To begin designing a way finding system first I had to decide what signs were needed and where they needed to go. In order to do this I acquired the floor plans for the building specifically the first floor and the graphic design studios. I also made several journeys through the site, noting where my eye was drawn to and how I moved through the site. I also observed others interacting with the site and watched how they moved through it, specifically the first years who are still growing used to the building as a whole.
After this I recorded my journey through a series of photographs taking note of where all the existing signs are and how effective they are in their current positions.
As an existing sign system the LCA signage isn't overly exciting. In all honesty I recall that late in my second year was the first time I actually noticed the studios had numbers so it does fail to stand out or really capture the essence of Leeds College of Art. I also remember finding it confusing to traverse the entire college and move from one department to another, most of the areas are rather cut off from each other and I can imagine a fine art student would struggle to know where the first year graphic design studio is or even the design department. Even now there are some areas I still get confused getting too and I have spent an awful lot of time here.
It is apparent that the sign choices were made out of necessity and budget, the minimal grey signs function on the most basic level of way finding and ignore all aspects of branding and design. Where the environmental design does make up for this is through the use of decorations and art, the bright red artwork brings a bit of life to the blank empty hallways and attempts to capture the spirit of graphic design. However there is very little synergy between way finding and environment and the two stand as polar opposites. In relation to the building the outside is hideous, there is very little inspiration to be drawn from there and the inside does little to better this. Although stripped back studios with exposed lighting and bare floors can be done tastefully LCA did not have the budget to do so, this is where the artworks really come into play, they make the shabby look professional and intentional. However, in relation to the signage it gives the whole building a 'prison-like' personality.
After cleaning up the existing floor plans I went back through my photo journey, as well as walking again around the site to choose appropriate signage and placements for the signs and decals. Coming up with a final list of signs needed for the site.
One orientation/room list sign
One identification department sign
All studio identification/numbered signs
Level 4 Studio 133
Level 5 Studio 130
Level 6 Studio 136
Studio 136c
Staff Office 132
Crit Room/Small Studio 134
Staff Office 135
Toilet direction sign
Toilet identification signs
Lift Identification sign
Regulatory no entry sign for room 136c
Stair to All floors sign above stairs
Decals/Department Identification through hall on three walls
Level 4 Studio Decal
Level 5 Studio Decal
Level 6 Studio Decal
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