Monday, January 25, 2010

Iconography

The Icons or logos of any product, establishment, or company are, in many ways, forever linked to the identity of that entity. There are two types of logos- the textual, and the symbolic. The textual is the most common. These are created purely from alphabetic linkages and/or configurations. Exxon is a prime example. It’s Double-linked “X s” are aesthetically pleasing but have no fundamental meaning. The symbolic logo is rarer and often is used to convey ideas, philosophies, or concepts for which the entity represents. Logos like the one used for United Nations perfectly illustrates its purpose- the countries of the world encircled by olive branches. The logo literally means: world peace!
Ever since the creation of Disneyland, proper logo creation has been extremely important to define the meaning of our parks. In Disneyland’s case, it means: a magic kingdom. In the case of Walt Disney World it’s meant to convey the vastness of the property with Mickey as its mascot and Disney in benevolent control. In the case of EPCOT Center, the logo not only represents the meaning of the park, but portrays the larger abstract concepts that are at the heart of the park’s message. In a short memo, Marty Skylar was asked to describe the meaning of this truly beautiful symbol…

"The EPCOT Center Logo is a graphic representation of the park’s philosophy. It symbolizes unity, fellowship and harmony around the world. The five outer rings form the shape of a flower – a celebration of life. The heart of the logo is Earth embraced by a star, symbolizing hope – the hope that with imagination, commitment, and dedication we can create a new tomorrow."

The E82 Icon and Insignia have been designed to reflect its purpose in much in the same way…


The E82 ICON
The E82 Icon exemplifies the philosophy of E82- the Celebration of Past Futures and the Legacy of Tomorrow. The original concept for Walt Disney’s Community of Tomorrow is represented by the radial spokes of the WEDway Peoplemover coming together to form the EPCOT Center Logo. Paying tribute to the Legacy of EPCOT Center’s original form, the Tri-prism Fountain serves as the centerpiece with the Legacy Sculptures on the sides- cradling majestic Spaceship Earth, they stand in tribute to the great big beautiful tomorrows ahead.

The E82 INSIGINA
The five ringed symbol of EPCOT Center surrounded by the radials the WEDway Peoplemover System from Walt Disney’s vision of EPCOT City studded with logos from the original 10 pavilions.

These two logos visually express my vision for this project. There are so many sites out there that all preach relatively that same idea: EPCOT Center is way better the Epcot has ever been. This opinion is so widespread it’s basically believed to be fact. I will not disagree, but I will offer that simply stating how good things were in “the good old days” is both irrelevant and ignorant.
I believe the time has come to embrace the full 44 year history of this remarkable endeavor. All of the many facets of Epcot’s evolution should be both celebrated and explored. It is my hope the unification of Epcot’s three eras will lead to greater understanding and influence changes in the park itself.





Friday, January 22, 2010

LEGACY


Many of the things EPCOT predicted have come realization. We are more connected to one another than ever, we can create anything we can imagine, and we care more about the planet now than any other time in history. However, there are still many lessons to learn from Epcot. In this realm, E82 will focus on what we can do to fulfill the dream of peace and understanding in a progressive world.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

MUSIC

“It’s like half of the [theme park] experience”
-Bruce Gordon, Imagineer/Historian/Author
(speaking about recording the BGM for his last project)

Fortunately, the music is also very portable. After all, you can’t by a Horizons Kit and assemble it at home. It’s also wonderful that despite what changes might come the music survives and because of its existence the attractions and atmospheres live on. In this realm, we will experience classic and current attractions through their scores, songs, and soundtracks. Additionally, E82 will also give you the stories behind the music.
Beginning this March we’ll begin the most anticipated part of the E82 Project: paying tribute to the rich musical heritage of the park with the Future World Soundtrack Series.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

HISTORY

Employing almost twenty years of scholarly research and expertise, E82 will explore the many facets of history relating to this wonder of the modern world. E82 is a place for answers but most importantly questions. In the future, we’ll be tackling some of the most mysterious, fascinating, and controversial subjects of Epcot’s history. Including questions like…

Would EPCOT City be the city Walt had envisioned?
What really happened to EPCOT Center?
Who killed Horizons?
and What does the future hold for today’s Epcot?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

ART

The most unique aspect of the E82 experience will be the showcase of new works based on classic visions of tomorrow. E82 will also explore the rich visual tapestry of artwork created for the City and Park over the past forty-five years. In addition, many of the specially created works have been produced for practical applications: to wear, to use, to grace your walls, or fill your desktop.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Master Plan

Over the next several days I’ll be outlining the various components of The E82 Project. To say that I’ve been somewhat vague about the details is an understatement. E82 will have a slow evolution so I believe it’s important that you know a clearly defined design is in place.











Monday, January 11, 2010

Dedications


To all who come to this
place of Joy, Hope and Friendship
- Welcome-

EPCOT Center
is inspired by Walt Disney's creative vision.
Here, human achievements
are celebrated through imagination,
the wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future
that promises new and exciting benefits for all.

May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire.
And above all, may it instill a new sense of belief
and pride in man's ability to shape a world
that offers hope to people everywhere in the world.
E. Cardon Walker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Walt Disney Productions
October 24, 1982


Written by Marty Skylar, this Dedication encapsulates the original vision of the world’s most optimistic, and unique theme park. E82 is a personal endeavor, committed to restoring and celebrating the concepts and principles brought forth by the artists, scientists, innovators, philosophers and futurists of over a quarter century ago. Men and women of vision that in the midst of social, political, and economic upheaval, tenaciously worked towards a more constructive and unified world.

E82
is dedicated to the
original philosophies of EPCOT-
the City, the Center, and its Legacy.
Here, the “Architects of the Future” are celebrated
through Art, Music, and History.

May E82 continue EPCOT Center’s original vision:
to entertain, inform and inspire.
And above all, may it present innovative
perspectives on still unrealized concepts
for the community of tomorrow.
Joshua L Harris
Founder
JLH Omnimedia
January 11, 2010


“This is Just the Beginning!”
-Walt Disney (the EPCOT Film, 1966)






January is dedication month here at E82. In the coming weeks I will unveil of the full scope of this expansive project. Once January concludes expect weekly updates in the form of E.P.C.O.T. – Every Post Comes Out Thursday.