Project Report 2019
WAYFINDING
Ma information Design 2019-2020 University of Reading Autumn term 2019 Ailette Xiomara Cรณrdova Castro 1
INDEX 3 3 3 3 3
ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Brief Strengths Weaknesses The Website
4 5 7
DISCOVERY Mental Maps and Interviews Similar Wayfinding systems applied to open spaces
9 CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 10 Connection Diagram 10 Flow Diagram 10 Destination Points 11 Sketching the Idea 12 Testing Typography 13 Selection of Colours 14 Process
About the Project : This project is focused on wayfinding solutions applied to the Abbey Gardens and the Abbey Ruins. Both the garden and the ruins are parts of the Abbey Quarter which is a symbolic place of Reading. They are
Actions: • Explore the Abbey quarter and its surroundings to observe the sort of users that use the park. • Interview users around the park to understand more
connected through a small tunnel and are located downtown near many
about the function of the garden and the ruins within the
relevant places such as the Reading Train Station, The Abbey quarter also
community.
includes the Reading Museum, the Town Hall, Reading Gaol, St. James’ Church and St Laurence’s Church. Project Brief Task: To create a wayfinding system which will facilitate different types of users to navigate through the park in a straightforward and certain way. Aims:
• Gather mental maps from the interviews to recognize landmarks, major and minor entrance and decision points. • Visited the website of the Abbey Quarter to find out about the history of the place, the events that are offered during the year at this location, the time schedule of the place and other services that are offered. • Define strengths and weaknesses of the Abbey Garden and the Abbey Ruins.
• Create high-quality signs with durable materials,
• Define destination points
• Improve the legibility of the Abbey Garden and the Abbey Ruins by adding fingerpost
• Create a connection diagram and a flow diagram based
at major decision points that will be defined in the analysis stage of the process. • Improve the experience of pedestrians by installing poles that will show relevant information to navigate through the park such as maps, identification signage and fingerposts. • Improve the experience of tourists by adding a timeline in all poles that describes the main events that have occurred in these places. Add signage to the poles, that contains
on the major and minor entrances, decision points and destination points. • Compare similar wayfinding systems applied on parks and open areas. • Define user personas based on the previous research, the connection diagram and the flow diagram.
historical information.
15 17 18 18 19
OUTCOMES Strategy The signige Messurments X-hight
• Increase the sense of security for visitors going through the park and the ruins by adding lighting to the poles.
Deliverables: • Mental maps of the users that were an interview. • List of strengths and weaknesses. • List of destinations • Connection diagram
29 30 32 33
APPLICATION User Journey Signage Family Conclution
• Flow diagram • User personas profiles • Strategy • Sign’s Family • Signs grid • Signs content
2
Strengths • Strong landmarks around the Abbey Garden, such as the Maiwand Lion, the Bandstand, the Forbury Hill and the Rustic Fountain, among others. • Tall buildings to the north-east that help orientate the user. • Landmarks are located close to nodes. • A clear route to the train station as a result of a commuter traffic walking in the same direction during weekdays at rush hour.
Weaknesses • Lots of entrance points. • Very open spaces.
• Poor lighting at late hours make the garden and the ruins look unsafe and can cause a sense of anxiety among users.
• Susceptible to nature.
• Different styles of historical and wayfinding content are mixed.
• Crossing paths.
• Lion obscures at its opposite exit.
• A small tunnel that connects the garden and the ruins that seems to be hidden.
• Lack of Identificational signs in the landmarks.
• Some of the landmarks are close to each other .
• The mix of styles of the identificational signages.
• If there is an event, there are no signs to indicate you cannot enter through either
• Legibility issues related to the identificational signage.
the garden or the ruins.
• Undefined navigation system.
The website • The Abbey Garden and the Abbey Ruins remain open 24 hours according to the website and their schedule can only be affected if an event takes place. • Although the historical content on the signage of the Abbey Quarter is related to the online content, the website has a wider explanation of the history of the place.
