final wayfinding book

GETTING THERE

GdAM

GdAM Environmental Design + Wayfinding 1

GETTING THERE

GdAM

Graphic design, Architecture & Multimedia students came together in the inaugural offering of

“Environmental design” to form an interdisciplinary studio. Our task was to re-envision wayfi nding at the university. This book represents our recommendations for new wayfi nding initiatives, and an overview of the research that got us there.

Spring 2010

rethinking wayfi nding at northeastern

Pamela AndradeAmanda AthanasiouAlison BaggenLaura BernsteinEmily CzarneckiAlexander DavisBrett EksuzianGeoff House

Sara LaPorteErica LeLievreTim LorangerBritt SolerKate TerradoAlex TurnwallRyan Sullivan, instructor

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Discipline-based knowledge gathering

Human-centered research Synthesis1. 2. 3.

We began by doing what we each did best – researching our own areas of ex-pertise. What did Northeastern currently do? What are some precedents that we should look at or avoid?

DESIGN Branding standards, sign-making process, current state of wayfi nding at Northeastern.

ARCHITECTURE Morphology, urban form, pedestrian traffi c, green space.

INTERACTIVE Web, mobile, kiosks.

Our fi rst interdisciplinary research, bro-ken into groups that each had a different way of exploring the connections that people had to campus.

LOOK Observe the way that user groups interact with the campus as an environ-ment, both physically and virtually.

ACT Interact with other systems that may shed some light on how we can improve our own.

ASK Conduct interviews and hand out blank maps that will tell about user ex-periences with campus wayfi nding.

Amalgamation: through a shared pro-cess, overlapping human-centered insights were revealed.

researchwhy wayfi nding?wayfi nding defi nedresearch methodologykey insights

solutions1 the system2 a smart campus3 greeters4 boundaries5 social spaces6 columbus connection7 tunnels8 sharing space9 northeastern avenue

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CONTENTS

WHAT IS WAYFINDING, EXACTLY?

When we speak about wayfinding in terms of design, we are simply talking about the system of tools that help direct a person from one point to the next. The most obvi-ous example of this is the tradi-tional signage system.

But wayfinding today is not so ob-vious. There are complex systems, diverse user groups and different kinds of technology. Our research and experience in our individual disciplices yielded these areas of focus:

It’s a system-based approach By setting up rules for an entire wayfinding system, we can ensure consistent delivery across applications – even those we might not know about currently. Consider:

Brand + Identity SystemTypography guidelinesPhotography guidelinesMaterials usage/procurementSign shopExternal building treatments

It’s physicalThe most obvious application is on cam-pus signage. But think about the breadth of applications there:

DirectionalsOn-Campus MapsPersonal printed mapsBuilding signsFlags on street polesRoom signsParking lots/garagesSports venuesMBTA stationsOn-campus businessesIn-building signage

It’s also digitalNew technologies can make wayfinding more intuitive by giving the user real-time feedback. Still, these technologies must fit in with the physical elements.

Northeastern WebsiteiPhone appother mobile apps?Displays screensKiosksFacebook & Social Media

6 GdAM Environmental Design + Wayfinding

To direct peopleThis may seem like the most obvious reason, but it proves harder in practice. We found out that Northeastern can be an especially hard place to find your way around and without a wayfinding system, people get frustrated and lost!

To attract “customers”A university has many potential “custom-ers”. These may be potential students and their parents, investors, professors, the surrounding community – there is an endless list of stakeholders. If the physical space on campus does not look professional, you run the risk of loosing a customer.

This may seem superficial, but think about it this way, have you been to an airport or subway station and felt lost? Did that experience make you harbor negative feelings towards that place, activity or organization?

Feeling lost or unable to navigate can be a frustrating feeling and that can easily be associated with the organization that maintains that space. To minimize the possibility for this – intuitive wayfind sys-tems that are professional and reflect the University’s brand should be considered.

WHAT’S THE REAL NEED FOR WAYFINDING?

To enhance user experienceEven if people can eventually find their way from point A to point B, there still may be an easier way to go about doing so. If people can navigate their way around without really having to give it any thought, then the system is working properly. If they have to struggle – even a bit – something can likely be improved.

By giving users the best system, you en-sure that they have the best experience.


KEY INSIGHTS

BoundariesThe idea behind this goal is to retain Northeastern’s identity as a university, while at the same time, effectively inte-grating the campus into the surrounding communities.

We understand the intentions of the NU Planning department and wayfinding committee to have similar intentions.

OrientationIn general, physical orientation is crucial to a user’s ability to understand and successfully navigate their environment. By creating a frame of reference we are able to orient ourselves in a space and effectively move from one point to another.

This is the foundation of wayfinding.

At northeastern there are a unique set of factors that shape the way physical orientation happens and the adverse reactions that occur when people can’t orient themselves

A core requirement of our research was to focus on the needs of campus. We identified many different user groups, broke up users into different categories, ordered and re-ordered them. In the end, although we realize there are more spe-cific needs, we used a broad approach to begin categorizing needs.

Surprisingly, even daily, experienced users of the campus still felt lost in sections that were outside of their daily “comfort zone.” Because of this trend, we began to see how we would have to design a system that worked for a variety of users.

User routes are complex, involving many turns, shortcuts, longcuts, and non-orthogonal paths.

Many of the landmarks people use to navigate campus are unexpected and challenge what we traditionally think of as a landmark.

Getting lost affects practical day to day routines, but It can also affect people more abstractly by changing the way they feel about a place.


ConsistencyWe visited six different campuses in the greater Boston area to get a general idea of how schools give themselves an image and identity.

Through internet sources, on campus buildings, and signage we found some schools had better wayfinding systems than others.

Northeastern should use consistency throughout campus but as a tool, not an overall goal. Using consistency as a tool will allow for creativity in the production of an identity on campus.

PathmakingTo improve wayfinding on campus, we should adapt to the way frequent users already use campus spaces.

The map to the right depicts the paths that frequent users take.


3 46.1

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NU STUDENT

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3.2

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BU STUDENT

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NU STUDENTLECTURER3.1

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COMMUNITY MEMBER

1

Just your average day...To illustrate how real people – the very people we researched – would use our wayfi nding system, we have a few story lines spread throughout the book. Each story represents a persona of someone in one of our target audiences.

There are three events that our six char-acters are travelling to: a lecture, an art exhibit and a hockey game.

THE HUMAN PERSPECTIVE

10 GdAM Environmental Design + Wayfi nding

Northeastern student 2Our second student comes to camp[us by foot and is headed to the art gallery.

Other student visitors We have a student visting from another college who is trying to fi nd his way to the hockey game as well. He took the orange line to Ruggle to get to campus.

