Academic Project
Nuclear Power
Date
Feb 2020
Project type
Coin Design and Infographic Poster - Academic Project
This is a series of projects exploring the theme of nuclear power.
The first part is a commemorative coin design for Deng Jiaxian, whose work was pivotal to China's nuclear development. The front features his silhouette, while the back symbolizes his lasting impact.
The second part is a 24×36-inch infographic poster showing the global growth of nuclear power plants from 1963 to 2019. The data is visualized through a radial design that evokes radiation and is paired with text analysis to provide context.
Design Process
The front of the coin features a portrait of Deng Jiaxian, framed by line illustrations of peonies on both sides. As China’s national flower, the peony symbolizes national pride and honors Deng’s identity as a national hero. Beneath the portrait, a five-pointed star—borrowed from the Chinese national flag—reinforces this symbolism.
The reverse side of the coin combines the image of a mushroom cloud with the rising sun. This visual metaphor reflects Deng Jiaxian’s pivotal role in China’s nuclear development, representing the dawn of a new era in national defense and scientific progress. The design conveys a message that nuclear research, while associated with weapons, is not meant to destroy but to protect and assert a nation's rightful place in the global landscape.
For the infographic poster, rather than using traditional bar or pie charts, this infographic combines the silhouette of a nuclear power plant with radial lines. Each line represents a year of data, creating a circular form that evokes the visual sensation of radiation and energy release.
The barrel-shaped base of the plant resembles a volcano, so rising smoke was added to suggest both the immense benefits and the potential dangers of nuclear power. This combination of form and symbolism reflects the dual nature of nuclear energy—its promise and its risk—and encourages viewers to reflect on the broader implications of technological advancement.
