Signage in urban environments definitely takes a beating—its affected by everything from weather damage to pedestrian interaction—and upkeep can be costly. That’s why we were intrigued when we learned about Système Huntingdon, Inc’s Alto product line.  

This system of sub-surface graphics offers an interesting solution to the exterior signage problem. Système Huntingdon’s unique digital transfer method embeds graphics into architectural materials through a heat-and-vacuum process—essentially making the graphics part of the material. This can be done on flat, textured, or three-dimensional surfaces, embedding graphics into materials such as aluminum, steel, glass, or ceramics. 

A product like this would be great for urban environmental graphics and other signage installations in areas with high pedestrian traffic because the signs will be graffiti-resistant and offer both weather- and UV-protection. The process is also environmentally friendly—it doesn’t emit VOCs, and it uses water-based inks and recyclable base materials.

We’re considering this for our Pacific Avenue wayfinding project because the city of Tacoma is concerned about long-term maintenance. Have you had any experience with these or similar products? We’d be interested to hear about it in the comments section!

Image: An example of Système Huntingdon’s products used in urban environmental graphics.

We’re currently working with AHBL, a design and engineering firm, to create a wayfinding program for the City of Tacoma’s Pacific Avenue. This streetscape improvement plan will create a pedestrian-friendly environment for people to engage with the city and its unique history.

The new signage we’re designing is modern, clean, and structural, referencing the industrial character of the city. Image panels embedded in the faces of the L-shaped posts will feature historical photographs that are relevant to each sign’s location. This integrated artwork will create visual interest for pedestrians, encouraging them to linger and learn a bit about the city’s rich history.

As part of the design phase, we’ve also been working with an advisory committee of Tacoma business leaders, determining locations for signs along Pacific Avenue and a hierarchy of destination messages for the wayfinding program. The current program focuses on the downtown district, but can easily be expanded to other areas of the city.

In addition to the new signage, Pacific Avenue will also see increased green space, bike facilities, lighting, and public art.  Once complete, the updated streetscape will give pedestrians and businesses a welcoming place to connect with the history of their city and participate in building its future.

Image: rendering of future Pacific Avenue signage.

This week, we’ve been visualizing the Tour de France, checking out Wieden + Kennedy’s cool office space, and designing our perfect minimalistic vacation homes in the woods.

———————————————————————————-

Interesting discussion going on over the redesign of the London Tube map. Or is it a diagram?

This vacation home makes a great — and environmentally friendly — alternative to camping.

Pentagram’s wayfinding system for the New York Times building features wonderfully appropriate photos (all from the Times archive) for the room identification signs.

Whimsical poster illustrations of each phase of the Tour de France. (via Core 77)

Great typographic video about a powerful and difficult-to-detect computer virus. Seriously crazy stuff.

A look into Wieden + Kennedy’s awesome Portland digs (which may look familiar from this episode of Portlandia.

Image: Crayonfire’s poster of Stage 19 of the Tour de France.

Studio SC’s work at the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum was featured in the Seattle DJC today.

The southwest Colorado facility was created to help preserve and share the culture, language, and history of the Southern Ute tribe, and we infused these aspects into our environmental graphics and wayfinding program.  Jones & Jones Architects designed the building, which opened in May. 

A welcome gallery anchors two wings that curve around a courtyard. The gallery’s conic form is drawn from cultural sources such as the teepee, wickiup, taut skin of a drum and a woman’s shawl. Translucent cladding around the gallery allows it to glow inward during the day and outward at night.

You can read the rest of the DJC article here. And check out this recent post for more about our signage and graphics program.

This week we’ve explored the psychology behind naming paint colors, the meaning of “timelessness,” and the art of geolocating.

————————————————————————————-

Target brings wood-type to the masses. (via Quipsologies)

Cool idea for city wayfinding geared toward cyclists.

You are Here. Google maps in the real world.

In case you were wondering, “An afternoon in the country” is kind of the color of mud.

An exploration in timelessness.

Paris’ swanky and secretive Diner en blanc is being Americanized for swanky and secretive New Yorkers. Now we just need to figure out how to snag an invite…

Image: Aram Bartholl’s “Map” in Taipei, Taiwan.

This week we’ve been introduced to Apple’s new Headquarters, Nordstrom’s classy wayfinding icons, and the tastiest placeholder text generator ever.

————————————————————————————

The iSpaceship has landed.

Everything’s better with bacon, even your placeholder text.

Simple and clever concert poster for The Rolling Stones (not the Rolling Stones, but a Stones cover band. Articles are important, kids!)

The Olympic Torch for the London games: a gold, shiny, thoughtful design.

Physics can create some pretty neat art: check out these sound waves and rice, plus swinging pendulums.

Nordstrom puts its own stylish twist on wayfinding icons.

Won’t you look stylish riding your mahogany bike in your chic new biking clothes? Oh yes. You will. 

Image: Bacon Ipsum

Today’s Daily Journal of Commerce ran an article about our work at Everett Community College:

Seattle-based Studio SC said it has completed a campus wayfinding program for Everett Community College in Everett.

The navigation system also reinforces the college’s identity through strategic placement of signage and use of materials that reflect the modern industrial character of the campus’s newer buildings.

“Everett Community College was our latest project where environmental graphics have become a critical part of business owners’ brand and image campaign,” said Mark Sanders, Studio SC principal.

Mark’s reflections above are supported by reactions from Pat Sisneros, vice president of college services at Everett Community College. Sisneros says he’s already seeing the benefits of the wayfinding program after only a few months. “The signage is beautiful, simple, and highly visible,” Sisneros says. “It enhances the look of the college and really brings the campus together.” He has received a lot of feedback from people who say the signage program has made navigating campus easier. “The clarity of the signs and maps helps everyone—students, faculty, alumni, visitors—easily understand where they are in relation to where they want to go,” he says.

The impacts that Sisneros has noticed—cleanly integrated signage and improved navigation around campus—are just some of the benefits of a well-designed environmental graphics program that help create a positive image for an organization.  Plus, these changes are an economical way to help any organization, from schools to corporations to hospitals, connect with users and stand out against their competition.

Check out more information about our work at EvCC here.