Northeastern studentThis student lives in Northeastern hous-ing on Columbus Ave. She’s headed to the lecture and walks to get there.

ParentOur parent is an infrequent visitor to campus. She is driving to the parking garage and then going to the art gallery.

Visiting lecturerOur lecturer has never been to North-easter. He’s arriving on the T and he has a smart phone.

Community memberThe community member frequently passes through campus, but has no di-rect affi litation with the university, other than the fact that he likes hockey. He’s headed to the game on foot.

THE LECTURE THE ART EXHIBIT THE HOCKEY GAME

The System

1BRIEF: The most obvious aspect of wayfi nding is signage, and this includes a wide breadth of applications. The objective is to not only dictate where these signs would be most useful, but also to determine the formal characteristics that would make the sign most effective in a user’s decision-making process.

SOLUTION: The end goal is to have a user comfort-ably and successfully navigate the environment. There should never be a point of confusion in the user’s experience and signage should never been seen as obtrusive.

NARRATIVE: A BU student is on his way to the hockey game. He is unfamiliar with the campus and gets confused about the location of Mat-thews. However, he sees a directional sign and continues on.

Elsewhere, a community member fi nds an interac-tive kiosk and sees that there is a hockey game. He gets directions and makes his way to Mat-thews.

A parent going to the art gallery sees a map that assists her in fi nding her way to the gallery.

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Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed

New Baskerville Roman

New Baskerville Italic

ITC New Baskerville and Helvetica are the official fonts of the University.

Helvetica Neue serves as an informative and readable display face. It is economical in terms of space and the bold weight can be read at great distances.

New Baskerville is used for the University ID and materials that require a more formal presentation.


TYPOGRAPHY

When choosing colors, it is important to select ones that are easily identifiable. They are to appear on signage, which will correspond to the colors of the zones of the redesigned map. PMS 110

(0, 12, 100, 7)PMS 145(0, 47, 100, 8)

PMS 173(0, 69, 100, 4)

PMS 362(70, 0, 100, 9)

PMS 301(100, 45, 0, 18)

The purpose of the icons is to introduce a set of symbols to aid in campus wayfinding.

They are meant to be used in conjunction with interactive and online services.

Residential

Sciences Engineering Health sciences

Computer sciences

Businessadministration

Criminal justice

Art, media, + design

Social sciences

Academic Parking Emergency phones

Wheelchairaccessible

Cycling


COLOR

ICONS


DEFINING CAMPUS ZONES

Physical orientation is crucial to a user’s ability to understand and successfully navigate their environment. By creating a frame of reference, we are able to orient ourselves in a space and effectively move from one point to another.

Dividing the campus into colored zones allows for better navigation through the campus as a whole. The proposed zones do not have an identity, they are simply an organizational tool where one can easily determine their location on a map by looking at their surroundings. Zone colors will be represented on kiosks, signage, and other wayfinding elements with the goal of being easily recognizable from any given point on campus.

Zones are determined using two frames of reference: common paths + boundaries.

GdAM Environmental Design + Wayfi nding 17

Paths as a frame of referenceHuntington Avenue and Forsyth Street are two of the most commonly traveled paths on campus. Therefore, these two paths are used as the initial dividing lines when deciding campus zones.

Boundaries as a frame of referenceVisual boundaries and physical boundaries were also used to determine campus zones. The narrow pathways moving between Snell Library and the Curry Student Center, along with the passage between Ell Hall and Dodge Hall, do not provide visual connectivity. Therefore, one side of Curry feels disconnected from the other, forming a boundary between the two zones.

The wall surrounding Ruggles Station is perhaps the most imposing barrier on campus. In only three locations can one pass through or over the wall. From both Columbus Avenue and Northeastern University, the wall seems to be a solid element dividing the campus. For this reason, it is considered a defi ning zone line.


REDESIGNING THE MAP

In the current map, the axonometric projection of the entire campus obstructs the important views of pathways and distort different areas of campus. The angled view point disorients the user and the literal representation of the campus makes it difficult to decipher which building is which, defeating the purpose of the illustrations.

“There’s so much stuff on the map, and it’s organized by the initials of building names. I never know what they stand for.”

In our redesign, a grid enables users to easily locate buildings, which are labeled with three letter abbreviations. Each zone has a landmark building incorporated in axonometric projection which is architecturally distinctive and easily recognizable. This provides users with an additional reference point.

A Northeastern student

The redrawn map is also oriented so that Huntington is horizontal and visually represents the dividing line of campus.

Northeastern is located in the heart of Boston, surrounded by many recognizable landmarks. Users appreciated NU’s unique campus/city integration, so the map was expanded to include these cultural places of interest.


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Back Bay Fenway

Christ ian Science Center

St Botolph Street

Carter Playground

Northeastern University

Ruggles

Museum ofFine Arts G

ainsborough Street

West land Street

St Stephen Street

Museum of F ine Arts

Boston Pol iceDepartment

Southwest Corr idor

Hunt ington Avenue

Massachuset ts A

venue

Columbus Avenue

Tremont Street

Parker S

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Ruggles Street

MassachusettsAvenue

Symphonyoutbound

Symphonyinbound

Cunard S

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Coventry S

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Burke S

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Benton S

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Davenport S

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Douglas P

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Northam

pton St

Cam

den St

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Asian-American Center - E1Cahners Hall - D2Cushing Hall - D2Catholic Center - G4Fenway Center - F3Hillel-Frager - F4Marino Recreation Center - D4ROTC Office - E4Belvidere Place - J1

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780 Columbus Ave. - E1010 Coventry Street - E10Davenport Commons A - G9Davenport Commons B - G9

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Burstein Hall - B5Rubenstein Hall - A5Willis Hall - C6West Village A North - B6West Village A South - A6West Village B - B6West Village C - B7West Village E - B8

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Arena Lot - G6Columbus Garage - F9Columbus Lot - E9Camden Lot - G7Gainsboro Garage - G6Hurtig Lot - G6North Lot - E3Renaissance Garage - D10West Village Garage - B8

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Columbus Place & Alumni Center - F10Renaissance Park - C11Badger-Rosen SquashBusters Center - F9

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319 Huntington Ave. - F4337 Huntington Ave. - E4407 Huntington Ave. - C4142-148 Hemenway St. - E2Kennedy Hall - E1Kerr Hall - D2Loftman Hall and 153 Hemenway St. - D2Light Hall - F3Melvin Hall - D1Smith Hall - E1Speare Hall - E4Stetson East - E3Levine Hall and St. Stephen St. Complex - E4Stetson West - D3White Hall - D4

