MAID | Autumn term 2014 tutor: Beth Shepherd University of Reading Department of Typography and Graphic Communication MA Information Design 2014 – 15 Shiho Asada
project report
Wayfinding
1
Table of Contents
Brief 3 Project Brief
Discovery
Transforming
Making
5 1. The chosen space
17 1. Mood board
27 1. Concept of the project
6 2. Research on Regent’s Park
18 2. Case study: Iron signage
28 2. Visual outcomes
6 a. Key features
19 3. Maps in parks
28 a. Map
7 b. Existing signage
20 4. Developing the visual idea
29 b. Pictograms
8 c. Users
20 a. Map
30 c. Sign graphics
9 d. Issues and conclusions
21 b. Pictograms
31 d. Finger pole
22 c. Typeface
32 3. Signage family
23 d. Signage
33 4. Placement of the signs
from the research
10 3. Mental maps 11 4. Analyse the park based on The Image of the City 11 a. Contents of the book 12 b. Analysis of the structure
of the park
13 5. User personas 14 6. User journey 15 7. Case study: Wayfinding in natural landscape 15 8. Conclusion
2
34 5. User journey
Project brief Wayfinding Autumn term 2014 tutor: Beth Shepherd aims
task
deliver
‣‣ To understand how people navigate
You will have one environment to work
Deliverable should include any of the
physical environments, and ways to help
with: the Regent’s park in London. You
following that are relevant to your
them.
might decide to look at one part of the
proposal:
‣‣ To understand how wayfinding
park.
‣‣ A document explaining your scheme:
information interacts with other
your naming policy, signing scheme (ie,
environmental factors to make a legible
We will follow a three stage creative
the combination of different sign or map
place.
process:
types), and the other components or
‣‣ To consider how new technology can
‣‣ Discovery – analysing your chosen
services you have designed or want to be
be used in wayfinding.
environment. (Your group work so far also
included.
‣‣ To design a wayfinding system with
sits within the discovery phase.)
‣‣ A map – you might show how your
multiple purposes:
‣‣ Transforming – developing alternative
chosen place fits into its wider context,
‣‣ To meet the needs of different users
creative ideas.
as well as a detailed version to help
‣‣ Where appropriate, to encourage the
‣‣ Making – demonstrating your chosen
people find their destination. If you chose
use of ecologically friendly transport:
scheme, through examples of maps,
a very detailed mapping style, work
walking, cycling, other…
signs, landmarks, or other interventions
up enough of it to artwork standard to
in the environment.
demonstrate how you will treat the detail. ‣‣ A sign design system. ‣‣ Sketches showing environmental changes you suggest to make your chosen place easier to navigate. ‣‣ Sketches showing construction ideas for freestanding signs or landmarks. It would be useful to present your project using a storyboard.
3
contents
Discovery
1. The chosen space 2. Research on Regent’s Park a. Key features b. Existing signage c. Users d. Issues and conclusions from the research 3. Mental maps 4. Analyse the park based on The Image of the City a. Contents of the book b. Analysis of the structure of the park 5. User personas 6. User journey 7. Case study: Wayfinding in natural landscape 8. Conclusion
4
Discovery Stage
1. The chosen space: Regent’s Park Regent’s Park, designed by John Nash, covers 395 acres and includes Queen Mary’s Gardens which features more than 12,000 roses of 400 varieties. The park also contains the sport facilities, the Open Air Theatre, London Zoo and Primrose Hill, which attract a large number of tourists.
Maps between 1940s and 60s from Twyman’s session
Official image of Regent’s Park
5
Discovery Stage
2. Research on Regent’s Park We conducted fieldwork on the Regent’s Park. The purposes of the research were analysing the features and users of the park and clarifying the problems. The methodology was walking around the park with paying attention on how users make choose the routes, observing the users and interviewing some users. a. Key features The park consists of the following elements: broad and narrow paths, statues / sculptures, facilities, benches, gates, trees/flowers and user-desired lines. Observations ‣‣ The park is filled with nature and several facilities. Sometimes the facilities are hidden by trees. ‣‣ Statues and sculptures exist with no sign.
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Discovery Stage CHALK FARM
SWISS COTTAGE
OR
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JAMESTO WN
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REGENT’S PARK ROAD
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274. C2
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AV EN
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AM S T. J
ES’S
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274
R AC
PRIMROSE HILL BRIDGE
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ALB ERT REG
ROA D
ENT
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ST
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ET
274
ST. KATHARINE’S CHURCH
IR C
ET
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ST
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T UR CO EW
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UA RE T
ET RE ST HI GH
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LE BO RY MA
NSHIR
THE BOATHOUSE CAFÉ is a family restaurant with a large terrace seating area, boats for hire for adults and children. Summer opening times 9am – 8pm Winter opening times 10am – 4pm T: +44 (0)20 7724 4069 THE HONEST SAUSAGE serves free-range sausages and bacon in organic bread, organic fair trade tea and coffee with a large outside seating area. Vegetarian options also available.
EE E STR
T
MARYLEBONE
Summer opening times 8am – 7pm Winter opening times 8am – 4pm E: chiefpiggy@honestsausage.com www.honestsausage.com THE HUB CAFÉ, located at The Hub, is licensed for alcohol and available for hire. Opening times: 7 days a week 9am in the summer, 9.30am in winter, closes one hour before The Hub.
