Concept for a new Banknote Series for the Maldives

RAN DHIHAFAHEH

PROLOGUE 03 September 2014

MMA Announces Ran Dhihafaheh CompetitionInvitation to Submit Artwork for a Proposed New Series of Banknotes including a 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Note

06 November 2014MMA Reopens the call for Design Submissions

12 January 2015 Six Submissions are Shortlisted for Presentation

13 January 2015 The Six Shortlisted Submissions are Presented to the Judges

THE CHALLENGE

How do we redesign an appreciated classic?

How can we be more than the previous series, a series celebrated for its visual aesthetic and recognised as a design uniquely representative of the Maldives?

We need to go beyond just a visual representation of the country

We need to convey the socio-economic reality of the Maldives; past and present, while also encapsulating the nations drive/goals/aspirations; for the present and the future

We need to provide positive provocation within the locals as well as the world at large through evocative highlighting of cultural, historical and scientific, and perhaps even educational, concepts which are of national significance encapsulated in the design

THE INITIAL CONCEPT

Represent the nation through timeless,

iconic and contextually unique patterns and textures which are

instantly recognisableas Maldivian.

THE BIG IDEA

THE STORY

The Faces Weaves together to form a fabric of the Maldives and the Maldivian way of life.

Our Beginnings The three higher denomination notes focus

on telling the story of our beginnings a callback to where were from.

We Thrive

The three lower denomination notes focus on our drive and how we use the backdrop

of culture, faith and art to navigatetowards success.

The Back While remaining the same in all

denominations; is an acknowledgement of the basic natural building blocks of

the nation.

Create and convey the story of our

nation; where we come from, who we are and what

drivesus forward.

^

^

THE FACES

While a single colour/texture dominates the

majority of the Banknote a contextual image provides clarity, to those immediately

not familiar with the the main image, and context, why it is significant to the

Maldivian way of life.

Thrive

Beginnings

^^

5

10

20

50

100

500

THE BACKThe Natural Biological,

Ecological and Geological Building Blocks of the nation, represented in the form of a

Coral Polyp, provides a provokingly powerful

Foundation for the notes with the reverse texture unchanging; the only changes being it taking

on the colour while also incorporating the security

window structure of its corresponding face.

The three higher denomination notes focus on

telling the story of our beginnings a callback

to wherewere from.

500

100

50

Coconut ThatchVital for building and reinforcing our shelter.

Coral (Brain Coral)Vital in the formation and protection of Islands.

Fish (Tuna) Vital form of sustenance.

OUR BEGINNINGS

The three lower denomination notes focus on our drive

and how we use the backdrop of culture,

faith and art to navigate towards

success; both within our communities as

well as globally.

20

10

5

Hull Frame (Vessel)Artistic expression and skill in driving an industry.

Beach and ShorelineUtilisation of natural resources to create wealth.

Limestone Carving (in Mosques/Buildings)Collective faith and foresight shape worldview.

WE THRIVE

A spot laminated style graphical

representation of the Map of the Maldives

links all the banknotes together, when placed

in sequence.

Front BackTHE CONNECTING

ELEMENT

The Commemorative Note is a marked departure

from the rest of the series and is a complete picture

of celebration celebratory elements such

as traditional jewellery, particularly gold to reflect

the 50th Anniversary of Independence, and dress

inspires this texture.

Gold Jewellery and Traditional AttireElements of celebration worthy of a 50th year commemoration.

COMMEMORATIVE NOTE:

WE ASPIRE

INCORPORATING THE MODERN

WITH THE TRADITIONAL

The security window and frame, which initially framed the National

Emblem, are reflective of the textures, designs and

unique features of the Maldives.

In addition traditional motifs decorate the edges while also functioning as

framing devices.

THE VISUAL STYLE

While taking things in a different direction we felt it

necessary to also pay homage to the previous

designs after all they are consistently featured in best

of world currencydesign lists.

Thus the incorporation of the sketched/etched look providing a sense of a

familiar continuity.

AESTHETICSA single colour dominates each denomination the user being able to easily identify the denomination

of each note with a simple glance.

The colours assigned to each banknote will be

determined by the type of texture used on the face.

INFORMATION HIERARCHY

The key information is

always accessible and there is no confusion as to

what it is.

EXECUTED CONCEPTPresentation Ready Designs

CONCEPT: THE FACEThe face of the MVR 500 note with the Brain Coral Texture as

initially conceptualised and presented to the Judging Committee.

CONCEPT: THE BACKThe back of every note, presented here as the MVR 100 note, as initially conceptualised and presented to the Judging Committee.

MAINTAINING RELEVANCE

By creating an Augmented Reality Application for the major mobile platforms we

can always keep the Banknotes relevant by adding content and updates simple

animations and interactive elements can give the

notes a sense of continuous

evolution/relevance.