Architecture Studio - D8Blackman Auditorium - E6Barletta Natarorium - D6Cabot Physical Education Center - D5Churchill Hall - D6Curry Student Center - E7Dodge Hall - F5Dana Research Center - D7Egan Engineering/Science Research Center - D8Ell Hall - E6Forsyth Building - D6Hayden Hall - E6Latino/a Student Cultural Center - D7Richards Hall - E5Snell Engineering Center - D7Snell Library - E7

Academic Buildings

Residence Buildings

International Village - C11West Village F - B7West Village G - B6West Village H - B5

Academic Residence Buildings

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Parking Garages and Lots

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Back Bay Fenway

Christ ian Science Center

St Botolph Street

Carter Playground

Northeastern University

Ruggles

Museum ofFine Arts G

ainsborough Street

West land Street

St Stephen Street

Museum of F ine Arts

Boston Pol iceDepartment

Southwest Corr idor

Hunt ington Avenue

Massachuset ts A

venue

Columbus Avenue

Tremont Street

Parker S

treet

Ruggles Street

MassachusettsAvenue

Symphonyoutbound

Symphonyinbound

Cunard S

t

Melnea C

ass Blvd

St C

yprians Pl

Coventry S

t

Burke S

t

Benton S

t

Davenport S

t

Douglas P

k

Northam

pton St

Cam

den St

Watson St

A B C D

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2

3

4

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6

7

8

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Campus Map Key

Asian-American Center - E1Cahners Hall - D2Cushing Hall - D2Catholic Center - G4Fenway Center - F3Hillel-Frager - F4Marino Recreation Center - D4ROTC Office - E4Belvidere Place - J1

AACCAHCSHCTHFENHIL

MARROTCBVD

CULHTGMGRMTHROB

YMCA

Cullinane Hall - F6Hurtig Hall - F7Mugar Life Sciences Building - F6Matthews Arena - H6Robinson Hall - F7YMCA - F5

ARCBLKBRLCABCHRCURDDGDRCEEC

ELLFORHDNLSCRICSECSLB

AAI

BEH

CARDKSHLMKARKWLLAK

MSVNGTRYDSHL

John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute - B7Behrakis Health Sciences Center - B7Cargill Hall - C5Dockser Hall - C6Holmes Hall - C7Kariotis Hall - C6Knowles Center - C5Lake Hall - C6Meserve Hall - C7Nightingale Hall - C7Ryder Hall - B8Shillman Hall - C7

319337407HEMKENKERLOF

LGTMELSMTSPRSTESTS

STWWHT

780 Columbus Ave. - E1010 Coventry Street - E10Davenport Commons A - G9Davenport Commons B - G9

780COVDCADCB

Burstein Hall - B5Rubenstein Hall - A5Willis Hall - C6West Village A North - B6West Village A South - A6West Village B - B6West Village C - B7West Village E - B8

BURRUBWIL

WVA-NWVA-S

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Arena Lot - G6Columbus Garage - F9Columbus Lot - E9Camden Lot - G7Gainsboro Garage - G6Hurtig Lot - G7North Lot - E3Renaissance Garage - D10West Village Garage - B8

ARLCBGCBLCNLGBGHTLNRLRNGWVG

Columbus Place & Alumni Center - F10Renaissance Park - C11Badger-Rosen SquashBusters Center - F9

COL

RENSQU

319 Huntington Ave. - F4337 Huntington Ave. - E4407 Huntington Ave. - C4142-148 Hemenway St. - E2Kennedy Hall - E1Kerr Hall - D2Loftman Hall and 153 Hemenway St. - D2Light Hall - F3Melvin Hall - D1Smith Hall - E1Speare Hall - E4Stetson East - E3Levine Hall and St. Stephen St. Complex - E4Stetson West - D3White Hall - D4

Architecture Studio - D8Blackman Auditorium - E6Barletta Natarorium - D6Cabot Physical Education Center - D5Churchill Hall - D7Curry Student Center - E7Dodge Hall - F5Dana Research Center - D7Egan Engineering/Science Research Center - D8Ell Hall - E6Forsyth Building - D6Hayden Hall - E6Latino/a Student Cultural Center - D7Richards Hall - E5Snell Engineering Center - D7Snell Library - E7

Academic Buildings

International Village - C11West Village F - B7West Village G - B6West Village H - B5

INVWVFWVGWVH

Residence Buildings Parking Lots and GaragesAcademic Residence Buildings


The new system will supplement the existing system in place on campus. It consists of directional signage, displaying a combination of localized maps, campus maps, directional words and arrows, and interactive features.

The design and location of the signage were informed by intensive study of the Northeastern campus and those who interact with it. Frequent users found it integral

“It’s basically impossible to tell someone how to get from Forsyth Street to the library.”

SIGNS

that signage not obstruct current pathways, stating that “probably small and subtle would be best in our urban setting.”

Interactive and digital signage is placed in prominent social spaces on campus, while smaller, less prominent signs are placed along highly trafficked routes on campus.

A tour guide on giving directions

Directional message schedule


A.03

A.06

A.04

A.01

A.02

A.05

C

C

B.06

B.01

B.02

B.03

B.05

B.04

A2.01

C

A2.02

A2.03

B.08

A.07

C

C

B.07

A Map: full A2 Map: localizedB DirectionalC Existing sign

West VillageHuntington

West VillageAdmissionsCentennial

West VillageHuntingtonForsyth

SnellCentennial

SnellCentennialHuntingtonRegistrar

HuntingtonFreshman Quad

MatthewsHuntingtonColumbus

MatthewsHuntingtonColumbusCurry

B.01

B.02

B.03

B.04

B.05

B.06

B.07

B.08

SIGN LOCATION PLAN

Admissions


Sustainability was, naturally, a large concern, and was taken into account particularly in deciding the materials of the placards.

The core would be coated in a low VOC resin that either is self-illuminating, or is illuminated from below from LED lighting. The wood panels attached to the resin core would be made of Kebony wood.

This is an eco-friendly process that seals the wood in a way which allows it to be stronger, more durable, and virtually maintenance-free, while creating an attractive, tropical wood appearance.

Admissions Admissions Centennial Huntington Freshman Quad

2’-0”

0’-8”

0’-8”

3’-6”

2’-4”

0’-6”3’-0”

6’-6”


Their scale is large enough to be easily accessible for the new user, but subtle enough in color and placement to appear integrated within the campus landscape.

A Full map A2 Localized map B Directional


Use updated logo to establish and promote new identity. Letters cut through to reveal zone color.

Placement of either full or localized map.

2” reveal of self-illuminating zone-colored material, 1” wood sheets attached on either side.