QueeN MArY’S GArDeNS
the roYAL pArKS Are
Queen Mary’s Gardens is a combination of the original Marnock and Burton design for the Royal Botanic Society.
Bushy Park The Green Park Greenwich Park Hyde Park Kensington Gardens The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill Richmond Park St James’s Park Brompton Cemetery Grosvenor Square Victoria Tower Gardens
Roses are not the only treasure of the Gardens. The Delphinium border has full National Collection status. The Mediterranean Borders are well established, and the Begonia Garden is twice yearly planted with seasonal bedding. Shrubberies are strategically designed and located to add a sense of mystery and privacy to the Gardens. Further details are shown on dedicated Queen Mary’s Gardens maps surrounding the Gardens.
AD
N
RO T ER A LB CE IN PR
CL
ER CIR INN
E: events@company of cooks.com WALKING DISTANCE (MINUTES)
W ES
E
T: +44 (0)20 7935 5729 E: info@thegardencafe.co.uk www.thegardencafe.co.uk
AC
October 6pm early month, 5pm late month.
PL
November – March 4pm; April 6pm; May 7pm; June – September 8pm;
THE COW & COFFEE BEAN serves farm made dairy ice cream, real milk shakes, fair-trade tea, organic coffee, cream scones, sandwiches and treats.
E
Opening times: 7 days a week 9am and closes at the following times:
eAtiNG & DriNKiNG
IR
T: +44 (0)207 486 4216 E: feedback@willtowin.co.uk www.tennisintheparks.co.uk
ST
T: 0300 061 2323 E: thehub@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk www.royalparks.org.uk/thehub
Y
The Hub opens 7 days a week at 8.30am and closes at 5pm during winter and variable during summer (9pm latest).
R LE
Disabled car parking
THE HUB is a multi-sport venue for a host of community and sporting activities and is available for hire.
THE GARDEN CAFÉ is a newly refurbished 1960’s building with large gardens offering restaurant or takeaway service. The consultant chef is Henry Harris. Menus change seasonally. Licensed for alcohol.
SH
Jubilee Greenway
T: +44 (0)20 8293 0703
ON
Non public access sites
Viewing point
The café offers a selection of hot and cold snacks. Licensed for alcohol.
Summer opening times 9am – 8pm Winter opening times 10am – 3pm
D E VO
E
Drinking fountain
Children’s play area
Three tennis courts at York Bridge are also marked out for Netball with opportunities to accommodate more netball bookings at certain times.
PLAC
Children’s toilets and drinking fountain
Car parking
EET H STR
Cycle parking
THE REGENT’S PARK TENNIS CENTRE provides high quality tennis facilities and is accredited by the Lawn Tennis Association. Coaching courses available for children and for adults.
HAM
Restaurant
A wide range of sports are available in The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill including; tennis/netball courts, an athletics track, trim trail, cricket pitches and nets, softball, football and rugby pitches. In addition, there are four children’s playgrounds each with an attendant, and boating on the main lake.
OUG
Public toilets
Sport & LeiSure
LUX BOR
Cycle hire
Public access sites (opening periods vary)
ET
Park features
RE
Shared use pedestrian cycle way
Seasonal Café
ST
Group.
P
Café
Disabled toilets
NOT TING
R
P
Information
ROA D
REGENT’S PAR
D EV
E
by other organisations, not Royal Parks
i
KE
AC
VE
Bus stop
ST. MARYLEBONE PARISH CHURCH UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER
18 20
E ROAD
3 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
13. 113. 139. 189
BA
PL
RO
Underground station
restaurants — because they are run
EBO NE
MARYL EBON
18. 27. 30 205. 453
HA
ER
G
453
A6
18. 27. 30 205. 453
WEST TERRA CE
MADAME TUSSAUDS & THE PLANETARIUM
GARDENS
SQ
ST
18. 27. 30 205. 453
ST
ST
CE
H 18. 27. 30 205. 453
YORK
ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC
CIRC LE
PARK SQUARE
RK
RD
2. 74 82. 274
O RT
OU
FO
GL
AG
E
N TW
CH
AC
DORSET SQUARE
YORK GATE
BAKER STREET 2 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
18. 27
MA RYL
for London Zoo, Open Air Theatre and
OUT ER
PLAC E
N
18 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
C G
AVENUE GARDENS
MARYLEBONE GREEN
9 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
SO
30 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
ROAD
ENGLISH GARDENS
TENNIS CENTRE
YORK BRIDGE
MARYLEBONE
L IS
‣‣ There are different types of signs
CHES TER
P
ALLOTMENT GARDEN
COMMUNITY WILDLIFE GARDEN
PAVILION
REGENT’S COLLEGE
CLARENCE BRIDGE
G LE
PL
ST
IVOR
205
EDGWARE ROAD
P JUBILEE GATES
BANDSTAND
CLARENCE GATE
ST
PADDINGTON
P
QUEEN MARY’S GARDENS
PA
ST
BE
ON
139. 189
LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL
13. 82. 113. 274
RD
PE
ST
OM
VE
THE GARDEN CAFé
CI
ET
LC
ST RE
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CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
RCL E
PA RK
E
LY
SS
AV
O AD
PA
THE COW & COFFEE BEAN
i PARK OFFICE
HOLME GREEN
E
D E ROA
BO
LO
RY
NT
AG
THE HOLME
BOATING LAKE
ROYAL COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS & GYNAECOLOGISTS
WS
HO
M AL G RO
E ME
E
BA
ON
AC
AC
BOATS FOR HIRE (SEASONAL)
139. 189
ROSS MOR
OD
BR
RR
T
PADDINGTON
board are not legible and readable.
