sa wayfinding

WAYFINDING AND

ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS

SPACEAGENCY

Space Agency employs an innovative approach to wayfi nding design. Our philosophy is to provide intelligibility by revealing the latent spatial structure of a given space while seamlessly integrating into the architecture. Rather than creating additive elements within a project, our primary design objective is to embed wayfi nding indications into the architecture and landscape.

Through the use of research-based methods, we read cityscapes with a

First Floor Offi ces33-35 Charterhouse SquareLondon EC1M 6EA+44 (0) 207 722 [email protected]

trained eye for capturing the global pattern of movement.

Simultaneously, the team’s expertise in environmental graphics supports this spatial perspective with graphic, narrative and informational layers, which facilitate orientation and choreograph the user experience. Large spaces become legible through an attractive and intuitive hierarchy of information revealed progressively throughout the visitor’s journey.

ANALYSE SPATIAL

STRUCTURE

ASCERTAINMOVEMENTNETWORK

MAP INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYS FOR

DIFFERENTSCENARIOS

IDENTIFY USERS’ NAVIGATIONAL

STRATEGIES

DEVELOP AN ENVIRONMENTAL NARRATIVE FOR

THE EXPERIENCE

DESIGN A GRAPHIC LANGUAGE FOR THE

WAYFINDING SYSTEM BASED ON

THIS NARRATIVE

DESIGN ENVIRONMENTAL

GRAPHICS

MAP INFORMATION HIERARCHY ONTO

SPATIAL HIERARCHY

STRATEGISE POSITIONING, PLACEMENT AND

INTEGRATION

DEFINE FABRICATION PROCESSES

SIGNAGE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

CATALOGUE OF WAYFINDING SYSTEM

COMPONENTS

3D LOCATIONAL PLANS AND SCHEMATICS FOR WAYFINDING SYSTEM

COMPONENTS

DEVELOPMENT OF A COHERENT WAYFINDING

SYSTEM ACROSS SCALES

IDENTIFY DECISION-

MAKING POINTS

HIERARCHY AND DECISION-POINT

HIERARCHY

MAP A GLOBAL WAYFINDING

TOPOLOGY FOR THE SITE

IDENTIFY VISUAL

INSPIRATION

DEVELOP A VISUAL

CONCEPT

DESIGN PROTOTYPES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

INTERVENTIONS, DIRECTIONALS

DEFINE INFORMATION

HIERARCHY

DEVELOP MAP SYSTEM AT

SEVERAL SCALES OF INFORMATION

ANALYSE FORMAL

LANGUAGE

SPATIALANALYSIS

WAYFINDING STRATEGY

VISUAL DESIGN

INFORMATION DESIGN

Our approach to wayfi nding design works in four parallel strands which are inter-related and iterative.

We begin with spatial analysis to gain a thorough understanding of the project as a spatial system and a framework for movement. This research-based analysis enables us to understand how users will access and use the site from a topological, top-down perspective. This informs decisions where to place and how to structure directional signage.

The second strand of our work focuses on how the user experiences the site from a bottom up, sensatiatory perspective. What does the user anticipate? How do they build a picture of the space around them and how can we make that process surprising and enjoyable? The use of visual narrative can give identity to places and guide the user’s procession through the site.

The third strand is the design of information. Users of the site need to both fi nd their way, but also to download information about what is around them. Too much or too little

information up front can either confuse or lead to disorientation. The information architecture must be such that only the right level and quantity of information is given at the right time and in the right format.

The fi nal component is the visual identity and design of environmental graphics. Based on an analysis of the formal language employed on the project we work with the architect to integrate qualities such as layout, scale, colour, typography, iconography into the architecture, in a manner which enhances the visual language already in place.

