were asked to identify and document patterns in the built and natural environments of Virginia’s 3 major regions - Coastal Plains (East of the Fall Line), Piedmont (West of the Fall Line to the foothills of the mountains), and Mountains (includes Blue Ridge, Valley and Appalachian Plateau).
In Phase II, project participants were asked to identify and document patterns in the built and natural environments of Richmond’s 2nd Street corridor between the American Civil War Museum, which is adjacent to the James River, and Gilpin Court (originally known as Shockoe Hill) which is Richmond’s largest and oldest public housing community.
The map below documents where Phase I project participants documented patterns. Phase II documentation has yet to be added to the map.
In Phase I, documentation methods included digital photography and other media, hand-drawings, watercolors, and/or words via a project template. Participants could suggest alternative documentation methods.
In Phase II, documentation methods included digital photography and charcoal on 6” x 6” pieces of paper. The objective was to create a catalog of naturally-created and human-made patterns that exist in the phase-specific regions. Some patterns are familiar; others less so.
This catalog, and its associated research, will more deeply connect us to the history, culture, crafts, and people of Virginia. These patterns represent ecosystems, methods of construction, internal and external migrations, religious beliefs, and political systems. They can help us better understand material and natural resources, community structures, and personal and societal values.
Learn about the people involved in the project.