RR
LI N
LI SS
ST
TE
ET
WO
H
NT
BOATHOUSE CAFé
CHILDREN’S BOATING POND
R TE
RE
U RC
VE
ST. JOHN’S LODGE GARDEN
OPEN AIR THEATRE
NER
NO
ST. JOHN’S LODGE
WETLAND AREA GOOSE GRAZING PEN
IN
HA
HA
CH
LONGBRIDGE
D
‣‣ The serif typeface with white on black
LI LE
EN
T
A
139. 189
139. 189
SC
R EE
RO C RE
RE E ST
ST
K GATE
HANOVER GATE
KE
M
Y
R HA
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CE
PA ES
RA
T TR
C LE
EE
A LK
R
TS
T ER
W
ST
HANOVER BRIDGES
13. 82. 113. 274
25 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
C IR
H
D
IG
G EN
WATERFOWL COLLECTION
WILDLIFE & WATERFOWL CENTRE
HANOVER ISLAND
L
LITTLE VENICE
ND
T ER
H
RE
3 meters.
OA
D
CRICKET PEN
LONDON CENTRAL MOSQUE
KE NA
LA
O
GROVE HOUSE
13. 82. 113. 274
CA
BR
O
SPORTS PITCHES
HANO VER
totem signs. The tall ones are almost
E
W
E RO
ER
OU
’S
DG
THE HONEST SAUSAGE
C2
MB
N
LO
CUMBERLAND GREEN
THE REGENT’S PARK
WINFIELD HOUSE
13. 82. 113. 274
AD
CU
H
signs: tall finger signs and low-height
READY MONEY DRINKING FOUNTAIN
SPORTS PITCHES
WINTER GARDENS
274
13. 82 113 LORDS CRICKET GROUND
A
AN
CHARLBERT BRIDGE
VI LL
C2
ST. KATHARINE’S GATE
MACCLESFIELD BRIDGE
LE
BE
ON
RE
A
A LB
. JO ST
‣‣ There are two types of directional
ST. JOHN’S WOOD CHURCH GARDENS
PA RK
GLOUCESTER GATE
RUNNING TRACK
274
ST
C
A RL
RO AD
SE N
AY
ZOO CAR PARK
GLOUCESTER GREEN ZOO MAIN ENTRANCE Z S L LONDON ZOO
AL LIT
EA M
W
RK
DELANCEY
P
TH
points. They have ‘you are here’ things.
PA
ROAD
GLOUCESTER SLIPS
L ANA
E
CH
ALBE RT
ST. MARK’S BRIDGE
PETANQUE
AC E
MEW DMU AC E S T. E TERR S’S AME S T. J
W
RO
D RO
D
OW
RR D TE
TERR NDS
274
TRIM TRAIL
274
CLOSE
O
NZ
W OO
EN
N’S S T. S T E P H E
AD
O
’S
SH
RO
W
the every gate and at some decision
JO HN ST.
RO
UE
X
‣‣ Large bird’s-eye view maps stand near
WO
WN
BO
TO
5
Temporary signs for facilities
Bird’s-eye view map
Finger sign
GLOUCESTER T ERR RO
REGENT’S PARK ROAD
AL
274
L
CECIL SHARP HOUSE
ST. MARK’S CHURCH
12 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
ROAD
E
PRIMROSE HILL
ST. JOHN’S WOOD
AVE NU
VA
25 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
Observations
EST ER
AD
O
b. Existing signage
EL SW
CA
CAMDEN LOCK MARKET
22 minutes walk from The Regent’s Park
GLO UC
ST. JOHN’S WOOD
Directional totem 7
Discovery Stage
c. Users Most of the users are couples, elderly people, families (with children), tourists and joggers Observations ‣‣ The users except joggers, they were looking at the maps and confirming their locations. ‣‣ The tourists (two girls) whom we interviewed told us they did not know their locations even though they saw the maps.
Elderly couple 8
Family with cart
Tourists
Middle-age couple
Jogger
Discovery Stage
d. Issues and conclusions from the research The main concerns about the park are: ‣‣ Visibility of signs (toilet, café, statues, etc.) ‣‣ Lack of directional signs ‣‣ Lack of consistency ‣‣ Huge signage ‣‣ Map orientation Especially, the paths of the park are wide and open, however at many decision points there is lack of directional sign. Toilets and cafes are hidden by woods. This might make the users difficult to find them. In terms of narrative enviroment design, lack of consistency and huge signage are the problems. They compromise the landscape and the narrative of the park. The wayfinding should be subtle that does not affect the landscape.
9
Discovery Stage
3. Mental maps The mental maps that I collected showed the hugeness of the park. No one seemed to understand the whole scape of the park. However, most of them noticed that the London Zoo locates on the north side of the park, and the broad walk is the main route from the south side to north side.
10
Discovery Stage
4. Analyse the park based on The Image of the City a. Contents of the book
What are the essential qualities of the
The Image of the City is a book about
city image?
