Studio Brief 1 - Wayfinding - Rationale and Initial Ideas

RATIONALE 

The proposed wayfinding system is for the Leeds Owl Trail which takes the public around the city, discovering owls within the architecture of the Leeds’ iconic buildings. The trail is predominantly used by tourists to the area and acts as a way of exploring the city, whilst also connecting with the heritage of the local area. It is also popular with families as a way for children to engage with their environment in an exciting way. The system is focussed on one of the two trails, The Civic Owl Trail.

The trail follows the path of owls across the city. The owls were originally derived from the Leeds Coat of Arms, which was a symbol of the towns heritage and pride, with the owls specifically originating from the first Alderman’s personal coat of arms. The system development was particularly influenced by heraldry and more specifically, the colour scheme for the design is based on that of the original Leeds Coat of Arms. 

The directional arrows in the system make further reference to the owls, this time physically and more specifically to their binocular field of vision. Positioning the whole of the symbol in the same direction enables this ‘line of sight’ to be further emphasised.

As a concept the system was created by subjectively describing the locations. Using Frutiger and Hoffmans shape meanings allowed the creation of objective representations of the adjectives used, therefore reflecting a sense of the place, either physically or emotionally.

Initial ideas and thoughts for the brief based on research:

Focus on heraldry

-        The owls are derived from the Leeds Coat of Arms. Could I create Coats of Arms for each of the places? These could use physical characteristics of the buildings or be based on the history of the places.

Focus on the Architecture and buildings where the owls are located

-        Have the signs on the sides of the buildings at head height this allows information to be taken in better (Paul Mijksennar). The system should complement the architecture and not distract from it (AM Cassandre). Signs could be created to mimic the sides of the buildings this would allow me to physically ‘mark’ the owls on the signs. If the architecture is the focus what is the best angle from which to see the owls e.g across the street. Could I create standing signs which you look though in order to see the building behind. The sign could be made of clear Perspex with the location of the owl engraved on it so it marries up with the building behind. As a more portable solution I could create a booklet which you could hold up to the buildings when at the viewing spot. This would also be see through with the location of the owl printed ontop.

Focus on owls

-        Create imagery that is based on the habits of owls and how they live/ function. Owls roost up high much like where the owls are situated on the buildings. Feathers could be placed in a pile beneath where the owls are.  Feathers are already quite arrow shaped could these be experimented with to create directional symbols? The system could only function in the dark, as owls do. Could the pictograms glow in the dark?