STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

The highly themed facades of the center's twenty-six buildings depict some of the most iconic old-world and contemporary architectural styles from around the world. Visitors in one block may feel like they are in Paris—and in the next block New York City. Working closely with the owner and project architect, we designed a wayfinding program that could aesthetically co-exist within all of these different streetscapes. The program includes property identity signage at the main entries and interior roundabouts; vehicular directional signs with changeable text panels; pedestrian orientation and directional signs; circular advertising kiosks and large scale freestanding advertising billboards; branded streetscape signage; parking garage signage; event stanchions and regulatory signage. All combined, the individual elements of the system create a branded matrix of information that adds to the character of the property while directing and informing the center's visitors.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

To begin the process we had brainstorming sessions with the project architect, ownership, marketing, and management to establish the project goals, budgets, functional requirements, time frames, process and creative preferences. Based on these conversations, we created an action plan for developing the new program. We started by creating detailed sign location plans and sign message schedules, and determined what sign types would be required to execute the system. With the programming complete, we began the creative design process for the system and each major sign type. We explored different styles, materials, and color palettes in context with the center's different architectural styles and streetscapes. Through several rounds of design review and refinement, we were able to reach a consensus on a design direction that succeeded on both an aesthetic and functional level.

Approved designs in hand, we created detailed design intent documents for each sign type in the system that that specified all sizes, configurations, materials, colors, type sizes, panel layouts, and construction techniques. During the fabrication process we reviewed samples, shop drawings and artwork to insure that the design intent was maintained. The completed signs add one more layer of visual character to the property, and most importantly they effectively direct and inform all visitors as they navigate this unique environment.