1 Process Diagram

WAYFINDING METHODOLOGY FOUR INTERRELATED STRANDS

TO RING ROAD

FRONTAGE ROAD

SUB LOOP WEST ACCESS

HOTEL DROP - OFF LOOP

ENTRY SECURITYCHECK POINT

ENTRY SECURITYCHECK POINT

TO STONEPARK WEST

TO STONEPARK EAST

TO VIP PARKING

TO VIP PARKING

TO PARKING COMPARTMENTS

A,B,C,D,E,F

TO PARKING COMPARTMENTS

A,B,C,D,E,F

ENTRYSB9

ENTRYSB8

ENTRYSB2

ENTRYSB1

ENTRYSB3

ENTRYSB5

ENTRYSB6

ENTRYSB4

HOTELENTRY

TO HOTEL PARKING

DELTAZONE 2

DELTAZONE 3

DELTAZONE 1

PKG NODE 1

PKG NODE 2

PKG NODE 3

RETAIL ZONE 1

RETAIL ZONE 2

SUB LOOP EAST ACCESS

RETAIL ZONE 3

RETAIL ZONE 4

DELTAZONE 4

PKG NODE 4

RETAIL ZONE 5 PKG

NODE 5

ENTRYNB3

ENTRYNB2

ENTRYNB1

ENTRYNB4

ENTRYNB5

ENTRYNB6

ENTRYNB7

ENTRYNB8

ENTRYNB9

Space Agency is currently working as a consultant to Zaha Hadid Architects for a large mixed-use masterplan in Cairo. The central spine of this masterplan is to function as an oasis, full of vibrant activity and a night time economy. In order to achieve this ‘buzz’, a strong, direct and convenient central axis of movement must be emphasized through wayfi nding cues and signage. A visually and physically

VEHICULAR ROUTE

PEDESTRIAN ROUTE

SUB LOOP ENTRY POINT

BUILDING ENTRY POINT

HOTEL ENTRY POINT

HOTEL PARKING ENTRY

DELTA ZONE

RETAIL ZONE

PARKING ENTRY NODE

DELTA ENTRY POINT

direct and accessible central core of movement at surface level links the retail uses into a chain, serving to activate natural movement through the heart of the development.

The primary approach for most users will be vehicular, through the basement parking. This type of subterranean approach is like a gopher’s experience of popping-up and trying to decipher where it fi nds itself.

Environmental graphics and wayfi nding directional markers from the basement up, facilitate orientation and picture-building for fi rst time users and enhance the experience of getting where one wants to go.

The diagram below breaks down the surface movement into specifi c routes and nodes where signage aids in welcoming a visitor, identifying a place or channelling movement.

PRECEDENT PROJECT STONE TOWERS, EGYPT: ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS

2 Surface Movement

Framework

The systematic mining of metals was an important industry employing many thousands of workers in ancient Egypt. Metallurgy in particular was carried on with an elaborate technique and business organization.

Egyptian and Chaldean mysticism relates precious metals and their properties to the sun and the planets - for example, gold symbolises the sun, silver the moon, copper Venus, and

electrum (a native alloy of gold and silver which was frequently used in architecture and coinage) Jupiter.

In homage to these religious and magical ideas about metals, we made a selection of fi ve important metals used in ancient Egypt- gold, silver, copper, bronze and electrum- as a form of identifi cation for the fi ve project masterplan zones. These identifi ers are carried through the wayfi nding and identity strategies.

MASTERPLAN ZONE IDENTIFICATION METALLICS

3 Metallic colour palette

This diagram shows the concept in which illuminated metallic bands lie fl ush within the landscape paving, marking the way to various destinations through-out the masterplan.

The passages between retail clusters as well as building entrances are ob-structed from views across the site. The continuous jewel-like bands mark the different trajectories and will sig-nifi cantly reinforce orientation through,

dovetailing with the retail strategy, increas-ing footfall between zones.

The second identity for these bands oc-curs at night when visitors and hotel guests may be arriving to visit the catering and entertainment facilities. Alongside the metallic edging an L.E.D. strip placed be-neath translucent glass illuminates the way to the evening’s activities.

The illuminated bands complement the striations in the building facades and cre-ate an atmospheric effect. Each of the il-luminated bands terminates at a specifi c location: a building entrance, a lift to the parking levels, a hotel entrance or a re-tail destination. As these luminous bands travel through the landscape they intersect at clearly defi ned nodes and expand to display written information and directions which form sculptural ‘events’ as well as ID markers.

NO

RTH BU

ILDING

06

TO DELTA EDGE FEATURE SPACE

TO DELTA ZONE 3

TO SOUTH BUILDING 06

RTH BUILDING 05

LTA ZONE 2

LUMINOUS WAYFINDING BANDS METAL INLAY/L.E.D.

4Zoom-in on

junction of wayfi nding bands

5Wayfi nding bands layout in

landscape

4

5

LUMINOUS WAYFINDING BANDS METAL INLAY/L.E.D.

6Wayfi nding inlay

bands - day view

7Wayfi nding inlay bands by night -

Gold, Silver, Copper and Electrum zones

LUMINOUS WAYFINDING JUNCTIONS METAL INLAY/L.E.D.

8Four infi ll plate designs

based on site geometry

9Day view:

Silver zone junction

30°

0° 0°

60°

90°

TO NBO5

TO

SB

O5

TO GARDEN

The wayfi nding bands within the land-scape originate at junctions composed by four shapes of diamonds panels.

The diamond panels are both a start-ing point for the lines and a junction point at key decision-making junctures to the north and south of the retail lift core.

The junction points are organised in a compass of diamonds. Extending from

these diamonds, the wayfi nding bands then independently follow trajectories based on the overall site geometry toward specifi c destinations. Each band has one specifi c origin, such as at a retail core, and one specifi c destination, such as South Building 05. Whenever the lines change direction or turn, a diamond marker with directional signage is placed to remind the pedestrian of where the line is leading.

