A thesis project that investigates Chicago’s street gangs, which for decades have dominated the urban territory by asserting control over it through visual and graphic means
Compliments of 872
Project by Emma Mapelli - IED Milano - Bachelor's of Art in Graphic Design
Academic year
2024/2025
“Compliments of 872” is a thesis project that began with the exploration of hidden geographies and evolved into a deep dive into the criminal geography of street gangs in Chicago.
This research aims to show how the same shared space can be perceived, designed, and divided in alternative ways that are often hidden or unrecognized. The focus is on Chicagoan street gangs, which for decades have dominated the city’s territory by claiming control over it in a visual and graphical way.
Compliment cards, graffiti, sweaters, and other elements displayed and analyzed in this book are powerful examples of how visual language can shape territory and influence its people on a daily basis.
Project from the courses of
