Susan Mubarak Family Park

Environmental Graphics and Wayfinding Style Guide

What is Environmental Graphic Design?

Environmental design is the merging of architectural and graphic design disciplines. As area architecture and the means of negotiating that area have become more
complex, the need for graphic design has become apparent. Comprehensive directional sign systems became important as spaces grow larger and more complicated.
Visitors need visual prompts to find their way around.

Environmental design applies the principals of architecture, planning, product design, interiors, color theory, typography and symbol design to solve communication
problems unique to the built environment. Environmental Graphic Design embraces many design disciplines including graphic, architectural, interior, landscape, and
industrial design, all concerned with the visual aspects of wayfinding, communicating identity and information, and shaping the idea of place.

Some common examples include wayfinding systems, architectural graphics, signage, exhibit design, identity graphics, dynamic environments, civic design, pictogram
design, retail and store design, mapping, and themed environments.

A recent development in environmental graphics is corporate

design and new retail projects. The urban area was transformed
by themed marketplaces and stores, corporate headquarters and
new or improved zoos, botanical gardens, and museums. (1984
Summer Olympics Games in Los Angeles, CA; Apple Computer
product, retail areas and corporate campus) The lines of demarca-
tion between design and architecture continue to blur as total re-
tail environments are designed along the lines of Nike and Disney
Stores. Boundaries of design and art have become less apparent.

The most recent development of environmental graphics and

informational design is the response to the disabled guest. Con-
sideration for visitors, residents with disabilities has significantly
impacted architectural projects and graphic design programming.
A new field has developed for designing signs and other graphic
tools such as tactile maps, to aid people with sight, hearing and
mobility impairments to navigate spaces

The contemporary environment now has higher expectations for

area and graphic design. Interpretive venues need to entertain
in addition to inform and educate. Stores are no longer places to
shop in, but an extension of the shopper’s personality. Graphics
have become a prime competitive tool.
Definition of Signage

Well designed signage will draw in the passerby. Dynamic signs utilize color, material and location as much as the text and graphics. Environmental graphic design is a thankless
discipline--when done poorly, signs are distracting, confusing and detract from the surrounding area or architecture. When executed properly, graphics enhance an environment,
assisting the guest in an almost imperceptible manner.

Graphic Types

Defines the style or use of each unique sign component in a system. Sign types are individually determined in each sign project. Sign type descriptions include the following: building
identification, directory, directional or guide sign, freestanding, monument, pedestrian directional, pedestrian informational, post and panel, regulatory, vehicular directional, elevator
directory, and room identifier.

Marquee
• Identifies entrance to an attraction, building or area
• Carries the identity of the attraction, building or area
• Can incorporate dimension or additional design elements
• Often integrates a lighting element, making it a prominent graphic

Archway over escalator directs guest to underground entrance. Attraction main marquee includes props. Archway at theme park main entrance.
Operational Signs
Secondary level signs that aid the functionality of the facility. The facilitate the operation of the location.
These signs are usually less complicated in structure and design than marquees and can include the fol-
lowing functions.
• Attraction health & safety (warning disclaimer) • Restrooms
• Attraction time wait • Staff Only/Maintenance
• Attraction information • Telephone/Public Facilities
• Attraction queue/load operation • Fire Egress Maps
• Permanent room identification • Regulatory Signs (do’s and don’ts)
Numbers on gate or floor direct
the guest to load queue location.

Permanent room identification can

be mounted to door or wall and
often includes braille type.

Secondary marquee also offers ride information Queue wait time is combined with Extensive warning text reflects the level of ride
and regulatory guidelines. cautionary information. intensity and type of ride experience.

Regulatory sign directs guests

away from staff entrances.
 Evacuation maps may be required by building codes.
They are most often located in hallways and at eleva-
tors on each floor.
Park entrance and ticket booth signs offer ticket prices and can also give guests additional information on ride repair
or special events.

Operational signs offers guest direction. Operational pictogram sign Staff only sign. Operational pictogram sign.
Maps/Directories
The map is part of an overall identity and design system. Map elements should use terminology, color symbols and type styles consistent with the environment.
• The level of design complexity is tailored to the intended use of the map.
• Visual cues are used to communicate information.
• A central map/directory sign can also be partnered with a printed map, given to each guest.

