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On Asphalt
Paula Meijerink, graphic design: Rick Rawlins/Work
2009
On Asphalt is published with the Harvard Graduate School of Design as a continuing effort to inspire cultural change in the perception and design of asphalt landscapes such as roads and parking lots. Central to the publication is a theory dissecting spatial phenomena associated with an expanding asphalt territory. On Asphalt proposes an array of alternative responses to asphalt landscapes and includes a selection of prototypes produced with Harvard students and the asphalt industry. To date, On Asphalt embodies most comprehensively the intent of the Asphalt Project.
Our legacy of a heavily tire-based transportation system, has inscribed upon the earth’s surface an incredible calligraphy of asphalted ground; a material deposit with vast spatial consequences.
The powerful and inspiring properties of asphalt as a material, and the deficiency, or even bankruptcy, of asphalt spaces as engaged public landscapes, is the subject of this publication. There is urgent need for fundamental change, especially in the United States where asphalt is god and the asphalt universe has expanded to unsustainable proportions.
This limited edition hardcover publication was produced with contributions by Anita Kan, Anthony Sponzilli, Christopher Dorr, James Kraus, Kris Lucius, Mary Lydecker, Olga Abinader, Ryan Doone, Sharon Unis, various asphalt affiliated organizations and Harvard agencies. The 6" x 12" publication is packaged with an asphalt shingle cover, poster and bumper sticker. 34 pages, 58 color images.
On Asphalt is a one of a kind publication and a limited number are available for sale. The logistics and complexity of its production process will not be repeated.
On Asphalt can be purchased here: