The Centre has been refurbished, and now has a new look: much more modern and fresh. This includes its environmental sign system, designed by Cartlidge Levene and Studio Myerscough, who won the Design Week Award in 2007 in Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics, for their work throughout the Centre.
This system has a really bright and graphic feel, and it gives the building a completely new look. It’s been created it to improve the navigation around the Centre. They have designed large graphic signs in deep orange that guide the public throughout its different areas. It is clean and simple, and the orange colour is a great contrast to the building’s neutral tones. It’s designed to flow and integrate with the architecture of the Centre. It gives the space a more vibrant and modern look, very appropriate to the artistic setting of this building.
It is easy to understand, with simple directions, it uses a legible type in colours that contrast with the bright orange. Big signs are built into the building’s shapes, indicating the public where they are or where to go.
They also designed a visitors map to make it easier for the public to navigate through the Barbican, continuing with the visual language of the building’s signage, using the same type, colours, and big signs. The design is simple so the person reading it can find his way easily.
In its weaknesses, some people might think that this signage system is very overpowering and invasive, but I think it is a very good complement to the architecture of the building, and the Centre’s whole concept. And has given the Barbican new and more friendly look.
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Visitors map
2 comments:
The building itself looks quite massive. The orange colour is bold, yet is not used so much that it is overbearing in a setting of that size.
I have not actually been there yet. It appears as though the theatre is a part of the art centre. I will be going to a concert there in a few weeks and will check it out in person!
I went to the concert and fell in love with this building! The wayfinding system is aesthetically appealing and very functional in that size of structure. I was very impressed!
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