The end of the line is marked by a termi-

nation diamond without a directional arrow and is made from a more eye-catching perforated metal rather than solid metal.

Signage text is always the same size for each diamond marker. The letter height is consistent and is positioned in the middle of the arrow height, 25 mm away from the arrow and parallel to the wayfi nding band. Four directions are possible for each junc-tion, but only two per diamond.

10Night view:

Bronze zone junction

The diamonds also indicate the dis-tance to the destination. Large dia-monds indicate a close destination. Smaller diamonds indicate that the destination is further away from the pedestrian. The smaller diamonds are 50% smaller than the larger diamonds.

A diamond of the following or previous retail zone is placed in each junction, so that the pedestrian fi nds its way to

the next zone easily.

The diamonds indicate only six general categories of destinations:

• North Buildings• South Buildings• Retail Lift Cores• Retail Streets• Gardens• The following zone• The previous zone

LUMINOUS WAYFINDING JUNCTIONS METAL INLAY/L.E.D.

11Day view:

Gold zone junction

The design of the lift car signage itself conveys a notion of upward movement, refl ecting the vertical spatial structure and and supporting the visitors’ intuition of upward progression through the different levels.

Its design is of a beautiful minimalistic elegance and ties seamlessly into the vector based signage elements seen throughout the scheme.

The lift lobby is the key interface between above ground and below ground signage families. The lines on the walls wrap around and mirror the visitors trajectories to the surface.

The cladding of the lift walls corresponds to the metallic fi nish colour associated with the zone.

VERTICAL CORE BACK LIT/LASER CUT LIFT DIRECTORY + CORE WALL IDENTIFICATION

12Lift directory

13Lift lobby view with wayfi nding diamonds

ZONE IDENTIFICATION PARKING GRADIENTS

14Colour strategy of directing visitors

“towards the light”

A matte colour palette complementing the metallic fi nishes animate the carpark areas. These colour areas differentiate the parking zones from each other and identify which retail zone a visitor is parking underneath. The scheme uses colour to assist in wayfi nding toward the lift lobby entrance, the immediate destination of those parking cars.

A form of gradient is used to lead the visitor ‘toward the light’ at the retail atrium, a subtle guide. The further away from the core one is, the more intense the colour and the closer to the core, the lighter.

This gradient can be executed simply by painting only the car parking spaces, each with a different subsequent tone. A colour matched RAL colour corresponds to each parking space and the effect of a gradient can be seen over the length of the row.

Within the basement, pedestrians access the retail cores through a glazed entrance and security checkpoint. An approaching pedestrian would be inclined to think that the glazed double doors in front of the lift cores are entrances when in fact they are exits. For this reason, large environmental graphics are proposed etched onto this glazing to attract and redirect pedestrians toward the proper entrance and provide information as to what services are within the cores.

15Basement parking

core graphics

DIRECTIONAL GRAPHICS WAYFINDING INFORMATION ON SUBTERRANEAN APPROACH

Long walls extend along the cores in the basement carpark. These walls obstruct views across the basement and create large surfaces. They therefore present a prime area for vibrant environmental graphics which animate the basement space and provide locational information.

As visitors circulate through the basement parking compartments looking for parking, a key consideration will be to fi nd a parking space nearest their destination.

ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS DYNAMIC TRAJECTORIES IN THE CARPARK

The wall-based signage will provide locational information as well as directional indication which subtly leads visitors toward their immediate destination, the lift core, once they leave their car. Near the lift core services, the core wall graphics also serve to remind visitors of the zone they are in before they ascend to the ground level to shop or visit offi ces. Later they will be required to recall the zone they parked in, in order to fi nd their car.

16Basement parking

graphics signal a slowing of pace

COPPER

STONE TOWERS

B1NB05

ELECTRUM

STONE TOWERS

B1NB05

ELE

CT

RU

M A

101-103

This simple signage is conceived as extruded characters, extending differing depths from the wall, up to150mm.

The size and extrusion of the characters is dependent on the hierarchy of information necessary at that juncture. In this stairwell area, the fl oor level is the most critical information, with icons to vertical transportation and services as secondary information.

The most important level of information will be emphasized by either metallic paint or a metal edging around the characters. The color corresponds to the relevant zone.

Two different focal points are shown in these visualisations. One highlights the zone as the primary brand element in the space, underscoring the fact that one has parked in that specifi c zone. The other scenario shows the level numbers as highlighted text, serving to aid the pedestrian’s vertical navigation.

