
An artistic way to experience urban geography: J-Storm Urban Maps are Live-Work Centerpieces and Cubicle-Art of about 20 cities

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Through design and technology, I capture cities in a fresh and unique way.
I make positive-relief maps of cities cut out of a substantial material, self-framed and supported, and painted in a variety of colors.
These maps want to be displayed in many settings. For example, if you work in a grey, fluorescent-lit office without a view - get a J-Storm Urban map and get some COLOR in there! Accent walls, offices, conference rooms, living spaces, or restaurants would all make great showcases for these interesting design elements.

The contemporary design and technical aesthetic of this piece alse makes it great for lobby's, apartments, and homes. Admittedly, I'm a maker not a photographer, but the pictures below should help you visualize how a few of your favorite cities would look in your space arranged in a grid, row or column.
There are several sizes, colors and cities available in different combinations. So far, I have done the following cities, but please refer to the table for a specific combination.

Other new cities by request: Portland, Columbus, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tampa, DC, Philly, Detroit, & Amsterdam. I haven't designed these ones yet, so they are subject to posible delivery delay.
Need to know details:
1. All the designs are perfect squares so they can be arranged in a grid. I’ve standardized sizes making them nice to group as a collection.
2. The maps are a combination of reality and interpretation. Not intended for precise functional use, it's really all about recognition of familiar shapes and patterns. Locals will recognize the patterns immediately; others might see them more abstractly.
3. When I have a city ready, I'll list it on this page. If you want me to do your city, either email me or post it on the J-Storm Urban Maps Facebook page. I'll prioritize accordingly. If I get 10 backers at the 9" or higher level I'll do a city, guaranteed.
4. If you haven't backed a Kickstarter project before, please note that you will receive a "Survey" at the end of the project where you can select your city/cities colors, and any other options. You can decide later if you want. For now, just figure out which size you want and submit so we can make this happen!!
5. San Francisco is available in International Orange!!! (The color of the GGB)
6. It’s optional, but after you back the project if you shoot me a note with your choices I can get a head start! I would love to deliver early!
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New Coaster Set! Pick any 8 cities (from the list) and get the coaster set in a box with your favorite city on the cover! The texture is on the top, so you won't get that annoying effect where your glass sticks to the coaster when you pick it up. Also, if each city is different, just remeber which coaster your glass is on and avoid those cocktail party mix-ups.


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You might notice that I had previously launched and canceled a very similar project to this. After launching, I improved my offering significantly, added more cities, reduced the reward levels, and budgeted for a much more affordable machine from Hurricane Lasers. When I factor in equipment and material costs, rent in San Francisco, and time, the $18K is still below my break-even. However, I am so excited about these maps that I'll make up the difference with my own savings. Once I am launched, I'll adjust the pricing accordingly. That said, if your are able to pledge beyond the the reward levels, your support is much appreciated!
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Current Blog coverage:
- http://www.bubblyandbows.com/
- http://www.citysolveurbanrace.com/blog/
· http://www.designdestinations.org/2012/07/j-storm-urban-maps/
· http://becausecandysaysso.blogspot.com/2012/07/j-storm-urban-map.html
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
181
Backers
$20,891
pledged of $18,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Jul 14, 2012 -
Aug 13, 2012
- 2 created · 20 backed
- Justin Smith 692 friends
- Website: kickstartermaps.com
Pledge $9 or more
4 backers
iPhone cover -- These cool mahogany iPhone skins just peel-and-stick onto the back of your phone. Available for all cities listed. Add $2 for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $14 or more
14 backers
Coasters – Whether you want just one for your desk or a whole set for your coffee bar, these transparent urban coasters will protect your surfaces with a subtle city image. Add $11 for international Shipping
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $27 or more
19 backers
6”x6” – Jazz up your cubicle or arrange a few of these in a small space in your home. Add $20 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $35 or more
43 backers
9”x9” - Jazz up your cubicle or arrange a few of these in a (slightly larger) space in your home. Add $30 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $69 or more
40 backers
14”x14” – These work great as a standalone single city in a medium wall space, or as a 2x2 matrix in a larger space. Add 35 for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $100 or more
2 backers
New Coaster Set! Pick any 8 cities (from the list) and get the coaster set in a box with your favorite city on the cover! The texture is on the top, so you won't get that annoying effect where your glass sticks to the coaster when you pick it up. Also, if each city is different, just remeber which coaster your glass is on and avoid those cocktail party mix-ups.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $149 or more
40 backers
22”x22” – Create an impact on a space like a large entrance, a hallway or an office wall. Add 60 for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $450 or more
7 backers
35”X35” – This is the largest shippable map available as indicated on the main page. Not available for international shipping (see main page for updates)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $950 or more
3 backers
46”x 46” – Innovative way to fill a boardroom, business lobby or a large space in a San Francisco Home. Currently available for San Francisco only. There will be a few options for delivery or pickup within the city. Also, 46” backers will be invited to an event at the mystery workshop location in the city where they can meet a few other backers, see a very interesting side of the city, and pick up their maps. Add $100 for scooter delivery within the city like in the video! Add $200 for 25 customized tags (character limit applies)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $1,700 or more
0 backers
The 8-footer: “The Waterfront At Nine” – Eight feet and over 1,300 cuts of pure San Francisco Waterfront. This reward is available to backers within a 45-minute walk from Pacific Heights. This first backer will receive the original, delivered by me personally within the month of August 2012.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012