| A quest through campus |
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Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 5:09 am
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Signbox signage solutions prove effective at new International Study Centre for University of East Anglia.
Wayfinding and signage company Signbox have worked on some impressive projects during their company history. Their end solution is always to the highest standard and their design concepts are nothing short of innovative and stylish. Recent projects have required close work with Architects at the heart of the project to come up with the clearest solutions for each project. Wayfinding is incredibly important in public sector buildings and the project at the University of East Anglia is a perfect example of this. Using clever colour-coding and simple etchniques, the interior has been lifted using a very practical tool.
The new INTO University of East Anglia international study centre has recently opened its doors to a new intake of students who will be studying pre-university courses and undertaking English language training. The inspiring building, occupying a 1.3 acre site, offers 700 teaching spaces and accommodation for 415 students, and has been designed to provide a social, innovative and inspiring environment, with the highest levels of personal care and support.
INTO's communications design team designed a wayfinding and signage system that Signbox was able to interpret and advise on effective manufacturing methods. The first phase of the project was the creation of a vibrant internal signage scheme: this took priority over the external signage due to the tight timescale leading up to the official opening.
To create a friendly welcome for both students and staff within the atrium area, bright orange environmental graphics are set on a curved wall, displaying the INTO Centre’s logo. The effect embraces the students within a comfortable seating area.
So that students can quickly recognise the different areas of the building and locate which floor they are on, a colour coding system integrates with the rest of the décor used in the building. This was achieved using elements of the INTO logo in large format, providing a colourful background for wayfinding decision points. Floor plans and images were then digitally printed on the reverse of acrylic panels, button-fixed within the coloured area.
In areas where information changes on a regular basis, Signbox supplied their Modular Sign System, an elegant, robust and flexible solution which featured extruded interchangeable aluminium profiles.
To animate internal areas and introduce a fun element to the signage, Signbox manufactured to INTO’s designers’ specifications, a range of large format graphics including a knife and fork for the cafe area, and giant graphics to help identify the toilets’ locations. Fret-cut lettering is used applied directly to walls to supplement the modular signage panel system, identifying facilities and principal areas within the Centre.
To meet the tight deadline for the handover of the building from the contractor to INTO, Signbox completed the manufacturing of all the signs within three weeks. The second phase of the project for external signage is now under way and is due for completion in February.
What were the reasons for Into choosing to work with Signbox?
The tender selection process was based on an indicative package of signs , besides cost and quality , Signbox were elected on the basis of their better understanding of works and previous education experience.
What were the specifications for the project?
Into provided a very elegant overall design and Signbox contributed to the material specification. Signbox advised how the design could encompass the modular signing system to accommodate the on going changes that occur in education facilities with digitally printed acrylics and how to achieve the required keyplans which were provided at all floor levels to ensure students could easily progress all facilities.
How has the Signbox product been successfully implemented?
Detailed formal drawing approval process and samples ensured the client was well informed. The appointed Signbox PM attended site and checked all sign locations before providing sign location drawings for the client’s approval.
Accessibility- how accessible is the campus now?
The way finding scheme was entirely successful, additional works have only consisted of changing names to major facilities that have been moved within the facility.
Talk us through the importance of the vibrancy in the scheme for the college building
Into recognised and stressed that the decor/ambience was considered pivotal in making the student ‘offer’ attractive.
How have sustainable products been used in this project?
The modular signing system is a very high quality extruded engineered product that is both durable and robust. It is also sustainable due to its future proof design.
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