Visual Systems

Wayfinding for a Homeless Shelter

Sandran Hylen's Design Statement of Intent

“The establishment of answers indicates that not only is there a need for a place to stay but a place to live. Understanding the structual and personal reasons for homelessness is why the design has a three step process that visualises a future of independence and a Bournemouth without homelessness.

The proposition will be fully temporary and multifunctioning with a philosphical pespective on social interactions within the building using flow and space awarness, aswell as promoting a motivational, educational and practical space.”

Main Points We took

‘Not only a place to stay but a place to live.’ -This suggested to us that the place should feel homely and welcoming.

‘A three step process that visualises a future of independence.’ -The building is a process to help homeless people become independent.

‘Fully temporary and multi-functioning.’

‘Promoting a motivational, educational and practical space.’ -The design has to work with the space wanting to feel motivational.

Survival, Healing and Independence

We wanted to add a design that represented motivation, healing and independence. This is how we came up with a mountain. Mountains evoke a special sense of awe and power and no single image or meaning can capture or express every facet of its symbolic significance. It can also represent a process and a challenge which can help motivate individuals.

Using Miro for Generating Ideas

Due to COVID this meant communication between our team was going to be a challenge. These are some of the platforms we used to communicate to each-other regularly. Miro was a really helpful tool that we used a lot as we could discuss our ideas and upload any helpful images or designs we’ve done. This helped us come up with a strong concept and bring our ideas to life.

Using a Bright Colour Palette

We chose a different colour scheme for each floor so users can easily know where they are by telling floors apart. We used a lot of positive colours to keep the spaces feeling happy and welcoming. We felt having a limited colour scheme could feel a bit too corporate and intimidating which we wanted to avoid. On each floor we used more of a subtle colour for any design and the bright colours for important signage to make it clear to all users.

Logo for Zenith House

For our final logo I wanted to represent Sandra’s idea of a 3 step process of getting out of homelessness. This is why I decided to place the 3 mountains together with the name of our building underneath. This logo is easily recognisable and simple. The light green in the colour represents calmness and saftey.

Visual Impairment Workshop

When designing for our way-finding it is important to consider all design aspects to work for all users. This can be done through large font size to help people with limited eyesight so see, also considering Braille on signage. Additionally its important our signs are at a level where all users can see it clearly. Additionally, it’s important to think about colour and consider what will stand out the most. Using the glasses taught us that glare, colour and size is really important to help way-finding stand out. ‘Any wayfinding solution must to be people-centred, taking into account the user at every stage. By combining sciences like communication studies, ergonomics, psychology, semiotics, and sociology, with empathy and design sensitivity, we are able to create unique wayfinding strategies and designs which meets the unique needs of each user – no matter what the brand, environment or context.’ -(www.integrity.co.uk, n.d.)

Using Recycled Wood

During this project George and I did a lot of research in different materials to use for our wayfinding design. With sustainability being incredibly important to us we knew there was no excuse not to use materials that where sustainable. We looked into recycled materials. We came to a conclusion that either recycled wood an bamboo would be used for our wayfinding, not only is it most sustainable it also helped give our wayfinding a welcoming, cosy and warm feel, this was important to Sandra as she mentioned she wanted the space to feel open and welcoming which is why any hard manufactured material would have been inapropriate. Furthermore, Sandra’s space is temporary and multifunctioning meaning the wood can keep being recycled and reused to limit any waste.

Floor Plans 0,,1,2

This was my final outcome of the floor plans. I decided to simplify them down to make them most legible for the users. We coded it using our icons which is much easier to understand rather than using a numbered system. The font is clear and bold to stand out. Furthermore, i decided to take out any patterns from the back ground and over powering colours as I felt it took focus of the wayfinding.