On California Time

Task

Design a signage system and visual identity for California Hall

Driving Questions

  • How can we reference California in the hall's identity?
  • How can we tie all the sign types together so they appear part of the same language?
  • How can we create a welcoming space both inside and outside the hall for the students, staff, and faculty who pass through?

 

Design Solution

Working with the completed architecture, we rounded it out; The signage is based around the physical and chromatic manifestations of movement over the course of the day.  A gradual curve and/or color gradient accents each sign

My Responsibilities: concept, in-situ renderings,

My Role: Half of a partnership with Makayla Stump

Left: This early word study helped define the design concept for this signage and wayfinding system.

Project Intent

Signage and Wayfinding System On California Time aims to develop a cohesive signage system for one of UC Davis’ newest lecture halls that pays homage to the hall’s namesake state.  The visual identity of this signage system is inspired by the dynamic movement of people through the vast network of California’s roadways.  The wavelike patterns created by this movement are mirrored by the sun, one of the most recognizable symbols of California. The sun signals the passage of time by moving across the horizon and gradually shifting the colors in the sky from sunrise to nightfall.  This shift is captured in the 3-toned gradient that defines this visual language. 

Encapsulating themes include both coastal and urban travel across the state of California.  Ever mobile, Californians also have an undeniably unique pace at which they move through life, which they casually refer to as California time.  Indeed, students might find themselves on California time as they use the signage to navigate the building, a bright hall of learning in which they will be encouraged to pave their own educational paths.

Graphic Identity

Color Palette

Typography

Signage Details

The orientation sign is fitted over the concrete blocks outside California Hall and serves a dual purpose for wayfinding and for seating. LEDs sit just under the top lip of the sign so that the map is illuminated at nighttime.

Heating Issue: We realized that the seat might overheat in the summer due to its metal face, but found a potential solution in raising the seat up just enough to introduce airflow between it and the concrete block.

Signage Vocabulary

In-Situational Renderings

Status: Conceptual