Dark wood makes the sign unobtrusive, but height allows for accessibility.

5” curb-cut around sign to allow uninterrupted traffic flow.

Colored-material extends below wood sheets, illuminating information above.


Consistency as a tool allows for creativity, adaptability, individuality, and scalability.

A cwoHoingplacla

A smart campusBRIEF: Northeastern needs to modernize their wayfi nding sys-tems to keep up with competing institutions and if they want to stay at the forefront of technology – they ought to embrace new technologies in a big way. The opportunity exists to incor-porate wayfi nding with scheduling on campus for a richer user experience. By laying a solid and scalable foundation, we’ll be able to start with one component and add on as technologies become more ubiquious, or as the University’s needs change.

SOLUTION: A multiplatform tool that uses a centralized cloud-based database to feed scheduling and event information, as well as historical, cultural and other important University info to individual users. This information can be accessed via the web, mobile devices and on campus kiosks and digital displays.

2

classroom unexpectedly booked? Is that study space actually open? For how long? What’s going on in the quad? Why is there such a long line outside of AfterHours? I onder who painted that? What’s this statue for? Where can I get tickets for that concert? How long does it take to get to the T from here? Is there a bike rack over thereow do I get in there after the doors are locked? Where is the closest bathroom? Is the parking garage full? How late is the library open today? How crowded is the din-g hall tonight? What’s the current exhibit at Gallery 360? I wonder who took that photo? Can I use the pool today? Is there a hockey game tonight? I wonder what that aque is for? Where can I find more information about that statue? I heard I was supposed to rub the Husky’s nose for good luck – where did that start? Where is my neass? Where do I go to get a new Husky Card? Where is the closest print station? Is my bank’s ATM nearby? Is there an open room for my event? When did that lecture

IMAGINE BEING ABLE TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CURRENT LOCATION, INSTANTLY, ANYWHERE.

The answer to many of these questions isn’t what you’d normally find on a map – and for good reason. Maps and wayfinding systems give general information to a broad audience.

But Northeastern houses a very diverse audi-ence. Making only the broad information found on a map available would leave many people in the dark.

All of the answers to these questions exist – just not in the same place... yet.

By bringing in a digital wayfinding solution, we can customize the experience for every user and in doing so, provide a richer experience for everyone.

online

mobilekiosk

displays

barcodes

database


THE CLOUDThe database will be accessible and updatable via the web and will house many kinds of information and be updatable by different user types with different permissions. Beginning with map data and information about the physical campus, building the database will be the job of an IT team but after the initial infrastructure is added, administrators, faculty and select students will be able to populate content. From scheduling rooms and events to gathering news and historical information, the database will allow the Northeastern com-munity to not only have a better grasp of current happeneings – it’ll actually help the campus to be more effi cient.


Schedule it Scheduling an event on campus isn’t so easy right now. You have to submit forms, see different desks in different locations in different buildings. And then you wait. And somehow, there end up being confl icts anyways. Need audio or video? That’s another form in another building.

With the new system, you just have to submit your information online to get instand feedback about what rooms are available to you based on criteria that you search by and your personal user permissions?

Need to make sure your room has audio and video set up? Just check the box.

And publish it, automaticallyBecause everything is central, your event will automatically be added to live RSS news feeds, schedules and directories across campus. That means the myNEU portal, campus emails, digital signage, interactive kiosks and smart rooms signs will automatically be fed your informa-tion – getting your event in front of a larger audience.

All just by scheduling it. Easy.

SCHEDULE EVENTS WITH EASE ON THE CAMPUS-WIDE DATABASE.


WEBSITEThe public website will be a place to get all of the informa-tion. Most simply, users will be able to search the interac-tive Google map for what they need to fi nd. And since we’re redesigning the printed map to refl ect other wayfi nding-related changes on campus, you’ll see it here for continuity.

But the website can be so much more. While searching the interactive campus map, you’ll be able to toggle on and off events, news, class schedules, building directories and more.

The map becomes a tool to discover new things about North-eastern, and a valuable resource to make everyday activites simpler. And since it’s pertinent to every department at North-eastern, we’re envisinong a new global navigation system for all Northeastern websites. It’s non-intrusive visually and can be easily added to every site on the existing servers with just one fi le and a few lines of code in one place.


Map toolDifferent users will need different things from an online map. Using the ubiqui-tous Google Maps interface with custom navigation panels, users will quickly be able to access basic content while more content is readily available.

Virtual tour guideBecause so much information will be available with the new database and we don’t want (especially new) users to get overloaded, there will be “curated” tours of the content on the main maps page. These may involve “virtual admissions tours” for perspective students and par-ents, “historical Northeastern” tours that highlight interesting News and highlights from the University’s past and “in Bos-ton” events near campus that illustrate how Northeastern is tightly integrated with the city.

A marketing tool for the university The map is one of the most highly visited portions of any university’s website. Why shouldn’t it be used to give more than physical information? Tightly integrating events schedules and news overlays into the map is an easy opportunity for North-eastern to reach a large audience.


4 Meeting rooms, SABO

3 Meeting rooms, scheduling

2 Roof deck terrace, Ballroom

1 Indoor quad, Art galleries

G You are here

Curry Student C

MC

RoMa

DIGITAL DISPLAYSThese displays add a number of contributions to not only wayfi nding, but also scheduling and marketing. With minimal additional investments we can convert currently under-utilized screens on campus to work with this system. Or, for the overhead versions, lower cost and lower energy screens can be used since they are out of reach and won’t have to stand up to daily wear and tear.

These displays are meant for high-traffi c and at least partially indoors areas of campus. They are automatically updated from the central database and pull much of their content from already existing materials.

These displays are constantly updated in real-time and con-tinuously change information with animations, keeping these locations dynamic outlets for news, schedules and important information.


Center

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed vitae massa sollicitu-din velit congue viverra vel sit amet eros. Suspendisse pellentesque mattis tortor in varius. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per in-ceptos himenaeos. Nulla facilisi.

NEW &NEWSWORTHY:

MarinoCenter

oger M. and Michelle S. arino Recreation Center

Today’s Schedule at Marino

6am-11pm Open Gym

2pm-4pm Track closed for practice

5pm-9pm Intramurals basketball league closed courts

Today’s Fitness Classes: (all locations)

2:30 Spinning, room 230 Marino

2:30 Hot yoga, room 236 Marino

3:00 Open court basketball, 2nd floor courts Marino

3:00 Introductory weight lifting, 4th floor weight room, Squashbusters

3:30 Sprint coaching, Cabot Cage, Cabot Center

4:00 Spinning II, room 230, Squashbusters

4:30 Open yoga, room 330, Ell Hall (Spiritual center)

5:30 Boot camp, room 310, Marino

Other campus events

9:30 am Rabb Lecture, Raytheon Ampitheater, Egan

10:30 am 360 Gallery opening, Gallery 360, Curry Student Center

12:00 Music @ Noon series, 345 Ryder

1:00 IDEA open networking session, 011 Hayden

3:30 Screening: Helvetica, 020 West Village F

6:00 A+D Lecture series, 115 Shillman

7:30 Open mic night, afterHOURS, Curry Student Center

www.neu.edu/eventsGallery 360In the Curry Student Center, just across campus...

