ABG DESIGN
Project Name: University of East Anglia – Wayfinding, signage, map and signage design guide
Client: University of East Anglia
Sector: Schools, colleges and universities
Location: Norwich, Norfolk (UK)
Role: ABG Design was commissioned to undertake a complete wayfinding audit of the UEA campus, and to design and specify a campus wide signage family. To complement the new wayfinding & signage scheme, they developed a stylised campus map with a grid reference and key to aid orientation around the campus. A comprehensive signage design guideline was also created to aid future development and implementation on campus.
The Brief: The University of East Anglia is ranked 27th out of 132 (The Good University Guide 2023, The Sunday Times), and is regarded as one of the top universities in the country. The site is very complex with a mix of building styles and open spaces, including a wildlife park. Navigation of the site was key, ABG Design provided a robust wayfinding system incorporating all accessible routes. A new pictogram family was needed to add continuity, it was vital that the students could identify that they were in a UEA campus space, so a distinctive design was adopted so that students would know they are within the UEA campus.
Outcome: As the University is well regarded for its quality of teaching, the quality of the design was important for ABG Design but also the quality of materials needed to really reflect this. Where ever possible ABG Design wanted the materials used to be as sustainable as possible, but without compromising on longevity.
All the totem maps were designed with flexibility in mind as ABG Design knew from the brief that the messaging was likely to change on an annual basis. Walking times to all teaching spaces were introduced, making it easier for students to plan their trips. All fingerposts had very clear site lines to improve navigation throughout the campus.
Howard Miles, ABG Design Managing Director said: “We are really pleased with the outcome of this project. Its stood the test of time as UEA are a longstanding client of our and we annually update the campus map. The overall design approach has not changed since its inception and we also offer consultancy when tendering for the wider production projects.”
Case study submitted by: ABG Design.