3
DISCOVERY
4
Mental Maps and
The Abbey Garden
Interviews
Regular users who were visiting
According to the mental maps
the park for leisure were able to
drawn by a pedestrian, the
recognize landmarks and entrances
reasons to visit either the Abbey
in a clear way and oriented
Garden or the Abbey Ruins
themselves quickly and naturally.
are based on their location at
Nonetheless, the terrestrial
the heart of Reading. These
connection between the Abbey
places are located near a highly
Garden and the Abbey is ignored
concurred and commercial area.
as many of these pedestrians only
Many pedestrians would happily
drew just a part of the area.
pass through this area as part to their commute to their homes.
The commuters passing through
People who work nearby will
the park were able to navigate the
visit this area during lunchtime
park in an easy way. Although they
and other users will take the bus
recognized landmarks, they do not
• Young Person
• Young Person
stop in front of the train station
know their exact name in most
• Frequent visitor
• Visited the park when the weather is good
to get back home.
cases. For new commuters, the
• Passes by and sometimes visit in lunch time
• Dose not visited the park often
garden gets very dark at night and
• Doesn’t know the name of the landmarks
• Does not locate itself easily around the park
Many other pedestrians would
it is not easy to recognize what is
• Recognizes the Abbey Ruins
• Easy to navigate the park
decide to visit for leisure. They
behind the Maiwand Lion statue.
• Never lost because the park is easy to navigate since is small park
• Recognized the landmarks easily
will aim not only to relax in the park but also will consider visiting the Abbey Ruins after shopping near the area. They will walk their dogs or just sit around and enjoy the area. Because this area is an emblematic part of Reading’s history, there are pedestrians who will visit the Abbey Ruins and Abbey Gardens to learn about know their history and will spend time reading the historical signage.
• Old Person • Frequent visitor • Visits to walk the dog
• The preference landmark is the fountain
• Young person
• Changes the name of all the landmark
• It is going to the train station
• Usually commutes to the park
• Visited the one hour every day 5
The Abbey Ruins Many users visit the Ruins to know more about the history of Reading. They usually read the historical signage and look around the park. Even though they do not find it difficult to navigate the ruins and the garden, they do not recognize landmarks or paths in an easy and clear way. Their drawings of the park are unclear. Commuters in this area already know the path they must follow to get to the garden or other parts of the city. They usually ignore historical signage.
• Adult person • Visiting the ruins • The landmarks have become irrelevant through the park since the person is used to the park • Thinks the signage is impor tant for the landmarks in the ruins
• Adult person • Usually commutes to the park
6
• Young person
• It is going to the train station
• Visiting as a touris
• The landmarks have become irrelevant through the park since the person is
• Adult person
• Found the park and ruins easy to navegate
• Visit the park regularlly
• Thinks the signage is impor tant for the landmarks in the ruins
used to the park • When it is dark, the paths are not clear for other commuters
Similar Wayfinding systems applied to
Mall Arauco Quilicura
Kings Park Wayfinding Signage
open spaces
www.wayfinding.cl/portfolio/maq/
www.axiomdp.com.au/portfolio/kings-park-wayfinding-signage/
The inspiration for the use of a pole that contains the historical, directional and identificational signage as well as the use of colour blue in the design and the development of the strategy was defined by consulting many similar projects. For the purpose of this project, these are the most relevant references.
• Created in 2013
• Location: Australia
• Location: Quilicura Chile.
• Author: Axiom
• Author: Wayfinding Co.
• Aims: Created a system that works for both the Kings Park and Botanic garden. The
• Aims: Create signage similar to the current one around the city.
system implements, fingerposts and totems, in which they mix directional signage,
• Features considered for this project: The fingerpost with an arrow’s shape and the pictograms location within the composition
location signage, icons, maps and information about the park and the garden. • Features considered for this project: The use of color tones such as yellow, red and white over a blue background.
7
Frankston Waterfront Wayfinding Strategy
Cardwell Foreshore wayfinding signage
www.heinejones.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Frankston_WaterFront_CaseStudy.pdf
www.commarts.com/exhibit/cardwell-foreshore-wayfinding-signage
• Created in 2009
• Created in 2011
• Location: Fransktone, Australia
• Location: Cardwell, Australia
• Author: Heine Jones
• Author: Dotdash firm
• Aims: Differentiated different aspects of the city, such as parks, gardens, cycle paths or
• Aims: Make visitors enjoy nature while navigating trough the forest easily.
activities in the central district. • Features considered for this project: The use of color tones, the signige arrangenment in the fingerpost, use of pictograms
Crescent Farm, LA Arboretum www.huntdesign.com/projects/exhibits/crescent-farm-la-arboretum/
• Location: Los Angeles County • Author: Hunt Design • Aims: Make visitors enjoy nature while navigating trough the place easily. • Features considered for this project: The pole’s rectangular form and the horizontal orientation of text within it, 8
• Features considered for this project: The signige arrangenment in the fingerpost, use of pictograms, highlighting the regions identity and history of the place.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
9
Connection diagram *The colors of the connection diagram are related to the colors of the signage use in the are.
lion
bandstand
hill
fountain
L
B
H
F
1
2
3
5
4
6
6
church
altar
chapterhouse
C
A
CH
Desition points
Signage
dormitory
D
Flow diagram Forb
Forbu
ury R
ry Ro
oad
ad
Forbu
Destination Points
ry Roa
Forbu
ry Roa
d
The finger post content is decided base on this list
d A329
Forb
ury R
Forbu
oad
ry Roa
d
Forbury Hill
The
Forbury Gardens
b u ry
For
St James Catholic Church
Maiwand Lion
2
Bandstand
Forbury Gardens Day Nursery
6
Sam’s Wraps
1 War Memorial
10
11
ur
or b y
Reading Gaol (site of)
t
ry The Forbu
Abbots House
Deloitte
et
Davidson House
10
Forbury Hotel Apartments
• Town Hall Square
• Dormitory
• St James Roma Church • Forbury Place
• Forbury Place • Forbury Hill
TEAMCo Abbey Point
7
• Oscar Wilde Memorial • Huntley Bus stop
• The Abbey Ruins Interpretation of Ruins
Entrance 7 to:
• Saint Laurence Church
Entrance 6 to:
Carluccio's
• Altar
• Maiwand Lion
Reading Crown Court
Forbury Square
• Town Hall Square
• Reading station
Robed Figure
y Stre Abbe
Forbury’s
• Church
Entrance 5 to:
Abbey Ruins
Forbury Hotel
• The Oracle
Entrance 4 to:
The Abbey Gateway
• The Abbey Garden
• Forbury Road bus sto
12
Abbey Stree
F The
orbury
The F
• Saint Laurence Church
• Reading Station
alk Abbot's W
The Forbury/ Abbot's Walk
Entrance 6 to:
Entrance 3 to:
6
5
5
Entrance 1 to:
Entrance 2 to:
St James Presbytery
1.1
At the Abbey Ruins
• Market Place bus stop
Rustic Fountain
Memorial to Henry I
At the Abbey Garden
• The fountain
• Chapter House • Warf
7
Sketching the idea
Sketches of different ideas
At the beginning of this project, the idea was to design a pole with light that would be generated by wind or/and solar power .These poles would also have a small roof that makes the user feel comfortable while reading the historical signage. Due to a lack of time to research the type of technology and material needed to make this possible, the pole prototype has been modified to only equip lighting and without power generation.The roof has also been eliminated from the design of the pole. Prototype 1
Prototype 2
11
Testing typography
Identificationa signs test 1 with Lexia Xbold
Lexia is typography that counts with a variety of weights, which
Identificationa signs test
Identificationa signs test 2
allows flexible experimentation and a variety of possibilities to
1 with Lexia Xbold
with Lexia bold
Maiwand Lion
Maiwand Lion
Bandstand
Bandstand
Forbury Hill
Forbury Hill
Rustic Fountain
Rustic Fountain
be applied. For the aim of this project, bold weight is used. In the first approached, a bolder version of the type was applied, but this was unnecessary and made the composition look rough. Lexia weights
Lexia Thin
Lexia Thin Italic
Abbey Ruins
Abbey Ruins
Lexia Light
Lexia Light Italic
Abbey Garden
Abbey Garden
Lexia Regular
Lexia Italic
Church
Church
Lexia Bold
Lexia Bold Italic
Altar
Altar
Lexia XBold
Lexia XBold Italic
Chapter House
Chapter House
Lexia Black
Lexia Black Italic
Dormitory
Dormitory
Lexia Advertaising
Lexia Advertaising Italic
Warf
Warf
Saint Laurence Church Town Hall Square Saint Laurence The Church Oracle
Identificationa signs final design
Lexia was not considered for any of the times in which typography was tested. Identificationa Signs Test 2
Identificationa Signs Test 1
12
Nutcracker
Suburban OT
Farmhand Sans
Halyard Display
Clarendon URW
Albiona
Condor
Regular
Light
Regular
Bold
Bold
Bold
Bold
Maiwand Lion
MAIWAND LION
Maiwand Lion
Bandstand
BANDSTAND
Bandstand
Forbury Hill
FORBURY HILL
Forbury Hill
Rustic Fountain
RUSTIC FOUNTAIN
Rustic Fountain
Abbey Ruins
ABBEY RUINS
Abbey Ruins
Abbey Garden
ABBEY GARDEN
Abbey Garden
Church
CHURCH
Church
Altar
ALTAR
Altar
Chapter House
CHAPTER HOUSE
Chapter House
Dormitory
DORMITORY
Dormitory
Warf
WARF
