Description:

The architects designed an incredible new public building for Te Kahu o Waipuna, The Marlborough Public Library, and Art Gallery. They required a design partner to produce an integrated signage and wayfinding system that would guide the community through their new functional spaces.

The challenge was to create an ownable and distinct graphic language that was complimentary to both the architecture and the local community.

A distinct and adaptable folding line graphic language became the primary feature of the wayfinding response. Angular shapes that reference the architecture are inspired by Marlborough’s folded hills, native flax, tussock, feathers of a fantail, and pages of a book. Colours are drawn from the surrounding landscape. Native greens, gold of the Marlborough hills, and the cool light reflected off the river, all layer together within the graphic system. Local Iwi collaborated on language and helped inform custom iconography. The architects and local Te Kahu o Waipuna management found the design system universal, utilising it in their stationery, and advertising templates for events and activations.

Overall, the final solution has made for a distinct and contemporary wayfinding system that is sympathetic to the building, the landscape, and the people.