17Extruded rederered lettering

on exterior staircase

INFORMATION HIERARCHY DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE

LANDSCAPE INTEGRATED SIGNAGE DIRECTORIES

19Furnishings integrated

into landscape

SB05

SB06

NB06

NB05

4

32 51

Level 0 VIP Entrance / DeltaCopper Zone

GOLD

Shops

LK BennettGapJcrewSwatchSwarovsky

Restaurants

PaulEatStarbucksPetrussian

LK BennettGapSwatchSwarovsky

PaulEatStarbucks

Lift to ParkingRestroomsPrayer Room

BRONZE

Shops


Restaurants


ELECTRUM

Shops


Restaurants


SILVER

Shops


Restaurants


73211

148

6512

COPPER

NB01 NB02 NB03 NB04 NB05 NB06 NB07 NB08 NB09

NB01 NB02NB03

NB04NB05

NB06

NB07

NB08

NB09

Shops

Restaurants

Services

SILVER

BRONZE

Within the retail zones, signage and maps are required to orient the visitor toward the destinations they may be seeking. Retail shops, restaurants and services are listed in a very simple type of directory, integrated into the landscape as a horizontal wayfi nding element. Importantly, this signage enumerates not only the shops, services and destinations within the zone it is located, but also lists all of the shops and restaurants in the other zones. This type of directory is essential in a shopping area.

This directory also clarifi es for the visitor that the development is comprised of 5 zones which are identifi ed by 5 different metals and locates the visitor within this continuum.

These furnishings are tightly integrated with the landscape and conceived by pulling up individual strips to form the signage element. While providing the required legibility and direction, this element is very minimal and avoids cluttering of the space. It also provides an opportunity to integrate low level lighting.

18Retail directory map

by zone

18

OFFICE DIRECTORIES BACK LIT PERFORATED METAL

20Tree structure represents

building confi guration21

3D view of reception

The offi ce tenant directory at the reception area is one of the fi rst impressions for a visitor. As the base for welcoming visitors coming to meetings, it must give an impression of quality and prestige. For this purpose, the 5 metallic fi nishes set the perfect tone. Additionally the offi ce reception signage is meant to feel special and bespoke.

With these objectives in mind as well as the requirement for the tenant signage

to be replaceable, a simple and yet elegant solution has been designed.

This design uses a custom perforated metal sheet which is perforated using the diamond motif over a gradient of densities. This gradient of densities allows the sheet to begin as a solid wall which gradually becomes translucent, creating a beautiful and ethereal installation. Behind this removable perforated metal panel is positioned a sheet of translucent glass

which is backlit throughout the day.

Adhered to the glass is a mask made of opaque vinyl which is easily die-cut to display the names of the tenants and signage. Thus where the mask is positioned, light does not come through, but where the mask has been cut, light comes through the perforated metal to read the tenants’ names and logos. For each fl oor level, an individual panel of glass with a vinyl die cut mask can be slid in and out for replacement.

The offi ce directories display tenant names and fl oor numbers at the offi ce lobby level.The design for the offi ce directories is conceived from the project-wide theme of converging and bifurcating lines. Within this language the directory structure mirrors the primary routes of circulation in the building: branching out into the separate fl oor plates from a central core. As a stylized and abstracted tree, this ‘trunk’ forms the permanent ‘backbone’ of the directories with branches leading to each offi ce space.

OFFICE DIRECTORIES BACK LIT PERFORATED METAL

22Close-up of

offi ce directories

BUILDING ADDRESS HIEROGLYPHICS CHISELLED IN STONE

The design of the building adress is recessed into the head walls of the offi ce towers in the same fashion as the architectural features. It therefore provides a coherent and minimal solution. The contours of the characters are fi nished with the metal corresponding to the relevant zone, which provides enhanced legibility and glows when lit at night.

The addresses are situated at the two short ends of each building where glass reinforced concrete ribbons wrap up the side of the building - one facing the ring road and drop off, the second facing the interior public space. The signage on the road side will be sized appropriatly to be legible from a moving car before reaching the drop off, the signage on the delta side with be sized to be legible from the pedestrian point of arrival.

23Embossed lettering with

metallic edge

24Section detail

25Eye level view upon entry

252423

The above proposal has been developed from an analysis of most visible viewing an-gles for tenant signage.

Rather than tacking a foreign element onto the building, the building itself is embedded with signage. Tenant signage is positioned on the most prominent face of

the buildings by applying corporate logos to the building louvers without any additional loss of light to tenants. The tenant signage zone occupies a specifi c band in the lou-vered facade where special, replacable louvers are clad at their front and bottom faces with a powder coated perforated

metal behind which is a grid of L.E.D.s.

INTEGRATED TENANT SIGNAGE EMBEDDED LIGHT IN SUN-SHADING LOUVER

26Tenant signage

by day

27Tenant signage

by night

26 27