Wayfinding Project for The Abbey Quarters

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

y ur

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

ry

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

Forb u

Forbury

ry Rd

Forbury

Rd Forbury

Rd Forbury

Map directions

Rd

Font Size: 31 pt Width: 5.698 mm High: 5.698 mm

or eF Th ry bu ury

orb eF

Th

The Forbury

YOU ARE HERE

The Forbury

y

ur

b or eF

Th

P

ury

rb The Fo rbury The Fo

rbury The Fo

The Forbury

1x

War Memorial Maiwand Lion Band Stand 1x 28

1x

Rustic Fountain Sam’s Wrap

1x

The Forbury

Rd

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