The Brief
While working as Senior Experiential Designer at Selbert Perkins Design, I consulted with the Political Science Department at MIT to create a new wayfinding system and placemaking additions to their 4th floor space. The initial location was a bit dreary and needed a facelift from the warm wood, warm light, and warm paint to help make it less "yellow". We worked with the department head and a few admin staff to completely redefine the space aesthetically.
The Audit
To start this project a full site audit was conducted, where we determined the major destinations across the space and then plotted the typical routes taken by students and staff. This mapping process gave us a solid decision points map, which almost directly correlates to the locations that require signage for wayfinding purposes. We also did a brand audit to gather information about their department, what they take pride in, and how they currently display themselves. These elements helped to create placemaking concepts across their space.
Our initial studies of the space showed 2 viable options for wayfinding signage. This is the first one, showcasing the use of overhead signage.
Our initial studies of the space showed 2 viable options for wayfinding signage. This is the second one, showcasing the use of soffit mounted signage.
Concept Design
For the second phase we worked with the client through a series of concept themes and inspiration imagery. Once initial design ideas were chosen I developed our ideas into the original audit 3D model to better showcase the transformation of the entire space.
We maintained the use of the 3D model for this location, as the angles of the hallways prevented us from being able to develop clear renders from our initial site photos. This animation was the final showcase of the Concept Design Stage for our client to review both wayfinding and placemaking opportunities throughout the space.
The Solution
For the remainder of the project, we distilled the designs down to actionable solutions. Including creating new content for many of their placemaking features which highlighted projects completed by members of the department.
The final design showcased via the original audit model.
Then I created a set of constructions drawings, sent it out to bid, and helped the client hire a signage vendor. The the vendor, Bluebird Graphics, fabricated and installed the signage and placemaking elements.
The Client
The MIT Department of Political Science sees in challenges the opportunity to conduct innovative, high-impact research. They believe that the strongest theoretical models emerge through observations in the field. From voting booths in the U.S. to the villages of Afghanistan and China to town forums in Liberia and Bangladesh, their goal is to advance the dialogue of political science by comparing empirical phenomena with scholarly insights into how societies work. In the process, they are developing alternative uses for existing methodologies and inventing new ones.
Employed Under
Selbert Perkins Design is an international design firm specializing in the integration of Branding, Wayfinding, and Placemaking that drives economic success for their clients.