THE FINALISTS

18 January 2015 Three Submissions are chosen Parties to work closely with MMA to further develop concepts Best Design Award to be split Note Series and Commemorative Note to be judged, andawarded, separately

INITIAL DESIGN FEEDBACKMMA gives feedback based on their views and those of the judges

RECONFIGURING

THE BACKMMA relays

instructions to reconfigure the Back in line with feedback

from theJudging Panel.

Concern that polyps arent unique to just this ecosystem

Concern the image is too overbearing when compared to others

Concern the image is repeated onevery note

Concern that the placement of the image is lacklustre

Concern the image places a burden of (self) education/learning on the the audience as it is notinstantly recognisable/relatable

ADDITIONAL FEEDBACKMMA emphasises additional qualities

they would ideally like to see represented in

the designs.

Must be attractive to foreigners as well as public Tourism and the Tourism Industry being a major economic driving force

Must Incorporate a Security Window in each design

Must Incorporate Braille in each design

MVR 1,000 to be introduced

MVR 5 to be retired

Striving to quickly produce designs; work began on an extended concept for the back featuring newly

chosen elements.

Feedback from the Marine Research Centre, as well

as their associate organisations, in fact

checking and technical/scientific input greatly

helps us moveforward swiftly.

THE BACK CONCEPT EVOLVES

THE NEW BACK

Based on the input for the Banknotes an extension of the

Foundations of Maldivesis proposed.

In addition to Polyps other elements, and organisms, which form the basis of our ecosystem

is introduced to the Back focus is given, with the assistance of the Marine Research Centre, to

the genesis, balance and mediation in terms of change/impact as to the ecosystem.

It is proposed that this is a unique opportunity to create awareness as to the makeup, and fragility, of

our ecosystem.

Polyp Attaches itself to a rock on the sea floor, then divides, or buds, into thousands of clones and thus form a reef.

CoccolithophoresOf particular interest to global climate change because as ocean acidity increases, their coccoliths play a role as carbon sinks; removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

DiatomsEstimated to contribute up to 45% of the total oceanic primary production (the synthesis of organic compounds from atmospheric or aqueous carbon dioxide). Almost all life on earth is directly or indirectly reliant on primary production.

HalimedaProduces calcium carbonate and have been found to be the primary reef-building organism of the tropical seas.

ForaminiferaAre sediment producers. Nearly 50% of the modern deep-ocean floor is covered by foraminiferal ooze, which is composed primarily of the empty shells (sediments) of protists that live as plankton in the surface waters of theopen ocean.

Larvae (Fish Larvae)Larva (plural larvae) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults.

HOLD THE PRESSES

While work is underway to complete the set with the

extended concept incorporated into the designs MMA calls for

a meeting.

We are asked to pursue another concept for the Back. No reasons are required to be given on their part and none

are given.

We can submit our designs with the extended concept but it is made clear that it will affect

the chances of us winning.

Unbeknownst to the MMA, and initially to us (the designers) as well, an extremely similar concept was pitched for the new Norwegian Krone; but would be eventually rejected by Norges Bank we bring this to the attention of MMA during this meeting.

Coincidence aside we still believe the concept to be strong and appropriate, more so for a low lying sea faring nation dependent upon the safety of our islands for habitation and commerce.

Image: Norges Bank

SHOWCASING ENDANGERED UNDERWATER

BEAUTY

The final solution for the Back was to

settle on near extinct species which live in

Maldivian waters and to showcase their beauty and

underwater diversity.

Whale Shark A slow-moving filter feeding shark and the largest known fish species currently known to be in existence.

Giant Clam Are of the largest living shell enclosed invertebrates.

Triton Shell Also known as Ranellidae; are very large predatory sea snails.

Marine TurtleFour of the species are Endangered or Critically Endangered while another two are classed Vulnerable.

Spotted Eagle RayIs a cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, found in tropical regions all over the world.

Napoleon WrasseOr Humphead Wrasse, is a species of fish mainly found on coral reefs.

CONCEPTS FOR FINAL JUDGING

RAN DHIHAFAHEH SERIESPresentation Ready Designs

Focuses on how the skill of boatbuilding has evolved to meet current needs while still retaining artistic/economic value.

The Texture: Hull Frame / Vessel Features an intricate rendering of a traditional Maldivian boat hull.

Security Window: Limestone Pattern / Kalhu Oh Fummi Framed by a Limestone pattern the image is that of the legendary Kalhu Oh Fummi', the vessel Mohamed Thakurufaan deployed in his defeat of foreign oppressors; bringing freedom to the nation.

The Back: Napoleon Wrasse Also known as Humphead Wrasse; a species of fish mainly found on coral reefs.

MVR 10

We Thrive

Hull Frame (Vessel) Artistic expression and skill in driving an industry.

Focuses on how we utilise our natural resources to create wealth. The Texture: Island Shore / An Island Features a composition of a beach and a timeless rendering of an island with a dhoni (boat) docked to a side and a smaller boat (bokkuraa) tethered to the shore.

