EGD Case Study: Texas Historical Commission

Nando — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:51:33 +0000

My last project at fd2s was particularly interesting in that I took over many roles during its duration. For this project I was Lead, Project Manager, Designer, and even Surveyor.

The Scope

The deliverable consisted of a standardized signage program for multiple historic sites. Not only does each site has its own unique programmatic needs and existing, disparate signage; with historic timeframes ranging from pre-columbian civilization to early twentieth century the architectural references span hundreds of years.

How to consolidate hundreds of years of history? How to keep signage from interfering with the site’s specific aesthetics, while performing the important function of guiding visitors through, sometimes a densely packed site in what is now a hotel, sometimes through acres upon acres of beautiful (far-west) Hill Country landscape? The challenge seemed daunting at first. The process became a design-guiding trip (in more ways than one) that I’l never forget.

One sees a lot of this driving in Texas...

Assessment and Programming

The first step in this project was to fully document (and understand) the current state of wayfinding signage in the eighteen sites in the Scope. I also assessed opportunities for improvement.

Presenting these findings became something of its own challenge. There were existing signs to be demolished and replace, discarded, new signs in places where there were none, and so on.

In order to clearly convey all this information, I devised an easy to use symbol legend where each symbol (distinct even when reproduced in black and white) would communicate the conditions of each location.

Sign Location Plan and Symbol Legend for THC

Design

Once I understood the needs of the system it was easier to think about the container for these messages. But there was still the question of how to consolidate so many dissimilar sites.

Early sketches for THC wayfinding signage

My approach was to design a sign that conveyed the Texas Historical Commission brand. Taking in consideration their existing brand guidelines, budget and material considerations I produced a simple post and panel system.

Studies for THC wayfinding signage

These are signs that, rather than trying to blend in a faux-period-style fashion, embrace their contrast and announce the sites belong to an organization whose mission and reach extends beyond the current site. Bold enough to stand out, sober enough to allow for the site’s own characteristics to shine.
(click for larger images)

Final sign family for THC wayfinding signage

As part of my presentation to the Commission, I made some digital mockups showing what a typical sign would look on site. These went a long way toward helping the client visualize the end result.
(click for larger images)

Photomontage of wayfinding signage

The final deliverable included message schedules with sign location plans for all sites, as well as a detailed wayfinding sign standards manual. Take a gander at this excerpt:

Open publication - Free publishing - More design

The Result

The programs has been a succes with easy implementation throughout the system. These are some pictures taken by the client:

Wayfinding signage implementation

I couldn’t just leave you with that. Not after seeing more Texas than most. Here’s a look of the Chihuahuan Desert on the way to Fort Lancaster:

The Chihuahuan Desert from US290

Wayfinding: City of Marshall

Nando — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:29:54 +0000

My employer at the time,fd2s, was hired by the city of Marshall, Texas to develop a wayfinding strategy and design. I was involved in the initial concept phase, and responded to the design brief with a conservative post and panel design. The simplicity of the design is meant to both allow the content to stand out, as well as suggest a warm sense of handcraft. (Click on images for larger, more detail)

We conceived a flexible design, as this concept will likely be used in many different configurations and scales as the needs and location for the signs change.

The image above illustrates some of the many possible sign configurations. The model below suggests the use of one configuration at an intersection.

The “double twin bracket” theme was carried over throughout the system:

Part of the Marshall revitalization plan calls for the creation of an entertainment district. To direct traffic, and serve as a beacon to drivers on nearby I-20, we proposed the use of searchlights as well as custom overpass signage and lighting. It was my job to illustrate these concepts. Below you can see the original daytime photos on the left, and the photomontages for the concepts. (Click on images for larger, more detail)