What are the elements of the city?
urban information design, written by Kevin Lynch (1960). This book is the first
Legibility
Paths
book which defines the modern usage
A legible city can be recognised visually
Channels which the people pass by
of wayfinding. The Image of the City is
with symbols.
i.e. Streets, walkways, canals, railroads
on how people perceive the city. He
Structure and identity (Visibility)
Edges
highlights that ‘giving visual form to the
The city image can be analysed into three
Liner elements which are not used or
city is a special kind of design problem’.
components: identity, structure, and
considered as paths by people
The research was conducted in three
meaning.
i.e. Shores, edges of development, walls
(Boston, Los Angels and Jersey City)
Imageability
Distritcts
in order to examine this new problem,
Imageability is a concept of a
Medium-to-large sections of the city
suggest a method dealing with forming
combination of legibility and visibility.
i.e. Housing/building/shopping area
a result of Lynch’s five-year research
different types of American cities
the visual image of the city and offers the principles of city design.
Nodes Points and strategic spots in a city which
There are five elements that help
people can enter
people to form mental maps and make
i.e. Stations, parks, plazas, shopping malls
users understood their surroundings in consistent and predictable ways.
Landmarks
The five elements are: paths, edges,
Point references
districts, nodes and landmarks. Lynch
i.e. Towers, halls, libraries, churches
suggests that urban designers should analyse these elements and set proper wayfinding which navigates people and helps people to create the image of the city.
Signs for elements (from The Image of the City, Lynch 1960) 11
Discovery Stage
b. Analysis of the structure of the park paths: Major paths connect gates and each main parts (Zoo, Sports pitches, Queen Mary’s Garden and Hub). Minor ones are for browsing around the park. edges: Fences around the whole park districts: Major districts are Queen Mary’s Garden and London Zoo. The boundary of the sports pitches is vague. Minor ones are woody areas. nodes: Major nodes are Queen Mary’s Garden and London Zoo, same as the districts. The intersections can be minor nodes; they would be decision points to users. landmarks: There is no outstanding landmark that can be major landmark. However, Hub and Zoo may become point references. Main parts of the park are: ‣‣ Queen Mary’s Garden ‣‣ ZSL London Zoo ‣‣ Sports pitches/ Broad walk ‣‣ Boating Lake ‣‣ Primrose Hill Except Broad Walk, they are the major destinations for the users. Wayfinding should indicate those places clearly and navigate the users to the places.
12
Discovery Stage
5. User personas Firstly, I set three potential personas based on a first field work: a middle couple with toddler, an elderly male and tourists. Conclusion
The Johnsons
Richard
Lily
David (34), office worker / Jennifer (33),
65 years old, retiree
22 years old, tourist from Manchester
teacher / Kevin (3)
The daily users of this park may memorise their route already. However, tourists or other first-time users can get lost easily in the park. So I decided to make wayfinding for tourists and choose this persona.
Persona 1: Family
Persona 2 : Elderly
Persona 3 : Tourist
The Johnsons live in North London. On
Richard is a neighbourhood of Regent’s
Lily (22), is a tourist from Manchester.
weekends, they often come to Regent’s
Park. Almost everyday, he walks around
This is her first time visiting the Regent’s
Park for walking around. For Jennifer,
the park, especially Broad Walk and
Park. Her purpose of visiting here is to
knowing the locations of toilets is
Queen Mary’s Garden. Sometimes he
see a musical at the Open Air Theatre.
important. Kevin’s favourite place in the
enjoys coffee with his friends and wife at
She likes to enjoy coffee, gardens and
park is Boating Lake.
the cafes in the park.
musicals.
Expectable route
Expectable route
Expected route
London Zoo → Queen Mary’s Garden →
Queen Mary’s Garden → Broad Walk →
Broad walk → Queen Mary’s Garden →
Broad Walk
The Regent’s Park Hub
Open Air Theatre 13
Discovery Stage
6. User journey Potential Persona
Main routes
Lily
22, female From Manchester Chester gate
Broad walk
14
Queen Mary’s Garden
Open Air Theatre
Discovery Stage
7. Case study: Wayfinding in natural landscape
8. Conclusion
Falls Creek Alpine Resort
target users: Tourists
Falls Creek is a snow sport resort in the Victorian highlands 350 kilometres
issues:
northeast of Melbourne. To avoid being
‣‣ Lack of consistency
hided by snow, the main colour of
‣‣ Lack of directional signs
wayfinding is orange. It is visible in snow,
‣‣ Hugeness of the size
but as the shape is mimic the trunks of
‣‣ Use of typography
the snow gums, it matches the natural landscape.
tasks: ‣‣ Make the sign consistent ‣‣ Set directional signs ‣‣ Design the natural visuals that matches the landscape of the park ‣‣ Improve the readability and legibility of typography
initial approach Make the park legible for the first time users including tourists in a subtle way that does not affect the natural landscape
15
contents
Transforming
1. Mood board 2. Case study: Iron signage 3. Maps in parks 4. Developing the visual idea a. Map b. Pictograms c. Typeface d. Signage
16
Transforming Stage
1. Mood board Narrative approaches I collected signages that suit their environments. In these wayfinding, I found organic elements and narrative approaches. I thought using transparent material was good for my project.