Parkwide maps offer basic information of facilities and major areas of interest. This map also includes A printed map can offer much more information and design detail.
photographs of specific areas to give guests visual information.
Wayfinding
Wayfinding signage provide a means of finding a way to a desired destination. Information is supported through speech, touch, print, signs, architecture and landscape.
• Provides the first impression of a destination.
• Color is one of the simplest and most effective means of communication.
• Visual markers display the name and function of a place or space.
• Signs are usually located at the beginning and end of desired route.
• Indicate entrances and exits to primary and secondary destinations.

An example of an interior directional, hung from overhead. Post-mounted directional offering information for several destinations.

Interior wall-mounted directional Post-mounted themed directional Directional located within an attraction
Retail/Restaurants
Signage and graphics that enhance the shopper’s experience of the marketplace or offer menu selection and prices.

Graphics in a retail setting provide the guest with specific purchasing information

A printed map can offer much more information and design detail.

Exterior menus offer a preview of the A themed menu board Retail graphics
featured cuisine.
Participant/Sponsor Identities
The financial support of an attraction or facility is often recognized by graphic representation of the
sponsor identity.

• Extra effort is made to find the delicate balance between recognition and prominence over the
actual attraction.
• Sponsor identity should be integrated into the design of the attraction identity, keeping with the
same theme.

Sponsor identity was added after the final execution of Sponsorship prominence can be a matter for negotiation and collaboration. The addition of sponsorship identity can be designed
the marquee, but is integrated in the total design. so that a change in sponsors is easily accommodated.
Show Graphics
These graphics do not serve a specific purpose or function, but certainly enhance the environment.
They can fill in space, add a kinetic element, or tell a story.

• Building murals or trompe l’oeil create an immersive environment.

• Colorful banners, in quantity, can add energy and movement to a space.
• Prop graphics help to tell a story of an attraction, restaurant or retail space.

Banners can add a kinetic element to

the environment.

Hanging mural graphic for a travel-themed retail facility

Graphics can transform a functional item into

a themed prop.

Props fill out an environment and help

A quoted greeting gives the guest a hint of the to tell the story.
anticipated experience.
Interpretive Graphics
Educational & informational graphics, including illustration, logos, murals, photography, publications, signage, typography, and, way-finding systems.
• The interpretive environment is now expected to entertain, not just inform and educate.

Zoo exhibit uses color and dynamic graphics to draw guests into
an educational experience.

Dimensional elements convert education into

a sensory experience.

Concise and engaging writing is integral to keeping

the guest interest.
Vehicular Wayfinding/Traffic
• Monument identification at property edge to attract highway traffic.
• Identification of parking lot zones for guest wayfinding.
• Vehicular and pedestrian flow from parking lot.
• Vehicular specific signs usually use a hierarchy dictating that upper case letters be used for important destinations, titles and emergency information.
• The use of color is the best way to improve legibility.

Archways gather vehicular traffic to a single path.

Roadside signs direct vehicular traffic.

The use of color delineates and clarifies destination paths.

Sign Forms
Signs can take many forms. Utilizing the most sensible sign form satisfies both the need for information and the design esthetic.

Wall-Mounted Signs:
• Generally smaller-scaled signs that identify places/rooms, provide directions, or state regulations.
• Most commonly used indoors as room identification signs.
• Exterior wall-mounted signs either appear low for pedestrian viewing or higher to be seen from a vehicle.

Flag-Mounted Signs:
• Located above head levels, these signs are mounted like flags.
• Used in open halls and corridors where panels perpendicular to the wall offer maximum visibility.
• Symbol signs often make use of this format to give quick, nonverbal cues about essential services.
Ceiling-Mounted Signs:
• Typical mounting method for large-scale overhead directional signs.
• It is important to consider height clearance and lighting conditions to ensure they fit comfortably in the space; and that the message is legible.

Free-Standing Signs:
• May be single or double-post assemblies, pylons and kiosks, or monumental signs.
• Exterior signs can be scaled for either pedestrian or vehicular viewing.