March 24-April 20

Art+Design Student Exhibit 2010

COLORS The digital displays will follow the same overall design scheme as other physical elements on campus. The colors of the main type and other highlighting ele-ments will correspond to the zone color.

BUILDING INFORMATION Depending on the building, directory or other information can be displayed here.

These displays can be mounted alone (right), or combined in groups to make one big display (below, left). They can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or at whatever angle fi ts the location.

Today in Ryder...

On display now...

4 Digital Labs, classrooms

3 Music Dept. Office, Rehearsal space, classrooms

2 Art+Design Office, Photo Lab, Classrooms

1 Architecture Office



2 Art+Design Office, Photo Lab, Classrooms

1 Architecture Office

What’s this?This info is pulled fresh from the HUB and is updated constantly. A new

event just got added? you’ll see it here instantly... For more information

and a complete campus event schedule visit www.neu.edu/hub

Buildinginfo1:00 minute

Today’s Schedule of events in Ryder3:00 (scrolling)

OfficeDirectory:30

Art onDisplay:30

BuildingMap1:30

“Combination” by Matt Rich, Lecturer, Art+Design

Third Floor 3BRANDING Because they can be updated from a central, online website – Northeastern can keep their marketing content fresh and strengthen the brand by staying consistent.

INCREASE ATTENDANCEStudents and faculty alike don’t know the breadth of events on campus – but putting events out for everyone to see, we’ll increase attendance and cut down on the vinyl signs around campus.

ENGAGING SCHEDULES Pull data from already existing sources to offer passersby a glimpse of all we have to offer, and engage more people to participate in something they might not have otherwise known we offered.

NEWS Pulling headlines from existing sources on the web combined with compelling imagery will liven up campus and let more people know what goes on here.


INTERACTIVE KIOSKSNot everybody always has access to mobile internet via phone or laptop, and even though campus is largely equipped with wi-fi , sometimes the information we want at our fi ngertips just isn’t available.

These interactive kiosks placed around campus will be primar-ily wayfi nding tools, although they will pull information from the same database as the other applications. Users will only be able to access information including maps, schedules and directories from a customized interface.

Get directions cross campus, fi nd the location for a specifi c event, or look up your professor’s offi ce number. Beyond the scope of a static map, but you don’t necessarily have to take the information with you for it to be valuable.


INTERACTIVITY FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

You are hereThe kiosks will default to a screen that shows the user where they are currently, as well as list overall directory information for the current building, or show direction-als to the nearest buildings.

ScheduleA more limited program than the web or mobile version, the kiosk still lets you search the schedule by time, key-word or location, but you cannot link to the same infor-mation as on the website. This is in order to free them up for general use and to keep the interface simple.

DirectionsYou can click and drag the directionsl points around campus for complete walking directions that’ll get you right to the room you need.



you are here

your destinationyour

Interactive Campus MapYou are at Snell Library.

Directions

Directions to admissions tours

1. From this kiosk, turn right and walk down stairs

2. Take left at pathway and follow red markers towards blue zone/forsyth

3. Cross Forsyth into blue zone

4. Cross Centennial Common following blue markers to Leon Street

5. Cross Leon street. Behrakis is the first building on your left.

6. Enter Behrakis. Look for the second door on your left.

3 minute walk..25 miles

Building List Directory Schedule Tour



you are here


Directions Building List Directory Schedule Tour


Directions Building List Directory Schedule Tour

9:00

9:00

9:00

9:15

9:30

9:50

10:00

10:20

10:20

10:20

10:20

General meeting, SGA

Yoga @ Spiritual Center

Free Breakfast!

Tutorials at the cybercafe

Jazz Brunch at Afterhours

Environmental Design open crit

IDEA networking event

Entrepreneurship Week - Opening

Interview the new Dean candidates

HIC lecture: Boloco

Animation final critique

Click on any building on the map, or any event below to see more information


MOBILE APPNortheastern on the go. There are a bunch of moble mapping applications out there, including Northeastern’s iPhone app. That’s a great start, but combined with our new database, it could be even more powerful. Much the same as the normal site, users will be able to access maps, events, directories and see them all working together in one place.

Using GPS, users can even get directions from their current location to where they need to go. And the directions won’t just stop at the front door to the building – users will be able to access step by step directions to the room they’re trying to fi nd.


Events CalendarUsing a custom calendar interface overlayed on top of the Google Map, us-ers can easily search for events around campus.

Detailed infoClicking on any event or map item will bring you to a screen with more detiled information.

DirectionsIt’s easy to get directiosn from one point to another on and off campus. The custom display tells you your mileage and travel options while still letting you switch easily between directions, events and resources.

Navigate through multiple events on one day easily by swiping through the event information.

ANSWERS WHEN YOU NEED THEM

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2D BARCODESBarcodes are simply a way of tagging things – the same as the UPC that you fi nd on items at the grocery store. A barcode can be assigned to anything and reread by a special scanner. A “2D” barcode is just a different kind of encoding that can be read by a wider variety of devices, including many mobile phones.

Northeastern can begin tagging items with barcodes which can be retrieved by these devices using the mobile app or website. The items – like room and building signage – then just need to be added to the system. The user may retrieve any info associated with that item.

2D Barcodes are being used in new and exciting ways. People are developing wayfi nd systems for the visually impaired, mu-seums are using them to include more info about works of art and even phones are using digitally generated barcodes to give information to other phones.

Northeastern could adopt all of these types of information gathering and sharing around campus – it’s as easy as apply-ing a sticker to a sign.


Room signageScanning a room sign could give you the current availability and schedule of the room, and quickly link to more information about any events or classes there thanks to the connectivity with the database. You could also retrieve room capacity and any special details about the room like audio visual and computer availability or food service availability.

Navigational signageBarcodes can be added to existing campus signage outdoors as well as near entrances of buildings and near common spaces like restrooms, restaurants and other services to add more information to the location and to be ready to imple-ment systems for the visually impaired.