17
Transforming Stage
2. Case study: Iron signage SchlÜsser, Burgen & Gärten Information and orientation system by nowakteufelknyrim GmbH design architecture communication Though this project was a proposal, and was not adopted, this approach was useful for my project. Iron letters on frosted glass could match the landscape of the garden.
18
Transforming Stage
3. Maps in parks Park maps in Copenhagen When I travelled in Copenhagen, I found maps in the parks. Both are simple and small but understandable. I referred to the use of colours in these maps. Also, I found both of the frames have potential for my project. The frame of Kastellet Park is black and thin. Though legibility of white text may be suspicious, the size of this sign is appropriate. Regarding the sign of Kongens Have, the frame is decorative and it matches the environment.
19
Transforming Stage
4. Developing the visual ideas a. Map The existing map is a bird’s-eye view style with too much information. Simplifying the map was my first step. As I considered using semi-transparent material for the board, I designed the map with black lines and few colours as simple asPRIMROSE possible. HILL
Primrose Hill
CE A
RT R LBE
PA R
PRIN
Camden Town
KW AY
OAD
Camden Town
CAMDEN TOWN
Primrose Hill
PRIN
ROAD
RK
BERT
PA
CE AL
WA Y
ZLS London Zoo
LONDON ZOO
OUTER
CIRCLE
GLOUCESTER GATE
ZLS London Zoo
Hub
Hub
Holborn & St Pancras W EL LIN ON RO AD
NY ST
GT
ALBA
Hub
ALBAN
REET
Y STR EET
The Cow& Coffee Bean Park Office
Open Air Theatre
Paddington
Boating Lake
PA R
PA R
K
Inner circle
RO AD
ROSS
OA
C CIR ER INN
D
LE
JUBILEE GATE
CLARENCE GATE
GLOU CE
R STR
R PLA
EET
ET R STRE BAKE
LONDON MARYLEBONE
MA
AD E RO B ON RYLE
I tried to use monochrome and few bright
Marylebone
OUTER
CIRCLE
YORK GATE
BAKE
CESTE
le
r Circ
Oute
E
Marylebone
MORE
KR
ROAD
AD E RO
R PL AC ESTE
The Regent’s Park 2nd sketch
MOR
GLOUC
The Regent’s Park
1st sketch
The Garden Cafe
Queen Mary’s Garden
Queen Mary’s Gardens
ROSS
As I wanted to highlight the facilities, I
Open Air Theatre
Boating Lake
BOATING LAKE
Paddington
CHESTER GATE
Boathouse café
HANOVER GATE
Open Air Theatre
BAKER STREET MAR
YLEB
ON
GREAT PORTLAND STREET REGENT’S PARK
AD E RO
3rd sketch
Referring to the maps I found in
chose bright colours for them. However
colours. However this version was way
Copenhagen, I used pale green colour for
they did not work – too bright and not
too tasteless for the park signage and
grass and beige for buildings. It made the
considered the order of importance.
deteriorated legibility. So I went back to
pictograms and labels legible.
use colours.
20
Transforming Stage
b. Pictograms
2nd sketch
1st sketch
ideas:
aims:
‣‣ Making the edges more sharp to be
‣‣ To make a consistent pictograms set
together as a set with the typeface,
‣‣ To suit to maps and
Rotis Semisans ‣‣ Changing circles to squares, but left
ideas:
some round edges because I wanted
‣‣ Using rounded square shapes
to use orgainc shapes considering the
‣‣ Redesigning the existing icons
image of the park.
issues: ‣‣ This set seemed to lack a consistency; toilet one was too rounded comparing with theatre one. ‣‣ Those did not match the typeface (Rotis Semisans) – they were too rounded.
21
PR
RT R
OA
K
L BE
PA R
EA IN C
Transforming Stage
c. Typeface
E
IRCL
ER C
OUT
GLOUCESTER GATE
Agfa Rotis Semisans Rotis is a humanist sans serif designed by Otl Aicher in 1988. This typeface has been used for transportation, university, W
and city council facilities. Its elegant and EL
L IN
GT
organic letter forms are suitable for the ON
RO
Queen Mary’s Gardens BAKER STREET
Hub
AD
royal park.
ZLS London Zoo
AL BA
In addition, I chose this typeface
this typeface seemed to fit very well with this idea.
The Cow& Coffee Bean
Park Office
REE T
I planned a finger pole sign with cut iron,
NY ST
Map with pictograms and typography Except the ‘gate’ pictograms, all of pictograms are black coloured.
because the capitals are quite legible. As
CHESTER GATE
Boathouse café
HANOVER GATE
Open Air Theatre
Boating Lake
The Garden Cafe
Queen Mary’s Garden PA R
RO S
SMO
RE R
KR
OA
C CIR ER INN
D
JUBILEE GATE
OA D
CLARENCE GATE
GLOU
CLE
R CIR
OUTE
AC E
R STR
ER P L
YORK GATE
BAK E
CE S T
EE T
LONDON MARYLEBONE
22
LE
BAKER STREET Y MAR
L EB O
NE R
OA D
GREAT PORTLAND STREET REGENT’S PARK
Transforming Stage
d. Signage Since I looked for a subtle way to make signage, I considered using engraved and semi-transparent materials. However, they had problems of legibility and too massive for the park. I decided to rethink the features of the park and came up with the idea to used the elements from the shapes of the gates. Using iron frames and making it into botanical shapes can contribute to the landscape of the park. I used the elegant curved elements from the gates in the park.
