Silver Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2022
OCT Happy Hour Wayfinding Signs
by Updesign
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: OCT Group
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 36,625
- Verification code BD779B76EB · Verify this award
About OCT Happy Hour Wayfinding Signs
Corbusier architectural language is well extracted and expressed in the wayfinding-sign design in this project. In general, the whole rough bold appearance is featured by exaggerated crude concrete components and exposed unfinished structures and facilities; in detail, cool shadows of heavy metal materials produce artistic 3D visual effects, conveying a powerful sense of minimalism.
Updesign's wayfinding system for the OCT Happy Hour complex exemplifies the refined integration of environmental graphics within contemporary architectural contexts, demonstrating how directional signage may transcend mere functional utility to become a considered element of spatial composition and placemaking, the monolithic pylon format evokes ancient commemorative traditions of the stele and obelisk yet reinterprets these archetypal forms through a distinctly contemporary material and typographic vocabulary, the choice of a stone-finished aggregate surface establishes immediate material kinship with the board-formed concrete aesthetic of the surrounding architecture while maintaining sufficient visual distinction to serve navigational purposes effectively, the incised letterforms represent a particularly accomplished technical choice wherein information is literally carved into the substrate rather than applied superficially, suggesting permanence, craftsmanship, and institutional gravitas appropriate to a cultural or innovation campus setting, compositionally the work achieves that elusive quality of appearing inevitable within its context as though the sign and building emerged from a unified design consciousness, the restrained chromatic approach limited almost entirely to variations within the grey spectrum demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how environmental graphics may complement rather than compete with architectural expression, the landscaping elements framing the sign base introduce necessary organic softening while reinforcing the sense of considered curation extending to every element of the visitor experience, one might observe how the directional arrow carved into the stone face achieves immediate legibility while maintaining aesthetic refinement avoiding the utilitarian appearance common to parking directional systems, the overall effect invites contemplation of how thoughtful design may elevate quotidian navigational challenges into opportunities for spatial poetry, visitors might consider how their experience of place is shaped by such carefully considered environmental interventions
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Corbusier architectural language is well extracted and expressed in the wayfinding-sign design in this project. In general, the whole rough bold appearance is featured by exaggerated crude concrete components and exposed unfinished structures and facilities; in detail, cool shadows of heavy metal materials produce artistic 3D visual effects, conveying a powerful sense of minimalism.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Overall texture: concrete coating. 1700mmX200mmX680mm
- Tags
- park-themed, residential, wayfinding, demonstration area, cement material, modernist, structural
- Production Technology
- Embraced by a grand architectural setting, fine details are required for close viewing of a sign board although it is a kind of building epitome. The whole body of concrete sign board is boldly shaped to show the distinct architectural aesthetics. High-standard cement material and qualified finishing craft are necessary to achieve a smooth but rough looking surface of the board. It is not just a sign board, but a lively artistic building epitome to echo with its grand architectural background.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge in this project is how to keep consistent visual effect between the colors of sign boards and existing building facades. Hence, the design team lay great emphasis on making cement material samples with repeated communication and coordination with the construction team to achieve minimal color tolerance.
- Project Duration
- September 2021, Northwest lishui District, Nanjing city, Jiangsu Province, China
- Operation Flow
- Rather than a mechanical combination of graphics and functions, UPD designers would like to endow this public communication space with rich special site spirit by wayfinding-sign design, to create a permanently impressive park for visitors. The meticulously designedwayfinding signage system harmoniously integrates man, architectural space, and design aesthetics as a gentle friendly whole.
- Research
- It is a time-consuming process to do a number of selections and experiments for choosing one of reasonable building techniques as the sample of sign-board making to ensure both information-providing function and abstract architectural image. Finally, cutting-plane variants are selected to visually convey an approximate spatial experience without adoptingother existing dominant building techniques or architectural elements.
- Inspiration
- The project is designed for the demonstration area of a large park-themed residence with Corbusier’s modernist architectural style. It’ll be transformed into a local culture center after residential deliveries. UPD extracts Corbusier architectural language into wayfinding-sign design on landscaping belts and entrance paths. It makes aesthetic architectural aura easily available everywhere in a vivid way. A more 3D space experience is ingeniously created by the wayfinding signs here and there.
- Image Credits
- Updesign
Colors of OCT Happy Hour Wayfinding Signs
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Environmental Wayfinding and Signage Design
We transform spaces with award-winning wayfinding systems that seamlessly integrate architecture, brand identity, and user experience. Our expertise spans commercial developments, urban projects, and public spaces, creating memorable environments that guide and inspire visitors.
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