Design Commissions
Maud Vervenne created the graphic designer for the publication Architecture of Appropriation. On Squatting as Spatial Practice (2019), the visual identity of the installation G/D THYSELF: Spirit Strategy On Raising Free Black Children (2020), and the presentation series By You.
Architecture of Appropriation
For the first time in 2017, the National Collection for Dutch Architecture and Urban Planning included documentation on the "unofficial" architectural practice of squatting. Maud Vervenne wanted to honour this special event by dedicating space for this archive material in her design for the publication Architecture of Appropriation. On Squatting as Spatial Practice. "On the floor plans and photos of the squatted buildings from these archives, the squatters noted information such as functions, wishes, necessary interventions and memories. I thought it was important to give the residents a voice and proposed including these annotated photos and floor plans in the book as replicas." The structure of the Architecture of Appropriation publication roughly breaks down into a part with essays and interviews and a section that includes the archive material from six squats. These parts are intertwined throughout the book but are visually distinguished because the archival documents (plans and photos) are photographed against a background of blue archival paper.
Vervenne likes to work from the content. "As a designer, you can highlight or even add a layer of meaning from the content. In this case, I did so by portraying the personal aspects of the squatting." This method makes for a very intensive design process. "To render my vision, I first had to study a large amount of material." Vervenne eventually proposed that Johannes Schwartz - who visited and portrayed the squatted buildings in 2017 - photograph the archive documents. Some photos were subsequently printed and annotated by the residents on the spot. "This created an indirect collaboration between photographer and residents. Therefore, I thought it was important to ask Schwartz also to document the archive."
_Architecture of Appropriation. On Squatting as Spatial Practice_ looks at squatting as an architectural practice. The publication examines a series of squatted locations in the Netherlands, through architectural drawings, interviews and archive material. In this way, it documents the spaces and records oral histories. The project establishes a new acquisition policy for the State Archives for Dutch Architecture and Urban Development.
By You
_By You_ is a series in which Het Nieuwe Instituut opens its third floor to a third-party programme. Past presentations include Broedplaats 010 and Archiprix. Vervenne designed an identity for By You based on the idea of a 'malleable template'. The presenting party has complete freedom to design and use the exhibition space as they see fit. Therefore the campaign's implementation must have a similar scope. As such, the communication templates include fixed elements that can be personalised as desired.