Gates in Regent’s Park
23
Transforming Stage
Other ideas for the finger pole sign Engraved sign The first idea was an engraved signage. However, it is too massive and not legible. I continued to look for other solution and materials.
Semi-transparent sign The second idea was using semitransparent materials. However it was still massive and does not suit to the
The Garden Cafe
Queen Mary’s Garden
10mins
Park Office
The Garden Cafe
8mins
You are here
18mins
18mins
Park Office
ZLS London Zoo
8mins
ZLS London Zoo
20mins
landscape. But I realised that using
20mins
organic shapes is a useful way for making wayfinding for the park.
Queen Mary’s Garden The Garden Cafe
Queen Mary’s Garden
10mins
Camden Town
You are here
The Garden Cafe
18mins
Park Office 8mins
10mins
You are here
Camden Town
18mins
ZLS London Zoo
Park Office
20mins
8mins
ZLS London Zoo 20mins
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Que
10mins
Camden Town
Camden Town
You are here
contents
Making
1. Concept of the project 2. Visual outcomes a. Map b. Pictograms c. Sign graphics d. Finger pole 3. Signage family 4. Placement of the signs 5. User journey
25
Making Stage
1. Concept of the project
New wayfinding for Regent’s Park The existing signage in Regent’s Park in London has a problem of legibility and some of the signs do not suit to the natural landscape of the park. Revising the signage is an attempt to attract more tourists and returning visitors, and also for the signage to match the environment better. Designing a clear wayfinding system with keeping the narrative of the park is the main task of this project. Finding the features of the park and using organic forms are the core idea of the visual design.
26
Making Stage
2. Visual outcomes a. Map Focusing on the legibility of the name
CAMDEN TOWN
labels of the places and the main facilities (e.g. Hub and Queen Mary’s
Primrose Hill
PRIN
Black labels are coloured with 90 % black
CE A
L BE
RT R
OA D
and multiplied in order to match the lawn
PA R
lawn, woods, the lake needed to be subtle.
KW AY
Gardens), other elements such as the
colour.
E
IRCL
ER C
OUT
GLOUCESTER GATE
ZLS London Zoo
Hub W EL L IN GT ON RO AD ALBA NY STR EE T
ER NN
The Honest Sausage
CLE C IR
Park Office
I
Boathouse café HANOVER GATE
CHESTER GATE
Open Air Theatre The Garden Cafe
Boating Lake
LE
Queen Mary’s Gardens PA R
RO S
SM O
RE
KR
OA
INN
D
ER
CI
RC
JUBILEE GATE
D R OA
GLOU
CLARENCE GATE
CE
R STR
R PL A
BAK E
CESTE
EE T
LONDON MARYLEBONE
CLE
R CIR
OUTE
GREAT PORTLAND STREET
YORK GATE
REGENT’S PARK BAKER STREET MAR
Y L EB
O
OA NE R
D
27
Making Stage
b. Pictograms
28
Public toilets
Café
Gate
Disabled toilets
Seasonal café
Underground station
Information
Sports pitch
Restaurant
Theatre
Making Stage
Park map sign
c. Sign graphics These are the graphics for freestanding signs. Map orientation graphic signs are located at inside gates and decision
CHESTER GATE
QUEEN MARY’S GARDENS
points, and directional signs are located outside the gates and small decision
CAMDEN TOWN
CAMDEN TOWN
PRIN
inside the gate; on the other hand inside
CE AL
KW AY
BERT
ROAD
PA R
Outside signs simply show the facilities
PRIN
CE AL
BERT
RCLE
ROAD
RCLE
R CI
R CI
OUTE
signs contains each information for the
KW AY
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill
PA R
points.
OUTE
GLOUCESTER GATE
GLOUCESTER GATE
ZLS London Zoo
ZLS London Zoo
area where they stand. Hub
Hub W
W
EL
EL
LIN
LIN
Arrows in directional signs are same
GT
GT
ON
ON
RO
RO
AD
AD
ALBA
ALBA
NY STR
NY STR
shapes as the finger totems.
