We know the way to identity and orientation.

We are convinced that good signage can do much more than show the way. A good wayfinding system moves people. It speaks its own language. It blends into the architecture seamlessly. It adds value to buildings. It removes barriers. It simplifies even complex places. It is analogue. It is digital. It is flexible. It is dependable. It lends identity. It provides security and increases the quality of the stay. It creates a connection between people and space as well as between route and destination.

Our task is to harmonise these options and find an individual solution to each challenge. This is why we listen carefully, analyse in detail and advise in depth before we plan and realise a new signage system. Naturally, we also evaluate and optimise existing systems in this scope.

We manage orientation!

The planning of a signage system calls for professional expertise that incorporates spatial, architectural thinking and places the focus of the development process on the user experience.

Certainty – Image – Identification

The primary, spontaneous perception of a place is of considerable significance for visitors: it moulds their feelings, both positively and negatively, and may trigger associations and memories. The signage plays a key role in this, as for most people a lack of orientation means uncertainty, even fear. Visible signage therefore exerts a key influence on the psyche: it creates trust.

Signage welcomes people and delivers certainty in addition to orientation. On the one, hand, this aspect has a functional significance, whilst on the other it exerts a great influence on the perception of surroundings or the institution itself. A good wayfinding system is therefore also an image factor. It brings people together with places in an emotional way. This aspect is particularly relevant for buildings with an educational use. Our realisations for the Robert Bosch College in Freiburg, the School of Industry in Chemnitz or the Albert Schweitzer School in Hanover are places with which pupils can identify to an above-average extent.

Between architecture and people

As expert planners with years of experience, we know that the characteristics and qualities of the architecture need to be combined with the signage. In this we not only refer to the exciting collaboration with acclaimed architecture offices such as HPP, Zaha Hadid, Peter Kulka or Holzer Kobler, but also to numerous projects for heritage-listed ensembles such as Dresden Castle, the Semperoper opera house or the Dresden Zwinger.

Every architecture has its language, its aura and its standards. As an interface to the people, the wayfinding system seeks out the right communicative level to be visible on the one hand whilst allowing the architecture to exert its influence in the other, at the most offering it support in this. Through materiality, form, colour scheme and proportions the signage establishes a reference to the surroundings, in some cases a contrasting one.

Simple solutions for complex places

The value of good orientation is demonstrated without doubt in complex places such as stadiums, airports, event places – where every minute counts – or large sites. The clear structuring of these extensive interior or exterior spaces is a prerequisite for presentation of the site. Our planning for the Research Campus in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld or our study for the Potsdam Science Park, two large, multi-tenant campuses of over 60 ha, present very different challenges as a result of their respective topography.

Fewer barriers, more openness

The focus is on people. However, people also differ from one another due to their background, habits and abilities. Optimal wayfinding system is inclusive and brings all users safely to their destination. In this, we regard the barrier free aspect not only in the sense of supporting people with disabilities, but also in the sense of integration. Signage is aimed at all users, irrespective of origin, cognitive or physical capabilities.

 

Scope of services

• Consulting
• Appraisal
• Orientation strategy
• Wayfinding programming
• Design concept
• Schematic and final design
• Approval application
• Tender documentation and action
• Project supervision and control
• Project documentation
• Role of general contractor

 

Focus

• Accessibility
• Listed monuments
• Digital Signage
• APP
• Project management
• Schedule and cost planning
• CAD 2D / 3D / BIM
• Coordination