The uses of signs and markers is as old as man himself and the process has evolved from simply piling up rocks on a trail, to the complex cave and rock paintings. As humans progressed, large and complex spaces began to be built like towns and cities, our wayfinding needs increased and expanded. As more people became educated, signs with verbal language gained importance in the society. With the accelerated pace of economic development over the past couple of centuries, increasingly complicated spaces have become commonplace, with shopping malls, townships and multi-terminal airports springing up across the globe and all of which require good navigational systems. Wayfinding solutions play a significant role in simplifying and organising the data into easy to understand chunks of information, that make journeys pleasurable.
Importance signage design in the recent past
Effective and appropriate wayfinding design solutions highlight the statement made by its campus, precinct or a building and strengthen its presence. They play a crucial role in translating the spaces to the users as they are neither independent nor superficial, but exhibit meaning, form, function, and purpose. Wayfinding and signage systems ease navigation, enhances one’s understanding of the physical environment and helps lend a unique identity to a place which seamlessly integrates with the environment. Due to the scale and complexity of the projects today, navigation has become complicated; being lost in a complex building gives an unpleasant experience. The inclusion of navigational systems helps users find their way and brings clarity to chaos. It creates a strong sense of place and communicates the built narrative, thereby fostering strong conversations between the person and the space. Graphics Beyond, with their articulated design strategies, helps de–clutter the mind-space to better understand the built-space around.
Case Study: City Centre New Town
Location : , Rajarhat, Kolkata
Acreage : 8700 Acres
Category : Retail
Client : Ambuja Realty
Principal Architect : Search Architects
About
Planned on the lines of a high street the City Centre mall in New Town, City Centre New Town,
one of the most popular malls in North East India, comprises a shopping plaza, food court, entertainment arena, movie theatre and retail outlets. The mall is characterized by open plazas with green gardens as part of the central circulation.
The design response was inspired by the rich cultural history of Bengal.
Woven in were patterns and icons from the art, history as well as the popular culture of Kolkata and Shantiniketan. This wayfinding program was enhanced with a true taste of the local flavour using visual elements and larger-than-life installations to create a contemporary feel that was deeply rooted in the culture of this land. Such integration of elements that the audience can relate to makes it very approachable with an extra warm feeling.
Case study: Hindustan Unilever House
Location : Andheri, Mumbai
Acreage : 17 Acres
Category : Commercial
Client : Hindustan Unilever Limited
Principal Architect : Kapadia Associates LLP
About
Hindustan Unilever is the 4th largest FMCG company in the world and their headquarters in Mumbai is an integrated campus and an architectural wonder.
Façade Graphics
The use of individual elements from the Unilever identity developed by legendary Wolff Olins weaves a narrative of sustainability on the huge larger than life facade canvas of its south facing facade.
The design of the environmental graphics is in keeping with the very essence of the company’s commitment to sustainability – a responsibility to the environment and a keen focus on inclusive growth.
Signage
A comprehensive wayfinding and signage program was developed for this campus, in keeping with the brand guidelines of Unilever. Form, scale and colour scheme were tailor made for the prestigious campus that houses their India Headquaters.