Warf
Maiwand Lion Bandstand Forbury Hill Rustic Fountain Abbey Ruins Abbey Garden Church Altar Chapter House Dormitory Warf
MAIWAND LION BANDSTAND FORBURY HILL RUSTIC FOUNTAIN ABBEY RUINS ABBEY GARDEN CHURCH ALTAR CHAPTER HOUSE DORMITORY WARF
Maiwand Lion Bandstand Forbury Hill Rustic Fountain Abbey Ruins Abbey Garden Church Altar Chapter House Dormitory Warf
Maiwand Lion Bandstand Forbury Hill Rustic Fountain Abbey Ruins Abbey Garden Church Altar Chapter House Dormitory Warf
Selection of colours
Text for the historical signage and map Mr Eaves Mod OT was the typography chosen for the paragraphs in the historical signage and the map. Although this typography is ideal for paragraphs next to Lexia the design is not consistent. After testing this signage the typography named Ingra has been chosen.
ruins using the tool from adobe. The tool extracts a limit of 5 tones per picture; therefore, the same picture was used several times to extract groups of tones. Because the pictures were taken with poor lighting due to weather, the
Lexia and Ingra working togueter
YOU’VE FOUND ABBEY GARDENS
A series of tones were extracted from pictures of the garden and the
tones were either obscure or pale.Therefore, for the final design, the dark You are no entering Abbey Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
tint was reduced in each tone, except in the blue background. Different options of tones most likely to be used in the design of the system.
The Ruins Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
Tones used for the final designs Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
The Rins Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings. St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
13
Process
The fingerpost used to be longer, and an arrow was implemented on the design, this change in the outcomes.
It was defined from the beginning that the identificational signs will be attached to the pole, what was undefined was at wich high. Therefore the
Abbey Garden
1121
which the design was defined by the size of the text. Final Design of identificational sign.
Second Approache of the fingerpost
Abbey Garden
Abbey Ruins
Church
Henry I found Reading Abbey
1164
1164
1164
1254
1254
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
1254
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
1453
1453
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
1453
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
1539
1539
1539
1549
1549
1560
1560
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
Closter demolished
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
1643
Church
1643
The Oracle
1856
1856
1861
1861
Town Hall Third Approache of the fingerpost
Saint Laurence Church Town Hall Square
Final Design of the fingerpost
Town Hall Square
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
Closter demolished
The Oracle
14
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
first item which was developed was the fingerpost, in
First approac of the identificational sign.
Approaches for the timeline using different x-hights.
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
1833
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
1833
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III Parliament meets at Reading Abbey Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
1549
Closter demolished
1560
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
1643
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
1833
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
1856
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
1861
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
Unfortunately, the Zoom out map was not fully developed, for this map three caps from google maps used to trace the places and paths.
First approach of the fingerpost with messurments
The Zoom-in of the map simplifies the paths that the user will take, and add some icons to point at the landmarks and places of interest. Forbur
y Rd
Forbur
y Rd
Forbur
Forbur
y Rd
y Rd
Forbur
y Rd
ury orb eF Th
The Forbury lk
Abbot’s Wa
y
rbur The Fo YOU ARE HERE
rbury
The Fo
y St Abbe
The Forbury
Market pl
y St Abbe
Kings Rd d
gs R
Kin
Forb u
Forbury
ry Rd Forbury
Rd Forbury
Rd Forbury
Rd
Rd
ry
bu
or eF
Th
ury
orb eF
Th The Forbury
YOU ARE HERE
The Forbury
ry
bu
or eF
Th
ury
rb The Fo
P
rbury
The Fo
The Forbury
rbury
The Fo
The Forbury
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
Items such as icons and arrows were sketched but not fully developed.