EET
EET
The Honest Sausage
CLE C IR
I
Park Office
CHESTER GATE HANOVER GATE
Open Air Theatre
The Honest Sausage
CLE C IR
Park Office
The Garden Cafe
Boating Lake
Queen Mary’s Gardens
LE
LE
Queen Mary’s Gardens PA R
ROSS
MOR
E
KR
OA
INN
D
ER
CI
RC
PA R
KR
JUBILEE GATE
ROAD
ROSS
OUTER
MOR
E
OA
INN
D
CIRCLE
ET
YLEB
R STRE
MAR
ACE
ET
LONDON MARYLEBONE
ROAD ONE
CI
RC
OUTER
GREAT PORTLAND STREET REGENT’S PARK
BAKER STREET
LONDON MARYLEBONE
5mins
CIRCLE
YORK GATE
BAKE
ER PL
REGENT’S PARK BAKER STREET
CLARENCE GATE
CEST
ACE
R STRE
ER PL
BAKE
CEST
GREAT PORTLAND STREET
YORK GATE
ER
JUBILEE GATE
ROAD
GLOU
GLOU
CLARENCE GATE
CHESTER GATE
Open Air Theatre
The Garden Cafe
Boating Lake
ER NN
Boathouse café
I
ER NN
Boathouse café HANOVER GATE
MAR
YLEB
ROAD ONE
5mins Walking distance
Walking distance
Rotis Semisans, Bold Rotis Semisans, Regular
Public toilets
Restaurant
Sports pitch
Gate
Public toilets
Restaurant
Sports pitch
Gate
Disabled toilets
Café
Theatre
Underground station
Disabled toilets
Café
Theatre
Underground station
Information
Seasonal café
Information
Seasonal café
QUEEN MARY’S GARDENS
THE GARDEN CAFÉ
PARK MANAGEMENT
OPENING TIMES
REGENT’S PARK
THE HONEST SAUSAGE
PARK MANAGEMENT
OPENING TIMES
Queen Mary’s Gardens is a combination of the original Marnock and Burton design for the Royal Botanic Society. Roses are not the only treasure of the Gardens. The Delphinium border has full National Collection status. The Mediterranean Borders are well established, and the Begonia Garden is twice yearly planted with seasonal bedding. Shrubberies are strategically designed and located to add a sense of mystery and privacy to the Gardens.
The garden café is a newly refurbished 1960’s building with large gardens offering restaurant or takeaway service. The consultant chef is Henry Harris.
Nick BiddleThe Storeyard, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR
The park is open from 5am to dusk all year round.
The Regent's Park, designed by John Nash, covers 395 acres and includes Queen Mary's Gardens which features more than 12,000 roses of 400 varieties, as well as the gloriously restored William Andrews Nesfield's Avenue Gardens. With excellent sports facilities spanning nearly 100 acres it includes the largest outdoor sports area in central London. The park also houses the Open Air Theatre, London Zoo, Primrose Hill, the country's largest free to access waterfowl collection and 100 species of wild bird.
All the sausages and bacon are sourced from a family run business in Gloucestershire. This company uses only free-range and organic pork sourced from small family run farms within 15 miles of their premises.
Nick BiddleThe Storeyard, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR
The park is open from 5am to dusk all year round.
Opening times: 7days a week 9am Closes times: November–March 4pm; April 6pm; May 7pm; June–September 8pm; October 6pm early month, 5pm late month.
www.royalparks.org.uk
Opening times: 7days a week 9am Closes times: November–March 4pm; April 6pm; May 7pm; June–September 8pm; October 6pm early month, 5pm late month. Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 5729 Email: info@thegardencafe.co.uk www.thegardencafe.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)30 0061 2300 Email: regents@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
The following park roads are closed between midnight & 7am: Outer & Inner Circle, Park Square East & West, York Gate, Hanover Gate, Macclesfield Bridge, Chester Road.
www.royalparks.org.uk
CONTACTING POLICE 999 for emergencies. 101 for other calls. You can also report a crime online at www.online.met.police.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 5982 3721 Email: honestsausage@companyofco oks.com www.companyofcooks.com
Tel: +44 (0)30 0061 2300 Email: regents@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
The following park roads are closed between midnight & 7am: Outer & Inner Circle, Park Square East & West, York Gate, Hanover Gate, Macclesfield Bridge, Chester Road.
CONTACTING POLICE 999 for emergencies. 101 for other calls. You can also report a crime online at www.online.met.police.uk
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Making Stage
Directional sign
Avenue Gardens Queen Mary’s Gardens Open Air Theatre Café ZSL London Zoo
CHESTER GATE Queen Mary’s Gardens Open Air Theatre Café Park Office
INNER CIRCLE
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d. Finger pole Finger poles are located in the centres of Queen Mary’s Gardens and complex decision points. The material is iron.
Making Stage
3. Signage family
320 cm
200 cm QUEEN MARY’S GARDENS CAMDEN TOWN
Primrose Hill
PRIN
CE ALB
ERT
ROA
WA Y
TOILETS
BAKER STREET
D
RK
220 cm
BOATING LAKE
PA
CAMDEN TOWN
E
R CIRCL
OUTE
GLOUCESTER GATE
ZLS London Zoo
Hub WE LLI NG TO N RO AD ALBAN Y STREET
ER NN
Boathouse café
The Honest Sausage
CLE C IR
Park Office
I
PARK OFFICE
THE GARDEN CAFE
HANOVER GATE
CHESTER GATE
Open Air Theatre The Garden Cafe
Boating Lake
Queen Mary’s Gardens LE
ZSL LONDON ZOO
PA
ROSS
MOR
RK
RO
E INN
AD
RC
IR
C
JUBILEE GATE
E ROAD
GLOU
CLARENCE GATE
OUTER
GREAT PORTLAND STREET REGENT’S PARK
STREE
R PLACE
BAKER
CESTE
120 cm
CIRCLE
YORK GATE
T
BAKER STREET
LONDON MARYLEBONE
MAR
YLEB
ONE
ROA
D
5mins Walking distance
Public toilets Disabled toilets Information
Restaurant Café
Sports pitch Theatre
Gate Underground station
Seasonal café
QUEEN MARY’S GARDENS
THE GARDEN CAFÉ
Queen Mary’s Gardens is a combination of the original Marnock and Burton design for the Royal Botanic Society. Roses are not the only treasure of the Gardens. The Delphinium border has full National Collection status. The Mediterranean Borders are well established, and the Begonia Garden is twice yearly planted with seasonal bedding. Shrubberies are strategically designed and located to add a sense of mystery and privacy to the Gardens.
