Wayfinding Study: The Wallace Center

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Wayfinding Study: The Wallace Center

Jenna Nichols

Graduate Information Design

MFA Graduate Graphic Design Program School of Design

College of Imaging Arts and Sciences Rochester Institute of Technology Fall 20101

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Situation Analysis

The Wallace Center is located on the South side of campus. It is in a central location on the campus for easy access by students and professors. Commuters and employees of the Wallace Center tend to park in U lot, however parking is also typical at F lot.

For people unfamiliar with the layout of the RIT campus, finding the library can potentially be difficult based on the exisiting wayfinding system and lack of directional signage. There are currently campus and parking signs that list the Wallace Center, with little information to direct a person to the actual location of the building.

The building sign tends to be very small and

unrecognizeable from a far distance away, because of low contrast against the brick building.

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Visual Audit

Lowenthal Road Entrance into RIT Campus

Directional sign at Lowenthal Road U Lot Sign Exterior Views and Signage

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Exterior view of Library from U Lot Visual Audit

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Entrance view at A Level Stairs to Lobby and First floor Entrance to First floor from lobby Visual Audit

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First floor map Entrance into 2nd Floor from Stairwell Visual Audit

Interior Views and Signage

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Objective/Goal

To design a wayfinding system that will emphasize:

• Ease of navigation

• Consistency of color palette

between exterior and interior

• Simplicity

• Reflection of the atmosphere

that the Wallace Center creates

• A seperate identity for the

Wallace Center

• Uniformity in image and identity • Enhance the ease of

changeability for the future

• High design quality

Rationale

The wayfinding system communicates:

• Clarity

• Sophistication • Simplicity

• An educational and appropriate

atmosphere for a library setting

• Modern appeal • Openness • Functionality

Design and Goals

Design Considerations

After completing a visual audit of the existing space I have a better understanding of the area.

The design of the signage needs to address fundamental considerations including: • Audience • Locations • Message Content • Typeface • Typeweight/size • Linespacing • Contrast • Viewing distances

• Speed and reading times

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Identity and Elements

Typeface

The primary typeface for the Wallace Center signage is Neutraface 2. The exterior signage uses a display version of the typeface while the interior signage utilizes a text style. The developed typeface has a sleek and simplistic appeal. It is easy to read at far distances yet professional and clean.

Implementing the same

typeface in exterior and interior environments achieves a

consistency of the overall system.

Neutraface 2 Display Bold

ABCDEFHIJKLMN

OPQRSTUVWXYZ

0123456789

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Neutraface 2 Text Demi

Neutraface 2

Display Titling

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Exterior Colors

C00/M60/Y70/K85) (C02/M00/Y13/K05)

Interior Colors

C02/M00/Y13/K05) (C27/M11/Y49/K26) Identity and Elements

Color Palette

This warm color palette communicates a professional learning envrionment, yet is approachable and welcoming. There is a clear connection between exterior and interior palettes to achieve cohesiveness and consistency.

The lighter color is used primarily for distinct contrast against the brick exterior of the building.

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Grid Layout

This grid structure is applied to all signage through out the system. Information

is placed in the right section, whereas large directional indicators (arrows, numbers, letters) are designated to the upper left corner.

Identity and Elements

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Exterior Wayfinding Solutions

Sign Sequence

Exterior signage appears at the Lowenthal entrance and navigates drivers toward the U lot for parking. Additional directional signage

is placed at an interim location between the Wallace Center building and the parking lot for enhanced ease of navigation. Final exterior signage is placed as building identification on the Wallace Center entry.

Directional Parking Directional

Building Identifcation Materials

Totem ellipso is a double-sided curved system for internal and external use. It is easy to assemble and offers a well-designed, cost effective solution for most signage requirements.

These signs have reflective

lettering and a distintive typeface that is meant to be read from far distances.

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Sign Schedule

NTID Residences Facilities Grace Watson Hall The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building

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This sign sign is intended to inform a driver or pedestrian of the location, and direction toward parking for specific buildings on campus.

Font

Neutraface 2 Display Titling Neutraface 2 Text Bold Specifications

96 x 48‘‘ Totem Ellipso

Primary Directional Sign, Lowenthal Road entrance

96“ 12“ 48“ 18’’ NTID Residences Facilities Grace Watson Hall The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building

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Photographic Composite This is the first set of directional signage that would appear to a driver on the RIT campus from the Lowenthal Road entrance.

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This parking lot sign is intended to give the driver the names of the buildings that are closest in walking distance to the vacinity of the U lot.

Font

Neutraface 2 Display Titling Neutraface 2 Text Bold Specifications

96 x 48’’ Totem Ellipso

Parking Lot Sign, U Lot

U

Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building 96“ 12“ 18’’ 48’’

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Photographic Composite This sign is meant to identify parking for U lot and also signal what the nearby buildings and

locations are that may be of interest with access from U lot.

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This directional sign is intended to give pedestrians an intermediary assistance between the parking lot and the building. This sign helps to distinguish where the library is located in vacinity to the things that are closest around it.

Font

Neutraface 2 Text Bold Specifications

96 x 48’’ Totem Ellipso

Directional Sign, Bus Loop at U Lot

Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building 96“ 12“ 18’’ 48’’

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Photographic Composite

This sign is intended to be located centrally between the Student Alumni Union and the Wallace Center to help distinguish which building is in which direction. The sign is intended to direct people to the correct building they wish to enter before walking completely up to the building identification sign.

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The Wallace Center

Building identity signs are placed on the exterior of main buildings on campus, just above the main entry ways. The light color is meant to give contrast and create attention against the brick.

