Graphic Design Principles and Theories Application in Rendering Aesthetic and Functional Installations for Improved Environmental Sustainability and Development

Abstract

The basic difference between a sustainable aesthetically positive urban environment and an aesthetically negative one is in the way its component installations are rendered. The aesthetic positivity (AP) or aesthetic negativity (AN) of the whole is dependent on the aesthetics of the little parts that constitute it. Although may be functional, many electrical installations in Nigeria still lack considerable aesthetics mostly due to lack or laxity in the knowledge or practical application of basic design theories and principles. This study therefore examined how the application of design principles and theories used in graphic design can apply in electrical and design installations as a way of fostering a more aesthetic, yet functional and sustainable environments in developing West African countries using aesthetics as a key driver. Adopting a descriptive approach supported with direct observation, with a sample size of 320, respondents were purposively sampled in selected cities in Nigeria. The study showed a significant relationship between the application of graphic design theories and improved environmental aesthetics through the rendering of attractive-functional electrical/design installations. It also revealed that improved aesthetics of electrical/design installations limits negative interference which improves sustainability/safety in the built environment, hence serving as an abatement tool or technology for the alleviation of AN. This study therefore established the significance of the application of design theories and principles in achieving a more aesthetic, functional and sustainable environment, from the professionals'/practitioners' perspective.

Aesthetics Application in Solid Waste Management as a Means of Optimising Environmental Sustainability in Urbanizing Third-World Environments

“…This proper application of design theories yields greater aesthetic positivity in the environment. According to previous studies [10], improved aesthetics foster less destructive interferences from humans. Examples of 'destructive interferences' as used in this study will include unwholesome environmental behaviours such as indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes either in pieces or in large quantities (figures 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6).…”

“…Although, the art or design-centred approach has been queried by some researchers [21], it however still portends great value to environmental sustainability. As stated earlier, aesthetics in the built environment may be created with the proper application of selected design theories and principles during design creation and environmental or engineering installation of elements that constitute the built environment [10]. The same may be applied to the shaping or reshaping of the natural environment during human interferences, beautification or conservation attempts.…”

“…Based on series of researches conducted, an Environmental Aesthetics and Sustainability Theory was proposed which states that the more aesthetic the environment is, the less destructive interferences it is likely to suffer. This is expected to improve the environment's chances at sustainability and vice versa [10].…”

“… shortage of basic social amenities [7]  excessive pressure on existing amenities and essential services [5,8]  excessive pressure on the environment  higher risk of contracting and spreading diseases such as malaria [4] and other public health disasters [e.g. 9]  lack of habitable houses for humans [7]  increased crime rate  land and water pollution [9]  obstruction of drainages [9] (Figure 1)  slum creation [8]  traffic [8], human and other forms of congestion (Figure 2)  difficulties in managing natural or man-made disasters  aesthetic negativity [10]  increased generation and indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes Environmental Sustainability in Urbanizing Third-World Environments [6] These aforementioned challenges, and such like, pose major threats to environmental sustainable and development in Nigeria and in Sub-Saharan African at large. Perhaps, the most significant to this current study is the aesthetic negativity accruing from the dense population as a result of increased urbanization.…”

Adopting Comic- Style Illustrations for Promoting Environmental Sustainability

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IntroductionEnvironmental preservation has become a critical issue for the survival of the world's habitat (Oladumiye, Ogunlade and Omole, 2017). Yet, environments in third world countries like Nigeria still suffer major degradations which endanger sustainability (Odji, 2019). Increased generation and improper disposal of municipal solid wastes is a major cause of environmental degradation.

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