Nick BiddleThe Storeyard, The garden café is a newly Inner Circle, refurbished 1960’s Regent’s Park, London building with large gardens NW1 4NR offering restaurant or takeaway service. The consultant chef is Henry Harris. Tel: +44 (0)30 0061 2300 Email: regents@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Opening times: 7days a week 9am www.royalparks.org.uk Closes times: November–March 4pm; April 6pm; May 7pm; June–September 8pm; October 6pm early month, 5pm late month. Tel: +44 (0)20 7935 5729 Email: info@thegardencafe.co.uk www.thegardencafe.co.uk
PARK MANAGEMENT
OPENING TIMES The park is open from 5am to dusk all year round. The following park roads are closed between midnight & 7am: Outer & Inner Circle, Park Square East & West, York Gate, Hanover Gate, Macclesfield Bridge, Chester Road.
CONTACTING POLICE 999 for emergencies. 101 for other calls. You can also report a crime online at www.online.met.police.uk
Avenue Gardens Queen Mary’s Gardens Open Air Theatre Café ZSL London Zoo
TOILETS
CHESTER GATE
31
Making Stage
CAMDEN TOWN
4. Placement of the signs
Primrose Hill
front of cafes or toilets. I have clarified
PR
EA IN C
L BE
RT R
OA D
PA R
outside the gates, decision points and in
KW AY
Signs should be placed inside and
the decision points by using Lynch’s methodology and experience from the field work.
E
IRCL
ER C
OUT
GLOUCESTER GATE
ZLS London Zoo
– Proposed point Hub W EL L IN GT ON RO AD AL BA NY ST R EE T
ER NN
The Honest Sausage
CLE C IR
Park Office
I
Boathouse café HANOVER GATE
CHESTER GATE
Open Air Theatre The Garden Cafe
Boating Lake
LE
Queen Mary’s Gardens PA R
RO S
SM O
RE R
KR
OA
INN
D
CI
RC
JUBILEE GATE
OA D
CLARENCE GATE
G LO U AC E
R STR
ER P L
EE T
LONDON MARYLEBONE
CLE
R CIR
OUTE
GREAT PORTLAND STREET
YORK GATE
BAK E
CE S T
32
ER
REGENT’S PARK BAKER STREET MAR
Y L EB
ON
AD E RO
PR
Making Stage LE
IRC ER C
OUT
5. User journey
GLOUCESTER GATE
ZLS London Zoo
Lily’s journey to the Open Air Theatre Lily (22), is a tourist from Manchester.
Hub
W
This is her first time visiting Regent’s
EL L IN
Park. Her purpose of visiting here is to see
GT ON RO
a musical at the Open Air Theatre.
AD
AL BA NY ST R EE T
ER NN
4
CLE C IR
The Honest Sausage Park Office
I
Boathouse café HANOVER GATE
2
1
Open Air Theatre The Garden Cafe
Boating Lake
CHESTER GATE
2
3 LE
Queen Mary’s Gardens PA R
RO S
SM O
RE R
KR
OA
INN
D
ER
CI
RC
JUBILEE GATE
OA D
G LO U
CLARENCE GATE
AC E
R STR
ER P L
GREAT PORTLAND STREET
YORK GATE
BAK E
CE S T
EE T
LONDON MARYLEBONE
CLE
R CIR
OUTE
REGENT’S PARK BAKER STREET
YLE MAR
BON
AD E RO
33
Making Stage
1
Step 1
After getting off a subway at Regent’s
Step 2
She enters Chester gate and finds a park
Park station, Lily finds a directional sign
map sign. These signs are placed at the
at Chester gate. These are placed in front
entrances of the gates and decision
of every gate. She finds that the Queen
points. She confirms her current location
Mary’s Gardens are inside this gate.
and the direction of Queen Mary’s Gardens.
34
Making Stage
2
Step 3
She goes straight to Queen Mary’s Gardens and reaches the entrance of the
Step 4
Lily enters Queen Mary’s Gardens and confirms her current location.
Inner Circle.
35
Making Stage
3
Step 5
She walks to the centre of Queen Mary’s Gardens and finds a finger pole sign.
36
Step 6
She looks up the Open Air Theatre in the sign and goes north.
Making Stage
4
Step 7
Lily finds a small directional sign on the corner and turns left. She has arrived at the Open Air Theatre and awaits the performance.
37
Conclusions and further development Because Regent’s Park is quite extensive, it was hard to explore the features and find decision points. However, working with the park gave me the insights into which kind of wayfinding can match the natural and artificial landscapes. The further development for this project would be to understand a psychological aspect of wayfinding. Knowing why and how people choose which ways to go would be necessary to make this project more reliable.
References Lynch, Kevin (1960). The image of the city. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Mollerup, Per (2013). Wayshowing Wayfinding: Basic and Interactive. New ed. Amsterdam: BIS Publishers
Acknowledgements The photographs of Regent’s Park were taken by me. Other images have been taken from various sources throughout the Internet. They have been used for visualization purposes only.
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