Building signageApart from the navigational uses, build-ing signs could be encoded with infor-mation about the program of the space, the floorplan, the building directory and maybe even historical facts about the building itself.

RICH INFORMATION, REAL-TIME

Devices like the camera above are being developed to aid the visually impaired in wayfinding. This device hooks up to an iPod or an iPhone and is worn by the user. The camera scans for barcodes and sends the information from the codes to the user audibly via headphones. This particular device is still in testing – but we expect a few similar devices to be realeased later this year.

ArtworksNortheastern frequently has artwork around campus apart from formal gallery spaces. These barcodes are an opportu-nity to provide more information about the art iteself, the artist, and why it’s appearing here at Northeastern.

Menus/DiningBardcodes could be placed outside of dining halls or in another central loca-tion by food courts to link to menus for the day or other information about the space. In places like the dining halls, barcodes could even be used to find out how busy the dining hall is before ever stepping foot inside.


Greeters

3BRIEF: The areas surrounding the T exit points are visitors’ fi rst impressions of campus, and should be developed to a level that represents the university and provides the user with a positive experience.

SOLUTION: These two areas will be developed to refl ect the Northeastern identity, provide a sense of physical orientation, and inform the visitor of the latest campus news and events. We propose to use these areas to open up campus as a resource and a portal, rather than a bar-rier to the surrounding neighborhoods.

NARRATIVE: The lecturer arrives at Northeastern via the green line, and gets off at the Northeastern University stop.

The BU student going to the hockey arrives at Northeast-ern via the orange line, and gets off at the Ruggles stop.

“The most imposing barrier is the orange line of the T: Ruggles Station.”

INFLUENCING INITIAL PERCEPTION:RUGGLES WALL

A Northeastern student

Design guidelines for greeters:

1These interventions must be seen as “greeters.” Their purpose is to welcome people coming onto the Northeastern campus.

2They can have wayfi nding devices, but not the Northeastern map. They should point you to the map or directional signs.

3Huntington will be optimized for drivers, and Ruggles will be optimized for pedestrians.

4Since these nodes are “greeters” they will mainly target an audience that is new to Northeastern.

5The fact that the users are now on the Northeastern Campus should be prevalent in the sign, i.e. the Northeastern name/seal should be on the sign and visible from far away.

6They should work with the Northeastern identity but have a strong individual identity that can be separated from the social spaces and signs.

7They will have human scale. They should not be overwhelming or seem monumental.


A pixilated landscape plays with the sense of perception. Up close, the image is abstracted into squares of color. It is only fully revealed when seen from a distance.

Seeing the inside of Ruggles from the outside reinforces the notion that the station is a center of energy and community – a portal, rather than a barrier against what lies behind.


A Freshman HousingImplementing super graphics on the building can help emphasize the university culture and aid in wayfi nding.

B Freshman Housing Using Northeastern’s colors can help better identify the area and indicate to users that they are still on campus.

HUNTINGTON + FORSYTH

A

B


C CabotWindows will open up Cabot to pedestrians allowing them to look in and see the activities going on. The colors will aid drivers in know when they are on campus.

F Using the SealUtilizing a painted seal on the sidewalk is a strong indicator of a major entrance to campus.

E TowersSimple towers will aid in fi nding directional signage in campus. It is a solution to wayfi nding without using a campus map.

D Flame of HopeWith the fence removed the “Flame of Hope” area can be opened into a sitting area for students to eat Chicken Lou’s and watch the passersby.

C D E F


A

B

C D


B Egan Green RoofTo soften the blunt massing of the Egan Research Center and to suggest the green initiatives of Northeastern. Greenery will benefi t both the terrace users as well as pedestrians.

D Curb DemarcationCurbs are everywhere and are under-utilized. They can serve another purpose by becoming part of a wayfi nding system. Different zones of campus can be marked with color or labels.

E The Ruggles FacadeBy simply adding another layer of more contemporary materials, the “Ruggles Wall” can be transformed to become visually connected to the adjacent university buildings.

C Where am I?Instead of physically labeling everything, the use of colors can remind visitors where they are without being to obtrusive to the eye.

A Fence RemovalNortheastern spends large amounts of money on landscaping, so why hide it behind obtrusive fencing? By removing them, the campus will have a more open and comfortable feel.

RUGGLES + FORSYTH

E


A Traffi c FlowDuring rush hour, trying to cross through Ruggles Station seems impossible. By clearly marking which stairs to take, the experience can become less congested.

B Directional SignageThe Northeastern Campus is divided by Ruggles Station and thus requires navigational elements establishing which side of the station you are exiting.

RUGGLES INTERIOR

A B


C Railing FlagsWhy should a railing, only be a railing? By serving a dual purpose, railings can become important through color or other navigational means.

D This WayThe Northeastern Campus is divided by Ruggles Station. Navigational elements can be utilized on stair risers to direct visitors to important landmarks.

RUGGLES + INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE

C D


Boundaries

4BRIEF: Northeastern’s current master plan aims to

“open campus up as a resource and as a portal, not a barrier to the surrounding neighborhoods.” The administration has exhibited this intention through the existing fl ags along Columbus Avenue and parts of Huntington Avenue. However, these elements have little relation to their con-text. The goal is to retain Northeastern’s identity as a university, while effectively integrating the campus into the surrounding communities.

SOLUTION: We propose the extension of these fl ags along all of Huntington, parts of Tremont, Ruggles Street, and Huntington; reaching out to all surrounding neighborhoods. The fl ags will also display content relating to the neighborhood in which they are located. Alternating banners inform pedestrian and vehicular traffi c of their current location.

NARRATIVE: The Northeastern parent is coming to campus as she drives down Columbus Avenue which runs along Northeastern’s Roxbury edge.

NEW BANNERS

1 ESTABLISH A FIELD

2 MARK A LOCATION

3 INTEGRATE THE SYSTEM

Do you feel Northeastern blends with the community/ its surroundings?

“I think the university defi nitely

blends into the community. The

only thing that actually lets you

know you are on campus are the

fl ags that say Northeastern.”

Northeastern Student


FENW

AY

FENWAY

BackBayFens

1900

EXISTING BANNERS

Begin to intergrate neighborhood banners into the fi eld of Northeastern banners so that they become a meeting area instead of a dividing line

ESTABLISH A FIELD

1


ROXB

URY

ROXBURY1630

RoxburyTownHall


Begin to recognize neighborhood cultural centers such as museums and concert halls with the banners while always tying the im-age back to Northeastern

2

MARK A LOCATION

MFA

SYM

PHON

Y56 GdAM Environmental Design + Wayfi nding

Begin to tie the banners on the campus interior, which are also used for identity purposes, into the established wayfi nding and zoning system

INTEGRATETHE SYSTEM

3


Social Spaces

5BRIEF: Northeastern’s public spaces are under-served as areas for social interation and community activity.

