DESCRIPTION
Wayfinding and directory system for the Columbus Drive Building
WHAT
Environmental Graphics
Wayfinding
Who
Nina Andorf
Art Direction/Design
Cushing
Production/Installation
After the Columbus Drive Building was renovated back to its original design and layout (designed by architect Walter Netsch) I was tasked with creating a unique wayfinding system for the building. Since Netsch used “field theory" (geometric generation of architectonic structures intended to be uniquely suited to their purposes and environments) in the creation of the Columbus Drive Building, I thought it best to reflect the same principals in the my own wayfinding approach.

For the building's design, Netsch used the same geometric pattern repeatedly, focusing on right-angles resulting in triangular shapes. I decided to add these angles into the wayfinding by using them as directional queues much like an arrow would be used or abstract representations of the building's floor plan.

The wayfinding plan included directories on each floor (explaining what existed in each area of the building as well as academic department details) and large, bold lettering was used for department identifiers (often placed next to that department's directory and/or entrance. Each physical directory was constructed using Max-Metal and cut to the designed shapes, with vinyl lettering laid over the top. Large department lettering was created with vinyl adhesive and applied over paint.

Although the building focuses its attention on a large red soffit that runs through its center, additional color is used frequently throughout the building to dictate which areas belong to which department. All colors are bright and full of energy to contrast Walter's use of concrete and window style (natural light does not easily reach inside the building.)