Security Window:Liyelaa Pattern / Halimeda Framed by a commonly recurring motif in traditional lacquer work, the image is that of Halimeda; the primary reef-building organism of the tropical seas.

The Back: Spotted RayA cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, found in tropical regions.

MVR 20

We Thrive

Beach and ShorelineUtilisation of natural resources to create wealth.

Focuses on how faith and foresight shape our worldview. The Texture: Limestone Carving / Mosque Features a rendering of a Maldivian Limestone Carving.

Security Window: Wood Engraving / Minaret Framed by a Wood Engraving common to roof structures in mosques, the image is that of the Mal Friday Mosque minaret from which it is said that the first prayer call was sounded.

The Back: Marine Turtles Four of the species are Endangered or Critically Endangered while another two are classed vulnerable.

MVR 50

We Thrive

Limestone Carving (in Mosques/Buildings)Collective faith and foresight shape worldview.

Focuses on our main sourceof traditional, andmodern, sustenance.

The Face: Tuna / Fishermen Features a school of tuna. Also depicts fisherman in frenzied action of pole and line fishing; globally recognised as one of the most sustainable means of fishing.

Security Window: Decorative Motif / Lesser Noddy Framed by a decorative motif commonly found in traditional boats, the framed image is that of a Lesser Noddy they fly over schools of fish.

The Back: Triton Shell Also known as Ranellidae, are very large predatory sea snails.

MVR 100

Our Beginnings

Fish (Tuna) Vital form of sustenance.

Focuses on the formative elements of our living habitat.

The Face: Coconut Weave / Traditional Hut Features an intricate weave of Coconut Leaves which are used heavily in traditional houses.

Security Window: Wood Engraving / Coconut Seedling A wooden engraving found on a box used during the reign of Sultan Gazee Hassan Izzudhdheen frames the image of a Coconut Seedling.

The Back: Giant Clam The largest living shellenclosed invertebrate.

MVR 500

Our Beginnings

Coconut ThatchVital for building and reinforcing our shelter.

Focuses on the formative elements of the island nation.

The Face: Brain Coral / Coral Reef Features an intricate close-up of a Brain Coral, common to Maldives.

Security Window:Traditional Seal / Polyp Framed by an outline of a traditional seal, or stamp used by royalty as well as other institutions, the framed image is a Polyp; an organism which attaches itself to a rock on the sea floor, then divides, or buds, into thousands of clones thus initiating the formation of a reef.

The Back: Whale Shark A slow-moving filter feeding shark and the largest known fish species currently known to be in existence.

MVR 1,000

Our Beginnings

Coral (Brain Coral)Vital in the formation and protection of Islands.

COMMEMORATIVE NOTEPresentation Ready Designs

The Face:Gold Jewellery / Children Celebrating Features Traditional attire the gold Fattaru Bai (necklace) and the Kasabu (intricately hand woven decorative weave which defines the neckline of a Libaas or traditional dress) a direct link to the Golden, 50th, Anniversary. Children unabashedly celebrating a national event channels the spirit of independence and along with it the freedom to express oneself without restraint. Security Window: Ulha / Flag Formation Framed by a gold Ulhaa', or bangle, the familiar formation of three national flags signifies national celebration.

The Back: Gidige Celebratory Decorative Arches This harkens back to recent memory when major celebrations meant many Gidige in different decorative styles.

MVR 5,000 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF

INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATIVE NOTE

We Aspire

Gold Jewellery and Traditional AttireElements of celebration worthy of a 50th year commemoration.

THE SELECTION

09 March 2015 MMA Announces Final SelectionNone of the domus designs detailed here are chosen

THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special Appreciation for providing Technical and Scientific Input

Dr. Mohamed Shiham Adam Ms. Shaahina Ali

Mr. Musthaag Hussain Dr. Abdulla Naseer

Mr. Mohamed Sheeneen (Sindhi) Mr. Ahmed Wajeeh

Special Appreciation for providing Images and/or Additional Assistance

Ms. Dheena Hussain Ms. Zulaikha Manik Ms. Aminath Manike

Shaaz Ms. Mariam Shidha Mr. Ismail Shujau

Mr. Ahmed Thasleem

Dhivehi Bahuge Academy Ecological Associates Haveeru Media Group

Manta Trust Marine Research Centre (Maldives)

We would like to thank everyone who contributed

their time and effort assisting us in this endeavour our

friends, families, organisations, institutions and even (prior) strangers who were happy to oblige.

Were very grateful for your assistance; thank you!

Rosy Side, 276, Janbumagu, Maafannu, Mal 20276, Rep. of Maldives. 00 960 7782483, 00 960 7971000, 00 960 7791199 priority@domus.com.mv, www.be.net/domus, www.issuu.com/domus000, www.youtube.com/user/domus000 Mohamed Rassam, Ibrahim Hussain Shihab, Ali Nishaf Rasheed, 2015 All rights reserved. This document may be freely reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is acknowledged.