SOLUTION: Creating social spaces that intersect with common travel routes will allow for greater interac-tion to happen. This will ultimately lead to public spaces becoming established landmarks and meet-ing places, where people go to socialize.

NARRATIVE: The BU student is walking towards Matthews Arena when he gets to the library quad and realizes he has some time to kill before the game begins. He stops to relax a bit and check the map to orient himself.

The parent is walking towards the art gallery when she gets to the library quad and realizes she has no idea what building it is actually located in. She stops to check a map and the BU student is able to help point her in the right direction.

3

4

5

1

2

67

8

9

STUDENTS HAVE COMFORT ZONES.

Students spend most of their time where their classes are located. While at fi rst glance, placement of buildings and programs on campus may seem hap-hazard, it is in fact strategic. The univer-sity groups similar programs together (like housing, academic programs, and student services) which provides the opportunity to program the outdoor spaces surrounding these areas with activities relating to the buildings’ functions. This is where specifi c identity comes into the system. Social spaces are located in outdoor areas that have the potential to be successful areas of congrega-tion and/or activity.


Located in High traffi c social spaces, these kiosks allow for interaction to happen between users, creating a network for social wayfi nding. Where one user is an expert another might be a novice. By putting navigation in social spaces we allow informed users to help those who are not so familiar. This model also fa-cilitates repeated use of space because users fi nd social interaction fulfi ling.

KIOSKS CREATE A NETWORK

1 CENTENNIAL COMMON

7 WEST VILLAGE

4 SCIENCE QUAD

8 LAW SCHOOL QUAD 9 INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE

5 FRESHMAN QUAD 6 LIBRARY QUAD

2 KRENTZMAN QUAD 3 MATTHEWS ARENA


GROUP MEETINGAREA PASSIVE

RECREATION

BENCHES WITH POWER OUTLETS

SHADED SEATINGAREA

LIGHT ACTIVERECREATION

SNELL LIBRARY QUAD662 GdAM Environmental Design + Wayfi nding

ORIENTATION GROUP GATHERING PLACE

EVENTS AND PROMOTION TABLE

COOKOUT AREA PASSIVE RECREATION

GROUP MEETING AREA


Columbus ConnectionBRIEF: The Columbus Parking Lot is an imposing barrier that prevents a direct route from Columbus Avenue to the Ruggles Station stairway.

SOLUTION: By restructuring the parking lot a direct route can be cut across in two directions, allowing pedestrian traffi c to move through the parking lot without walking through rows of cars.

NARRATIVE: The northeastern student going to the lecture crosses over from where she lives in the Columbus Avenue dormitories and crosses the columbus parking lot through the pathway

6

A B

NORTHEASTERN MAIN CAMPUS

INTERSTITIALZONECOLUMBUS LOT

PART A

PART B

INTERSTITIALZONECOLUMBUS GARAGE

NORTHEASTERN RESIDENTIAL ZONE


CURRENT ARRANGEMENT(466 SPACES)

NEW ARRANGEMENT (475 SPACES)

SECTION THROUGH PEDESTRIAN PATH

1

SHARING THE SPACE

In the Columbus Parking Lot there are two major pedestrian pathways used by students, faculty, and guests. The intervention takes advantage of pre-existing, but undefi ned paths across the lot that will allow for pedes-trian fl ow along a direct route with vehicle traffi c running parallel. Physically this offers the user a faster, safer, and more convenient way across the lot.

Visually this will also help to break up the view that is created by row after row of cars. The new parking plan will also accommodate 11 more parking spaces into the lot.


Columbus wall

COLUMBUS AVENUE

MBTA ORANGE LINE

COLUMBUSGARAGE

CARTERPLAYGROUND

RUGGLES STATION

RENAISSANCEGARAGE

3

3

1

2

2

COLUMBUS PARKING LOT

The whole of columbus avenue was viewed as a signifi cant entrance onto campus with several destinations around it that are used by students, faculty, and guests.

With this in mind the wall intervention serves to clearly defi ne the columbus lot and serve as a wayfi nding element to aid in the campus’ presence along Columbus Avenue.


Columbus GarageBRIEF: The pedestrian footpath through the Columbus Garage is the fastest route from the President’s offi ce, administrative buildings and student dormitories on Columbus Avenue, to Northeastern’s main campus. For such a high traffi c route the Columbus Garage does not help to extend Northeastern’s aesthetic identity and value to its users.

SOLUTION: While it is ineffective to redirect the fl ow of traffi c around the parking garage, it is possible to make the route through the garage more prominent for new users and visually dis-tinguished for the everyday user.

NARRATIVE: The parent has successfully found the Columbus Garage and is now on her way to the Gallery 360, but she has many hurdles to face. The fi rst, is to navigate the garage and cross over the Orange Line to get to Northeastern’s main campus.

B

NORTHEASTERN RESIDENTIAL ZONE

NORTHEASTERN MAIN CAMPUS

INTERSTITIALZONECOLUMBUS GARAGE

INTERSTITIALZONECOLUMBUS LOT

A

THE COLUMBUSCONNECTIONCONTINUED

PART B

PART A


795 W-E Section2

N LEVEL ONETO CAMPUS

Curry Student CenterSnell LibraryBlackman AuditoriumGreen Line T

TO COLUMBUS AVE.

Columbus PlaceStudent ResidencesCarter PlaygroundSquashbusters

LEVEL ONETO CAMPUS

Curry Student CenterSnell LibraryBlackman AuditoriumGreen Line T

TO COLUMBUS AVE.

Columbus PlaceStudent ResidencesCarter PlaygroundSquashbusters

EXIT TO COLUMBUS AVE.

LIGHTING THE WAY

1 2

2

3

1

N-S Section1


N-S Section Continued3

Visualizing the PathThe Columbus Garage intervention serves to create a visible pathway through the garage using lights. The parking garage has an existing crosswalk painted on the ground that links its entrance at Columbus Avenue to the bridge over the MBTA. The new path uses this as a guide but instead of painting the path on the ground, it calls for a series of colored lights secured within the formwork of the concrete in the ceiling to demarcate the

path. Lighting the pedestrian walkway helps to redirect the focus of the space away from the vehicle. Establishing a clear footpath makes the garage easier to navigate and friendlier for the everyday user.

Along the path there is a wall used to call out the level of the garage, we see this as an opportunity to do more; To use it as a graphic element that calls out important locations on both sides of campus, (along columbus and on the main campus).

