Earlier this year, the City of North Charleston, SC announced a public competition for the design of a new City flag in honor of North Charleston’s 50th anniversary this year. The goal was to improve upon the existing flag design, which utilizes the City’s seal, to create a less complex and more meaningful graphic. Creators were urged to review the North American Vexillological Association’s elements for a good flag design. For reference ‘vexillology’ is the scientific study of the history, symbolism, and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general. Elements to consider include:

Keep It Simple: The design should be enough that a child can draw it from memory.
Use Meaningful Symbolism: Images, colors or patterns should relate to what the flag symbolizes.
Use Two or Three Basic Colors: Limit the number of colors to three standard colors which contrast well.
No Lettering or Seals: Never incorporate writing of any kind or an organizations seal
Be Distinctive or Related: Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections

For a more animated take on the subject, one of our favorite podcasts, 99 Percent Invisible has a great episode on flag design.

Since our architectural studio is located in North Charleston and we apparently can’t pass up a design challenge, we decided to create a submission which references some of North Charleston’s history as well as a nod to the current events and future of the city. After much research and understanding that the flag could only include so many components we distilled the references into the following:

Edges: The edges of the flag are an abstract nod to railroad tracks and the jagged shoreline of the shipyard.
Diagonal Lines: Represent the Ashley and Cooper Rivers
Central Circle: References Park Circle, the community and citizens of North Charleston. The white circle is dynamic; as if in rotating motion. The two halves wrapping around each other in a yin + yang fashion. Symbolic of a modern city that grapples with complex and opposing social issues: History v. Future, Natural Environment v. Development, Economic Growth v. Gentrification, Racial Equity v. Bias, Crime v. Punishment.
Blue Color: updated from the previous flag and inspired by the SC flag, this color represents the nearby waterways and the night sky.
Star: Depicted is the 8-pointed star of the compass, a nod to navigation and the guiding light that the North Star has provided through history. As a symbol, the North Star depicts a beacon of inspiration and hope to many. For a city it may symbolize its aspiration and guiding principles. A unifying symbol for this young and thriving city to the geographic North of Charleston.

See the 10 images below for our formal submission to the City:

Yesterday we were informed that our flag design is one of 10 finalists selected from a field of 160. Click HERE to see the 10 finalists and to provide feedback to the City.

Here is a new take on last year’s Top 10 Gift Guide - Designer Edition, focusing our attention exclusively on books related to the built environment, architecture, graphic and urban design. Some of these titles have been the subject of our previous musings, which are linked in the descriptions below, and some are new titles for us to share. All have provided inspiration, education, new perspectives and sometimes a welcomed escape. Of course, these are best purchased from your local independent book store; if they are not already on the shelves, they can order for you! Some of our local favorites include Turning Page Bookshop in Goose Creek, Blue Bicycle Books in Charleston, The Village Bookseller in Mount Pleasant and the Itinerant Literate Bookstop in North Charleston. Add your favorite independent bookseller in the comments.