Best Project Work - Week 2

This weeks best project work for RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Long Borders submission focused on creating a masterplan that organised the planting and structural elements while supporting our statement 'The Burning Truth' wildfire theme. As part of a group project, tasks were divided, and my main responsibility was the masterplan. I used a AutoCAD base with plant locations provided by Angharadd, I opened this as a pdf in Photoshop, tracing the plant outlines with the polyline tool and filled each section using the bucket fill tool with colours which complemented each plant. To blend the edges, I applied the feather tool, resulting in a cohesive design. The figures below show the initial stages of this process.

Figure 1 shows the scaled, AutoCAD document along with plant names and locations.

Figure 2 shows the AutoCAD plan with plant locations ready to be traced on Photoshop using the polyline tool.

After completing the Photoshop rendering, I imported the PDF into InDesign to add annotations, dimensions, they key, title and our names. Figure 3 shows the final masterplan. 

Figure 4 shows the final masterplan submitted to the RHS.

During peer review, several elements of the final masterplan were identified for re-evaluation. While the title's placement and font are acceptable, they unbalance the page, and adjusting its location could better highlight the masterplan and concept. It was also suggested that the title should more clearly reflect the 'wildfire' theme, possibly by using a bold colour or incorporating a flame to add continuity. Additionally, when viewed alone without the application form (a document which supported our concept and submission), the 'statement' behind the masterplan is unclear. The annotations, though adequate, need to convey a stronger message and provide more support for the design. 

We noted several elements that were considered strong. While the page may feel slightly unbalanced, there is a clear hierarchy with minimal wasted white space. The masterplan remains the focal point, and the vivid colours effectively represent the wildfires and our selected plants. The key is clear and supports the masterplan without drawing attention away from it. Though the font could better reflect the wildfire theme. the overall font size and spacing are well-executed.

These points will be addressed in the final submission of the module. We will incorporate feedback from our classmates and lecturer to improve the layout, structure, and balance of the page.

In reflecting on my own workflow and time management, I realised the document took longer to complete than expected because I focused on ensuring each element was well thought out and included, which I believe I achieved in some aspects. However, the masterplan took a full day to produce, though it is a crucial part to support our concept and planting choices, I recognise the need to reevaluate my Photoshop workflow process. While the polyline tool provides precision, outlining each plant individually was time-consuming and inefficient. I need to develop a quicker, more streamlined approach to creating such images in Photoshop to ensure my workflow is more efficient and feasible in a professional setting.