Font

Neutraface 2 Text Bold Specifications

90 x 24 ‘‘ Totem Ellipso

Building Identification Sign, The Wallace Center exterior

24“ 6“

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The Wallace Cente

r

Photographic Composite These photographs exhibit how the building identification signage would look on the outside of the Wallace Center to a pedestrian walking up to the building.

Building Identification Sign, The Wallace Center exterior

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Interior Wayfinding Solutions

Sign Sequence

Interior signage is intended to give direct people to main destinations within the Wallace Center. Interior wayfinding signs are intended to be clear and distinct but also easily changeable. The interior signs are Artemis that contain paper inserts for easy access.

Floor Directory Floor Map Floor Listings Directional Signage Room Identity Materials

Artemis includes paper inserts that can be produced from any office PC, making artemis the most flexible and well designed system in its market. Artmis signs may be mounted to a door, desk, wall, and directory, suspended, projecting and freestanding enabling artemis to be specified for use throughout the interior of a building.

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Sign Schedule

4

3

2

1 A

Circulating Books A–M Index Collection Over & Huge Books Bib Lab Circulating Books N–Z RIT Archive Collections RIT Museum

Cary Graphic Arts Collection RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Magazine Shelves Bound Periodicals A–Z Microfiche & Microfilm VIA Lab

Circulation & Reserve Desk Idea Factory

Information Delivery Services Java Wally’s

Publishing Support Center Reference Desk Acquisitions Department Cataloging Department Digital Assets Department Distance (Online) Learning Educational Technology Center (ETC) Library Technology Services Media Resource Center (MRC) Television Studios

RIT Libraries

Elevator

Access

2

RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals Original Gallery Offices Study Tables RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr Graphic Arts Collection Bound Periodicals TL–Z Bound Periodicals NA–Z Bound Periodicals A–Z Current Periodicals A–Z Study Tables Via Lab Original Gallery

2

RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals MELBERT B. CARy, JR. GRAPHIC ARTS COLLECTION CaryGraphiCartsCol-leCtion

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Floor directories are placed at each floor. Directory listings should be limited to only main destinations to enable people to get to the next decision point. More detailed information can be listed as people arrive at interim points closer to the final destinations. A simple graphic will highlight which floor someone is on.

Font

Neutraface 2 Text Demi Specifications

28 x 24’’ Artemis

Changeable Inserts Mohawk 50/10 Matte

Warm White, 80 lb Cover/216 End Caps

Aluminum, 90% black Lens

1/32” matte finish pop-out Mounting

Countersunk holes

Floor Directory, Entrance A Level

4

3

2

1 A

Circulating Books A–M Index Collection Over & Huge Books

Bib Lab

Circulating Books N–Z RIT Archive Collections RIT Museum

Cary Graphic Arts Collection RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Magazine Shelves

Bound Periodicals A–Z Microfiche & Microfilm VIA Lab

Publishing Support Center Reference Desk

Acquisitions Department Cataloging Department Digital Assets Department Distance (Online) Learning

Educational Technology Center (ETC) Library Technology Services Media Resource Center (MRC) Television Studios

RIT Libraries

28“ 24“ 8“ 8.5“ 1.5“ 3“ 1.5“ Additional signage is

necessary to direct people to elevators and stairwells.

Elevator

Access

Stairwell

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Floor Directory, Entrance A Level Photographic Composite

This floor directory is intended to be visible upon main entry into the Wallace Center. Additional signage is necessary to direct

people to elevators and stairwells.

₄

3

2

1 A

Circulating Books A–M Index Collection Over & Huge Books

Bib Lab

Circulating Books N–Z RIT Archive Collections RIT Museum

Cary Graphic Arts Collection RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Magazine Shelves Bound Periodicals A–Z Microfiche & Microfilm VIA Lab

Publishing Support Center Reference Desk

Acquisitions Department Cataloging Department Digital Assets Department Distance (Online) Learning Educational Technology Center (ETC) Library Technology Services Media Resource Center (MRC) Television Studios

RIT Libraries

Elevator

Access

Stairwell

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Floor Listing, 2nd Floor Stairwell Floor listings are placed at

the entrance of each floor to demonstrate what is located on the floor. The listings are limited to main destinations within the floor it applies to.

Font

8” x 8.5” Artemis

Countersunk holes

2

RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press

Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals 1.5“ 8.5“ 8“ 1.5“

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Floor Map

Floor maps are placed at an entrance to each floor. Map

locations should be limited to main destinations within the floor it applies to.

A graphic map illustrates main locations, restrooms, stairwells and elevator access. Pictograms are used to indicate areas of interest.

Font

11 x 17’’ Artemis

Warm White, 80 lb Cover/216 11 x 17’’

End Caps

Countersunk holes

11“

17“

1.5“

2

RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press

Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals Original Gallery Offices Study Tables RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr Graphic Arts Collection Bound Periodicals TL–Z Bound_Periodicals NA–Z Bound Periodicals A–Z Current Periodicals A–Z Study Tables Via Lab Original Gallery 3“ 1.5“

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Photographic Composite Floor maps are intended to be visible upon the entrance to a floor.

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MELBERT B. CARy, JR. GRAPHIC ARTS COLLECTION CaryGraphiCartsCol-leCtion 1.5“ 5.9“ 6“ 1.5“ Room Identification Room Identifications are placed

at the entrance of each main location on the floor.

Fonts

Neutraface 2 Text Demi Raised, tactile characters Grade 2 Braille Specifications 6” x 5.9” Artemis Changeable Inserts Mohawk 50/10 Matte

Countersunk holes