Design: Crystal SimUniversity of Houston, Graphic Communications

About Woodland ParkProposal: RippleInspiration & ProcessFinal Conclusion

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About Woodland ParkPublic parks were a rarity at the turn of the last century.

So when the Houston Electric Company announced in

1903 that they would build a grand new park there was

considerable interest from the citizens of Houston. To-

day, this park aims at inviting childen and adults alike

to continue outdoor activities once enjoyed in the past.

The Friends of Woodland Park, Inc. (FWP) is dedicated

to preserving the park’s natural habitat along with its

unique historical significance to the city of Houston,

and to providing for the enjoyment and education of

all those who visit.

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Proposal: RippleThe intent and goal of this proposal is to to create and

emphasize interaction and movement of water, how

this element ties to the park’s natural beauty, defines

positivity and life, and in turn reflect how we, as a

community, can promote good choices by our actions.

“Ripple,” the main title for the typographic proposal,

will be set into the bayou with a clear view from the

banks to invite viewers towards nature.

Inspiration & ProcessImagining light trickles of flowing water, the moment

when a turtle or fish breaks the water’s surface, the

typeface Mermaid Swash Caps, designed by Scott

Simpson, was chosen to express this motion. With

just enough thin and thick strokes, this type possesses

both fluidity of form and interaction while tying histori-

cally to the park’s time period.

With the word “ripple,” it was necessary to portray the

flow of water and type without it becoming heavy and

filled with unnecessary graphic elements. Moreover,

by eliminating the amount of ripples, this sculpture

is now able to speak the message of life and motion

while remaing simple and pure to its form.

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq

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Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz

“ That word “intimate” became its banner, conveying both the sensuality and privacy I was seeking to accomplish in the personal-ity. I took hints from a variety of traditions, and while I ended with a typeface classifia-bly “Transitional,” it borrows characteristics from Didone and Garalde styles.”

Scott Simpson

Final ConclusionWoodland Park is meant to be an oasis, a place for rest

and recreation, away from the honking of horns and

busy paperwork. By being located in the shallows of

Little White Oak Bayou, this 2 foot strucure will serve

as a reminder—just as the ripples of water flow beauti-

fully against interruption, we too as a community can

make positive choices by being more involved with

the nature around us.

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