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
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. Existing Building Identification
Visual Audit Exterior Views and Signage Lowenthal Road Entrance into RIT Campus Directional sign at Lowenthal Road U Lot Sign
Visual Audit Exterior Views and Signage Exterior view of Library from U Lot
Visual Audit Interior Views and Signage Entrance view at A Level Stairs to Lobby and First floor Entrance to First floor from lobby
Visual Audit Interior Views and Signage First floor map Entrance into 2nd Floor from Stairwell Entrance of Cary Collection Entrance of Cary Collection
Design and Goals 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 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 Lighting and Viewing conditions
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 A B C D E F H I J K L M N O P Q RST U V WXYZ 01 2 3 4 5 6789 a bcd e fg h i j k l m n o pq rst u v w x y z Neutraface 2 Text Demi Neutraface 2 Display Titling
Identity and Elements Color Palette Exterior Colors 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. C00/M60/Y70/K85) (C02/M00/Y13/K05) Interior Colors C02/M00/Y13/K05) (C27/M11/Y49/K26)
Identity and Elements 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. 2
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.
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions 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 Liberal Arts Building Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building The Wallace Center
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions Primary Directional Sign, Lowenthal Road entrance This sign sign is intended to inform a driver or pedestrian of the location, and direction toward parking for specific buildings on campus. 12 NTID Font Neutraface 2 Display Titling Neutraface 2 Text Bold Specifications 96 x 48 Totem Ellipso 96 Residences Facilities Grace Watson Hall The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building 18 48
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Primary Directional Sign, Lowenthal Road entrance This is the first set of directional signage that would appear to a driver on the RIT campus from the Lowenthal Road entrance.
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions Parking Lot Sign, U Lot 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 96 12 U Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building 18 48
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Parking Lot Sign, U Lot 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.
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions 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 12 Directional Sign, Bus Loop at U Lot Student Alumni Union The Wallace Center Specifications 96 x 48 Totem Ellipso 96 Saunders College of Business Gosnell Building Liberal Arts Building 18 48
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Parking Lot Sign, U Lot 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.
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions 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. 6 24 Building Identification Sign, The Wallace Center exterior The Wallace Center Font Neutraface 2 Text Bold Specifications 90 x 24 Totem Ellipso 90
Exterior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Building Identification Sign, The Wallace Center exterior 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. The Wallace Center The Wallace Center
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.
Interior Wayfinding Solutions Sign Schedule 4 3 2 RIT Libraries 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 Elevator Access 2 RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals Original Gallery Offices Study Tables Bound Periodicals TL Z Melbert B. Cary, Jr Graphic Arts Collection RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Study Tables Bound Periodicals A Z Current Periodicals A Z Bound Periodicals NA Z Original Gallery Via Lab 1 A 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 2 RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection CaryGraphicArtsCollection
Interior Wayfinding Solutions Floor Directory, Entrance A Level 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 28 1.5 4 3 2 1 RIT Libraries 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 1.5 Elevator Access Stairwell 8 Additional signage is necessary to direct people to elevators and stairwells. 8.5 End Caps Aluminum, 90% black Lens 1/32 matte finish pop-out A Acquisitions Department Cataloging Department Digital Assets Department Distance (Online) Learning Educational Technology Center (ETC) Library Technology Services Media Resource Center (MRC) Television Studios Mounting Countersunk holes 3 24
Interior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Floor Directory, Entrance A Level 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. Elevator Access Stairwell 4 3 2 1 A RIT Libraries 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
Interior Wayfinding Solutions 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. 8.5 1.5 Floor Listing, 2nd Floor Stairwell 2 RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals Font Neutraface 2 Text Demi Specifications 8 x 8.5 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 1.5 8
Interior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Floor Listing, 2nd Floor Stairwell
Interior Wayfinding Solutions 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 Neutraface 2 Text Demi 1.5 11 Floor Map 2 RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection Via Lab Periodicals Original Gallery Offices Study Tables Bound Periodicals TL Z Melbert B. Cary, Jr Graphic Arts Collection RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press Study Tables Bound Periodicals A Z Current Periodicals A Z Bound Periodicals NA Z Original Gallery Via Lab Specifications 11 x 17 Artemis 3 1.5 17 Changeable Inserts Mohawk 50/10 Matte Warm White, 80 lb Cover/216 11 x 17 End Caps Aluminum, 90% black Lens 1/32 matte finish pop-out Mounting Countersunk holes
Interior Wayfinding Solutions Photographic Composite Floor Map Floor maps are intended to be visible upon the entrance to a floor.
Interior Wayfinding Solutions Room Identifications are placed at the entrance of each main location on the floor. 1.5.25 6 Room Identification Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Graphic Arts Collection CaryGraphicArtsCollection Fonts Neutraface 2 Text Demi Raised, tactile characters Grade 2 Braille Specifications 6 x 5.9 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 1.5 5.9