EXIT TO BRIDGE VIEW TO CAMPUS

3


TunnelsBRIEF: There is a system of tunnels that connects thirteen of the university’s core academic and administrative buildings. During times of inclement weather this network can be vital to getting around campus. Unfortunately the tunnels go largely unused because the majority of potential users fi nd them confusing and disorienting.

SOLUTION: Using a color code in the map that could then extend into the colors of the ma-terials within the tunnels would help to orient people. Large colored infographics could be used to direct people. A system similar to this could also be applied to another prob-lematic locations on campus: the Nightingale/Lake/Meserve/Holmes complex

NARRATIVE: A student in Dodge Hall needs to get to the Gallery 360 when it starts to rain. She is unfamiliar with the tunnel system but she is also wearing very expensive shoes. She decides to take the tunnels. 7

KEEP THOSE SOCKS DRY

Take the Tunnels

Getting around campus in “Boston weather” has never been easier. By color-coding the tunnels there is a system that the user can learn and easily adopt which will prompt repeat visits.

The tunnels themselves are coded in order to identify where you are. The super graphics on the walls then instruct the user on which direction they should go depending on what building is their destination.

Color coding and more map placement will hopefully increase the use of the tunnels and ease people’s fears of disorientation and getting lost.

Huntington Avenue

Fors

yth

Str

eet

Hayden

Richards

Cabot

Snell

Library

Mugar

Dodge

Curry

Student

Center

Snell Engineering

Forsyth

Building

Egan Research

DIRECTION

The tunnel system can be accessed at the ground fl oor or basement level of the buildings shown

Tunnel system entrances directly accessed from outdoors are designated by a

Wheelchair access to the tunnel system is desig-nated by a

Additionally, each building on the tunnel system may be accessed by that building’s elevator

YOU ARE IN

Curry Student Center

Take to Ell Hall


FORSYTHSTREET


Sharing SpaceBRIEF: Forsyth Street functions as a central artery to campus, connecting Huntington Ave. at the Green Line to Columbus Ave at the Orange Line. Because this route is utilized by pedestrians, bikes, buses, and cars the goal was to fi nd a solution that balanced all these uses

SOLUTION: Share the space. While it is impossible to make Forsyth a pedestrian only area, it is possible to reprogram the environment. By extending pe-destrian space and slowing down traffi c the street can become a comfortable zone to better handle multiple modes of transportation.

NARRATIVE: The lecturer has gotten off the T and is making his way down Forsyth where he will need to check a map for the specifi c location of the building he is looking for.

8

1

2

A MODEL FOR MULTI-PURPOSE TRANSPORTATION SPACE

AFTERBEFORE

FORSYTHA real main street Forsyth needs a change in character. Between Huntington and Ruggles Station, Forsyth is the major path for pedes-trians, bikes, and cars, so all three have to be taken into account.


1 2STREET LIGHTS

PUBLIC SEATING

RED BRICK

HERRINGBONEBRICK

MATERIALS

By raising the street to sidewalk level and changing the paving. The sidewalks would be made of brick to read as an extension of the pedestrian network on campus. The actual street would be of a related material, such as herringbone brick, that would relate the path to the sidewalk while at the same time calling it out as a separate network.

The cul-de-sac at the end of the street is now smaller without the grass island. Instead, the sidewalks are now wider and the bus stop was moved to the beginning of the cul de sac to alleviate the pedes-trian traffi c jam out of Ruggles Station that currently takes place.

Landscaping down the street would help to tie the path together making Forsyth into a clear demarcation in the environ-ment and a more pleasant experience for all users.


NortheasternAvenue

9BRIEF: Although Northeastern is mainly comprised of informal paths, each route pertains to the underlying network that connects to the main path frequented by students, faculty, and visitors. According to several studies and interviews, a large portion of this route is often referred to as “the winding path to the library.” It is necessary to name and distinguish this prominent path on campus, seeing as it is a primary route for all user types.

GOAL: To encourage Northeastern’s history, culture, and self-image in a visual and interactive way. Through this, new points of interest will be created and new frames of reference will be available to aid in wayfi nding.

NARRATIVE: On his way to the hockey game, the BU student walks down the path and notices plaques on the ground.

As a college in Boston, Northeastern is in competition with many other major universities. Most of these schools maintain a well-established identity within the community. Northeastern has a history and identity that is virtually unknown to students, let alone Boston at large.

The school prides itself on being a “student-centered, practice-oriented, urban” university that supports “experiential learning,

interdisciplinary and transitional research, intellectual life and creative expression, and urban engagement.”

Northeastern should boost its image and make its identity known. This requires landmarks and guides. Aside from the issue of wayfinding itself, the project provides a sense of longevity and community to the school that is appealing to prospective students, parents, and alumni.

A set of guidelines can be established and designed with variations for each particular path in order to maintain a cohesive network, while at the same time distinguishing between each. The existing brick on the sidewalks is easily removable and replaceable, therefore providing an opportunity to call out important areas.

Northeastern was founded in 1898.

Its roots hark back to the Boston YMCA

as it grew to offer a variety of programs.


THE WINDING PATH orNORTHEASTERN AVENUE



A COMPLETE SYSTEMFOR SPATIAL ORIENTATION

=


A.03

A.06

A.04

A.01

A.02

A.05

C

C

B.06

B.01

B.02

B.03

B.05

B.04

A2.01

C

A2.02

A2.03

B.08

A.07

C

C

B.07

ZONES

Provide physical orientation, link be-tween map and physical environment

SOCIAL SPACES

provides physical orientation, link be-tween map and physical environment

SIGNAGE/KIOSKS

direct visitors along paths

GREETERS

Welcome visitors to campus, and provide orientation.

THE WINDING PATH / NORTHEAEERN AVENUE

clarifies an already prominent East to West path across campus

COLUMBUS CONNECTION

bridge the orange line barrier

FORSYTH

create a pedestrian environment in cam-pus’s existing N-S connection

BOUNDARIES

let visitors know that they are on cam-pus, while creating edges that blend into surrounding context

The suggestions presented here represent the intimate understanding that we have of the campus and our community’s interaction with it. After a semester’s worth of intensive research and brainstorming we are invested in these ideas and believe in the power of wayfinding efforts to positively transform Northeastern.

We hope you consider this research as you move forward with your formal wayfinding efforts.

We as students, faculty and soon-to-be-alumni would welcome the opportunity to make these suggestions come to fruition.

A special thank you to –

School of ArchitectureDepartment of Art + DesignCreative IndustriesMarketing and Communications

And all of our guest critics

final wayfinding book

Documents

wvc west village

curry student

student cultural

northeasterns

columbus parking

american center

social spaces

columbus avenue