15
OUTCOMES
16
Strategy: Abbey Garden
Abbey Ruin
Touch point
Pole with: Identification sign. Fingerposts Map Zoom in (entrance, from the Forbury untill entrance 3, The lion and entrance 5) Map Zoom out (from the station, part of the oracle, the ruins till River Jent buss stop.)
Entrance 3
Pole with: Identification sign. Fingerposts Map Zoom in (entrance, from entrance 5, untill River Kennet Huntley Bus stop) Map Zoom out (from the station, part of the oracle, the ruins till River Jent buss stop.) Historical Information about the park
Entrance 5
Touch point
MAJOR DESITION POINTS
1.1, 5.1, 4.1 and 6.1 Pole Identification sign Historical Information about the park
Touch point
Entrance 7
MINOR ENTRANCES
Entrance 1
Entrance 2
MINOR DESITION POINTS
The user will arrived by walking, after walking between 10 and five minues. There is any bus stop next to this entrances.
MAYOR ENTRANCES
Before the entrance:
Entrance 4
Entrance 6 at the Garden
Pole with: identification sign. Historical Information about the park
Entrance 6 at the Ruins
Desition Point 2,3,4.1 and 5.1 Pole with Fingerposts pointing at Entrance 2: Saint Laurence Church, Town Hall Square, Entrance 3: Forbury Road bus stop or River Thames, Entrance 4: St James Roma Church and Forbury Place, the Lion, and Reading Crown Court
6.2, and 7.4 Pole with: Fingerpost Identification sign. Historical Information about the park
7.1, 7.3, 7.2 and 7.8
4.2 Forbury Hill and 4.3 Rustic Fountain Pole with: identification sign. Historical Information about the park
Pole with: identification sign. Historical Information about the park
17
The signige
Measurements
A pole that contains historical information an the high of 1.50 meters and a the identificational sign in a
300cm
vertical direction is part of the problem solution.The
290cm
pole as explained in the strategy will have attached
280cm
either a map, the historical signs or both.
270cm
Market Place Buss Stop
240cm
Light and icons 11.5 x 11.5 cm
Wharf
230cm
Abbey Garden
220cm 210cm 200cm 190cm
Town Hall Square
Abbey Ruins
The Oracle
250cm
Identificational sign 115 x 70 cm
Light Icon
Light
260cm
finguer post defined by the text x 90 cm
The Oracle Market Place Buss Stop Oscar Wilde Memorial
180cm
Huntley Buss Stop
170cm 160cm 150cm
Forb
Forbury
ury Rd Forbury
Forb
Forbury
ury Rd Forbury
Forbury Forbury
Rd
Rd
1121
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey ur
ry
The Forbu
ry
The Forbu
120cm Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
1861
The Gateway
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works YOU ARE HERE
To dig deeper Scan or go to www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk Search Reading Abbey Quarter
The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the Forbury has always been a space for the people of Reading.
Fo
y
ur
rb
The
ry
The Forbu
P
ry
The Forbu
The Forbury
Chapter House
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
ry
The Forbu
1560
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
1643
The Forbury
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
Closter demolished
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
1856
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
1861
100cm
3.5 90cm
The Gateway
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works YOU ARE HERE
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
The Rins
1833
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
1856
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
110cm
Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
1920
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
The Rins
1833
You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
1549
1560
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
YOU ARE HERE
The Forbury
Closter demolished
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
1539
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
1549
1643 Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
130cm
The Forbury
P The Forbury
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
The Forbury
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
y
The Forbury
ry
The Forbu
1453
rbur
y The Forbury y
ur
rb
e Fo
rbur
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
Th
e Fo
Th
1539
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
y
y
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
YOU ARE HERE
Dormitory
1254
rb
ur
rb
e Fo
1453
You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
1164
1254
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
Rd
Rd
e Fo
Th
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
e Fo
Forbury
Rd
Th
140cm
Henry I found Reading Abbey
1164
Th
Rd
Forbury Rd
Rd
Wharf
Historical Sign 40 x 80 cm
Timeline11.5 x 50 cm
To dig deeper Scan or go to www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk Search Reading Abbey Quarter
The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the Forbury has always been a space for the people of Reading.
