Hard/ soft cover

Due to the bind being that of a signature, it leaves the cover appearing somewhat limited. If a soft cover was used it would have to be attached via a signature. As a result of this the stock must be folded (meaning a low gsm must be used), it also meant that as a result of the paper being folded, two extra pages would be present on the front and reverse. As insert pages have already been accounted for this may leave the book feeling very blank. One advantage of this book would be that you are able to see the string it in which binds the book together, relating to manchester's textile past.

To gather an idea upon how the book may be binded using a hard cover a discussion with a technician occurred. From this she discussed that the book is firstly bound with the cover then being attached to insert pages. The stem may also be glued down but this is not necessary.

When deciding upon which method to use, many factors came into play. With the durability of the book being a main factor. As the book is there to be read, and re-read a hard cover would be more appropriate as it would last the test of time. Using a hard cover would also make the book stand out against its competitors as street art books are generally softcover. This in turn adding a level of sophistication towards the book. Although stating these factors, bookcloths texture appears more natural than that of bookrum, engaging the audience further. As for durability bookcloth would protect the book but may not last as long as bookrum. This may also be applied to that of street art not standing the test of time against fine art. The textile piece also applies to that of manchesters industrial past and thus has been selected.  Although the binding method will not be seen it will still lay behind the cover, a factor in which suggests that Manchester although built upon its textile past has little to do with this industry past. But is built as a city upon it.