A book is a body

• Main Author: Goh, Su-Lynn
• Other Authors: Wang I-Hsuan Cindy
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music::Design
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/74377
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Books in the past functioned solely as communication purpose. Now when we are living in a world of technology, books no longer serve to communicate a story but it has become an object. In a time where information can be easily disseminated, books should return back to its original state where it allows readers to think about the important value of physicality. Therefore it is important for book designs to rise up so that the physicality and sensorial aspect of a book can once again be appreciated. By redefining what a book is, this project aims to bring new perspective as to how a book is perceived. A book is defined as sheets of paper bound together. It is no coincidence that the parts of a book are named after the anatomy of a human body. In the past, the spread of a book was designed based on the face of a human being. There are the essential features such as the eyes, nose, mouth, ears etc. Each feature plays a crucial role in keeping the face balanced. Similarly, a book has to have all of these aspects in order for it to take form. A book is a body; there is something very humane about a book. You feel the weight of the book in your hands, the thickness of the paper used. The scent of paper as you open it. A book offers an experience, which triggers a person’s senses. Hence, by redefining and questioning the function of a book, this project aims to bring new perspective as to how a book is perceived. The research paper first focuses on the history and the formation of books. Followed by conceptualisation which explores the concept of ‘A Book is a Body’ and lastly the design process leading to the final product.