Historical Sign 40 x 80 cm
80cm 70cm
Maps 40 x 40 cm
Timeline11.5 x 50 cm
60cm
You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
Timeline11.5 x 50 cm Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
1164
50cm
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
1453
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey Forbury Forbury
Rd
To dig deeper Scan or go to www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk Search Reading Abbey Quarter
Rd
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
1549
The Gateway The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
1539
Rd
Rd
Closter demolished
1560
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the Forbury has always been a space for the people of Reading.
1643
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
rbur y
1833 The Forbury
18
Forbury
e Fo Th
0cm
Forbury
ury Rd
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10cm
Forb
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
rb e Fo
20cm
1254
Maps 40 x 40 cm Th
30cm
Pole 1.15 x 270 cm
40cm
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
The Rins Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
1856
YOU ARE HERE
Forbury Gardens opens to the public The Forbury
Fo
y
ur
rb
The
ry
The Forbu
P
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The Forbu
ry
The Forbu
1861
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
The Forbury
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
The Forbury
Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
X-height use for each sign 300cm
Identificational signs: Font Size: 210 pt Width: 40.4 mm High: 38.4 mm
290cm
Abbey Ruins
280cm
9’ 270cm 260cm 250cm 240cm
Fingerpost
Saint Laurence Church
Font Size: 152 pt Width: 29.2 mm High: 27.8 mm
230cm 220cm 210cm 200cm 190cm 180cm
Historical sign type 33pt High: 6 mm Width: 6.3 mm
Timeline
Map
type 41pt= .5 High: 4.383 mm Width: 4 mm
170cm
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
Search Reading Abbey Quarter
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
1453
Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
1539
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the Forbury has always been a space for the people of Reading.
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
The Forbury
ury
orb eF
Th
bury
The For
P
bury
The For
The Forbury
bury
The For
The Forbury
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
1549
Closter demolished
1560
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
1643
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
1833
50cm
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
40cm
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
1856 1861
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
20cm
1920
10cm
2018
0cm
YOU ARE HERE
1254
The Rins
The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
The Forbury
To dig deeper Scan or go to www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk
ury
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
The Gateway
90cm
30cm
Rd
Rd
orb eF
1164
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
3.5
60cm
Forbury Forbury
Henry I found Reading Abbey
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
110cm
70cm
Rd
Rd
Th
120cm
80cm
Forbury
ury
1121 You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
130cm
100cm
Forbury
ury Rd
orb eF
140cm
Forb
Th
160cm 150cm
Font Size: 31 pt Width: 5.698 mm High: 5.698 mm
Font Size: 41pt High: 8 mm Width: 8.7 mm
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
19
X-High
1x
Identificational Sign
Abbey R
Identificational signs: Font Size: 210 pt Width: 40.4 mm High: 38.4 mm
3x
1x 1x
Abbey R
3x
1x 20
1x
Ruins 1x 1x
Ruins 1x 21
Lexia 2x 1.25 x High: 10 mm type 41pt High: 8 mm Width: 8.7 mm
2x
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
1164 .5
=
x high: 23pt Ingra Regular
type 33pt High: 6 mm Width: 6.3 mm
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
1254
1539
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
33.25x
3x
1
3.5x
1254
1549
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
2x
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
1453
1453
22.75x
3x
1164
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
22
1x .25
Historical sign Preview 30%
Timeline Preview 40%
34x
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
1539
You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
33.5x
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
10.5x Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
Closter demolished
1560
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
The Gateway
1833
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
To dig deeper Scan or go to www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk
11x
1861
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
2.5x
Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
1643
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
2The Rins
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
1856
1x
30.5x
Search Reading Abbey Quarter
The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the Forbury has always been a space for the people of Reading.
