Yerevan, Armenia

Concept Development

Content Development

Exhibit Planning

Proposal Design

This document illustrates an iterative framework for the development of an art installation and workshop plan for Nubarashen and an answer to a call for proposals of February 2017.  The concepts herewithin are draft concepts that layout some necessary elements to exhibit and integrate how waste is valued, how waste effects society and how waste effects the environment including comparisons with international precedents in Germany and Japan.  

The sustainability of our world depends on both the reusability of our waste and raised awareness of our own personal consumption and how our accummulated consumption affects us all. The team collaborators and sponsorship possibilities listed are for illustrative purposes only and requires confirmation dependent on availability.  

Prepared by: 

Aramazt Kalayjian

Saro Karadanian

Anna Gargarian

Guidandce/Mentorship by:

Nazareth Karoyan

The concept for the Armenian Pavilion at the World Expo in Milan aims to convey and communicate key concepts with regards to Armenian culture, innovation and sustainability through impacting interactive exhibits, experiential design, live culinary performances, food product offerings and educational environmental graphics. The synergized efforts of exhibit designers, environmental graphic designs, culinary artists, interactive technology specialists and interactive educators will produce an impacting exhibition, boasting Armenia’s history, technological advancement and sustainable practices.

Food products and offerings allow an opportunity for the best, organic and highest quality food producers from Armenia to showcase their goods in a way which associates their brand with excellence, superior quality and innovation. Buy-in partners will have an opportunity to host their brand name products at the Armenian pavilion and showcase their goods to the world. Product offerings can

include, but are not limited to, juices, wine, alcohol, fruit preserves, fruit butters, marlmalades, dried fruits, flat dried fruits, chocolate-covered dried fruits, chocolates, herbs, herbal teas, and pickled vegetables. 

Armenia is listed as ranking 57th in the world food quality, Food Index, released every year by OXFAM. It’s sustainable agricultural practices have improved over the past decade with collaborations including the World Wildlife Foundation, Swiss College of Agriculture, World Bank, Armenia’s position as a nation connecting East and West, its international and widespread diaspora and its ancient history offers traditions and cultural experience that integrate many cultural cuisines on one plate. 

Armenia’s position as a nation connecting East and West, its international and widespread diaspora and its ancient history offers traditions and cultural experience that can be integrated to connect with a wide audience.

In August through October of 2012, I held a workshop for 40 students at Tumo Center for Creative Technology which lead to the designing and creation of 40 posters for social change.  

In January through March of 2013, the posters were designed into an exhibit by 15 new students. The result was an exhibit entitled “CHANGE!” which showcased what changes that would benefit the health, development, humanity and environment of our society.

As part of the workshop we had developed a real-world application of posters that could contribute to civil society and social change; the Kievyan Bridge. 

The Kievyan Bridge is frequently in news headlines owing to multiple suicide attempts each year.  We had discussed the possibility of adding color and liveliness to the Kievyan bridge with positive message. The result were these posters.  The messages read in succession respectively:

"It's a bad day, not a bad life."

"There's someone who needs you."

"Someone loves you."

"The future is bright."

After some research we realized that the advertising of such emotional concepts of love, need, future and relationships in general could be a trigger for someone who is already at-risk of committing suicide. 

I then created a proposal, together with local psychologists, to establish a suicide hotline in Armenia (the first of its kind.)  We presented the proposal together with the incumbent US ambassador in Yerevan and received positive feedback.  

A suicide hotline in Armenia is something that is essential, necessary and would contribute greatly for many who seek supportive, anonymous counseling who otherwise would have nowhere else to turn. 
 

Every year 30-40% of adults and children are exposed to secondhand smoke inhalation. Many of the same diseases seen in active smokers are seen in non-smokers living with an active smoker. Thousands of people who don’t smoke lose their lives each year from smoking related diseases.

Armenia has the highest rate of smoking amongst males in the entire Caucasus region. This tobacco consumption results in over half the population being exposed to secondhand smoke, mostly young children and women. It is time to advocate for a reduction in secondhand smoke exposure; this country simply cannot wait.

Our project will target and engage both the general public and government officials to greatly reduce secondhand smoke exposure in homes, cars, establishments, and public spaces. 

 

Yerevan, Armenia

Page Layout Design

Book Design

Typography

Graphic Illustrations

Print Production

Color Correction

Ani Jilozian, a public health specialist and Fulbright Scholar, approached us with a research document that she wanted us to breathe life into. 

Presenting the qualitative findings using a fresh perspective as opposed to the traditional dry, facts-based approach, I formulated a system whereby the women’s own words were used as the foundation and emphasized throughout.

While maintaining the level of professionalism needed for a research publication, the document reads like an interesting magazine, inviting readers to gain an understanding of issues of reproductive health in Armenia.