Wayfinding Design for RMIT Human Biosciences Building

In this semester, I tried to re-design wayfinding system for RMIT Human Biosciences Building. In this area, there are some columns obstructed the main signage wall, people’s sight was blocked, meanwhile, these columns cannot be removed. For human, DNA is very essential part of human bodies. My design inspiration is from DNA barcode, which is a type of mark could translate all species DNA information (included human) to the unique codes. Since the human biosciences building has some pillars cannot be removed, I try to design these pillars as the part of whole design. Therefore, I collected some good works used pillars, like Sugamo Shinkin Bank in Tokyo, Sant Joan De Déu Hospital in Barcelona, and Over the Harbor wall. Although their design concepts are different, they are good works to solve the structural problem at RMIT building.

In addition, in my opinion, the wall cannot be just a part of building, I think students or staffs can interact with this wall. I referred some designs like prayer wheel in Tibet and directional sign in New York. People can rotate the pillars to change different DNA elements (colours). Theoretically, there are countless combinations on this wall. Last, some signages will be created also based on DNA elements.

Solution

In order to avoid obstruction, in my design, the concave wall will be filled in. At the same time, I will try to make the columns as the part of wall signage.

Concept

DNA is a very essential biological elements in anatomy field. Actually, any species included human or human cells can be represented as the unique barcode. Meanwhile, the DNA can be represented by four bases – A T C G. Therefore, I selected four colours to present these four bases in my design.

Main Signage

Based on rotating principle, theoretically, this wall signage can present an infinite number of ways, regularly or un-regularly. Actually, one tube can present four colour combinations and different angles also can present different effect. Just for one column, it was formed by four tubes, thus the colour scheme is about 44=256 kinds. Meanwhile, there are about 90 columns installed here.

Wayfinding System

The DNA barcode, blood vessel, and rotating concepts are considered into the new building logo design. The letter ‘I’ was replaced by four colours’ tubes. The typeface used GT Walsheim which can display the content clear, and has modern feeling. The colour scheme is formed by four colours to represent ‘A T C G’ DNA bases. ‘A’ is red, ‘T’ is milk, ‘C’ is yellow, and ‘G’ is blue. (More details please see concept video)

A series of signages will be installed at this area. Especially, the signage installed under the current wayfinding signage. Since the current signage is too high to see it for disabled people, it is very unfriendly for these people. All design should be created based on human centred design and critical design thinking. Therefore, I try to re-design it and good for vulnerable groups. All signages are as simple as possible, which can help people find the way clearly and rapidly.

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