44x
k
arter
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis100% doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec Historical sign grid type 33pt High: 6 mm Width: 6.3 mm
1x
2
2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x 8x 9x 10x 11x 12x 13x 14x 15x 16x 17x 18x 19x 20x
2x
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
The Rins Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
23x 24x 25x 26x 27x 28x 29x 30x 31x
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
The Gateway The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
32x 33x 34x 35x 36x 37x 38x 39x
1
1.5 x
1x
1x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x 8x 9x 10x 11x 12x 13x
21x 22x
3x
14x 15x 16x 17x 18x 19x 20x 21x 22x 23x 24x 25x 26x 27x 28x 29x 30x 31x 32x 33x
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the
34x
You are no entering Forb Gardens. In medieval tim this was a rough patch of open ground, where hors grazed and pilgrims waite services at the abbey chu At this time was known a Forbury’.
23
Fingerpost 3 directions Font Size: 152 pt Width: 29.2 mm High: 27.8 mm
Town Ha
1x
1x .25x
.25x
Sain .25x 24
1x
all Square
1x .25x
nt Laurence Church .25x
.25x
.25x
25
Fingerpost 3 directions Font Size: 152 pt Width: 29.2 mm High: 27.8 mm
The Ora
1x
1x
Market P Buss Sto
1x
1x
1x
.25x
26
acle
Place op
1x
1x
1x
1x
1x
27
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Forbury
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Forbury
Rd Forbury
Rd Forbury
Map directions
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Font Size: 31 pt Width: 5.698 mm High: 5.698 mm
or eF Th ry bu ury
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The Forbury
YOU ARE HERE
The Forbury
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Th
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The Forbury
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War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand 1x 28
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Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
1x
The Forbury
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APPLICATIONS
29
User Journey USER PERSONA: JOSE He visits the Abbey Ruins as a tourist after a long day visiting other places of interest. It is 5:00 pm and it is getting darker. User Journey: He has come from the Oracle mall.
2
(PARK: 1-6) (ABBEY RUINS: Entrance 6, Altar, Chapel, Dormitory, Warf, Entrance7).
5
• Male • 64 years old • Tourist from Mexico. • Male. • 64 years old. • He wears glasses and he walks slowly. • He needs to rest frequently.
2 1
1 ABBEY GARDEN: ENTRANCE 1
Jose enter to the garden and reads the zoom in map to locate the ruins. Pole with: • Identification sign. • Fingerposts - Saint Laurence Church - The Oracle - Town Hall Square - Market Place bus stop • Map Zoom in • Map Zoom out
30
1.1
1
2 ABBEY GARDEN: TOUCH POINT 1.1
Jose is in the garden and reads the Historical information sign. Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
3 ABBEY GARDEN: TOUCH POINT 5.1 Jose is walking trogh the garden and gives a quick view to the fingerpost signs to locat himself Pole with: • Fingerposts pointing at - St James Roma Church - Forbury Place - The Lion - Reading Crown Court
4 2. ABBEY GARDEN: ENTRANCE 6
Jose is in the garden and reads the Historical information sign. Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
4
6 5
6
7
3
8 9
110
11
13 5 2. ABBEY RUINS: TOUCH POINT 6.2
10 2. ABBEY RUINS: TOUCH POINT 7.3
Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
Jose is in the ruins and reads the Historical information sign.
6 2. ABBEY RUINS: CHURCH Jose is walking around
7 2. ABBEY RUINS: ALTAR Jose is walking around
8 2. ABBEY RUINS: TOUCH POINT 7.4 Jose is in the ruins and reads the Historical information sign.
Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
9 2. ABBEY RUINS: CHAPEL Jose is walking around
Jose is in the ruins and reads the Historical information sign.
11 2. ABBEY RUINS: DORMITORY Jose is walking around
12 2. ABBEY RUINS: TOUCH POINT 7.8 Jose is in the ruins and reads the Historical information sign.
Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
13 2. ABBEY RUINS: TOUCH POINT 7.2 Jose is in the ruins and reads the Historical information sign.
Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
12
14 2. ABBEY RUINS: TOUCH POINT 71
Jose is in the ruins and reads the Historical information sign. Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park
15 2. ABBEY RUINS: ENTRANCE 7
Jose is in the ruins and its ready to leave. He reads the historical information sign, then the maps to locate himself and look for nearest buss stop, and finally gives a quick look to the fingerpost. Pole with: • Identification sign. • Historical Information about the park • Map Zoom in • Map Zoom out • Fingerposts - Oscar Wilde Memorial - Huntley Bus stop - Dormitory - Chapter House - Warf
14
15
7
31
Signage Family Light Icon
Light
The Oracle
Icon
Market Place Buss Stop Saint Laurence Church
Oscar Wilde Memorial Huntley Buss Stop
Dormitory Chapter House
Abbey Ruins
Abbey Ruins
The family signage consists of fingerposts, maps, historical signage and identificational signs. Each item is implemented in a pole depending on the type of entrance or touchpoint. For example, while entrance one will need a fingerpost, maps, and an identificational sign because the connection of the entrance to places around the city, the touch pin 1.1 only required identificational sign and the
Wharf
historical information because of the closeness to entrance 1. The Forbur
Forbury
y Rd Forbury
Rd Forbury
Rd Forbury
Rd
Rd
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
1164
ur
Th e Fo
y
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
The signage is divided in two colours, pink for the garden and yel-
1560
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
1833
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
1856
low for the ruins. The pole is a square that can bear fingerposts in two of its phases.
1539
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
YOU ARE HERE
You are no entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time was known as ‘the Forbury’.
The
y
ur
rb
Fo
ury The Forb
P
ury
The Forb
ury
The Forb
The Forbury
War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand
Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
The Forbury
Closter demolished
1560
Elizabeth I grants a new town charter Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
1643
Abbey Church is severely damaged in Civil War
Following the Civil War, the ownership of the ruins was complicated and disputed. Private owners used the Abbey as they wished; a school was established in the chapter house and homes built up against the walls. Some owners chose to destroy any Abbey remains on their land to make way for new buildings.
1833 1856
St. James’ Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1837. It was designed by the Victorian architect A.W. N. Pugin. Abbey stones were used in its construction and its Romanesque architectural style gives a flavour of what the Abbey church once may have looked like.
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
1861
1861
The Gateway
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
Abbey Getaway is restored by George Gilbert Scott
1920
1920
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
Reading Pageant in the Abbey Ruins
2018
2018
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works
Abbey Ruins reopen after major conservation works YOU ARE HERE
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis
The Rins
People of Reading fundraiser to buy Abbey Ruins
Forbury Gardens opens to the public
YOU ARE HERE
Tota conserum ad quam sit labo. Nem isquis doluptatis exped eostibe rionsec
1549 The Forbury
Closter demolished
1643 Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap
The Forbury
ury
The Forb
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
y
The Forbury
ury
The Forb The Forbury
1453
rbur
rbur
P
The Forbury
1121
Henry I found Reading Abbey
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
y
e Fo
Th
ury
The Forb
Rd
1254
rb
y
The
y
1549
Forbury Rd
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
1539
Henry VIII closes Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh is executed
Rd
Rd
1164
Parliament meets at Reading Abbey
ur
rb
the connection diagram and user journey.
1453
The Forbury Fo
Forbury
Forbury
Reading receives a royal charter from Henry III
YOU ARE HERE
Forbury
y Rd
Fo
ur
rb
Fo
1254
Forbur
The
The
Henry II attends the official opening of Reading Abbey
information about the entrances and touchpoints can be seen in
To dig deeper Scan or go to www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk Search Reading Abbey Quarter
The Abbey Gateway remained in use after the demolition of most of the other Abbey buildings. It was used as the school room of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen in 1785. In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a gale, shortly after funds had
The Gardens In 1855, the Forbury (once the outer court of the Abbey) was acquired by the Council (then the Reading Corporation). It was then that the Forbury Gardens were laid out with formal flower beds, exotic trees and ornamental features re-using Abbey stones. Since the time of the Abbey, the Forbury has always been a space for the people of Reading.
Up-above view of the pole
32
Example of family sign apply in
Example of family sign apply in
entrace 1
entrace 7
Conclution Due to the circumstances, testing readability was limited. The map of the garden and ruins can be improved. Moreover, the “Zoom out� map is unfinished due to time. Because of the flexibility of the design in which, every item is assembled separately, incorporating the elements such as solar panels or wind turbines to generate energy and illuminate the area could be possible in the future.
Example of family sign apply in entrace 1 33
Project Report 2020
WAYFINDING
Ma information Design 2019-2020 University of Reading 34
Ailette Xiomara Cรณrdova Castro