Penn State's University Park campus exemplified many
large academic environments: While carefully planned and well-maintained,
the campus had grown to the point that wayfinding was becoming difficult.
Penn State asked Corbin to develop a Wayfinding
Master Plan that would capitalize on the university's identity
program, present a timeless aesthetic, respect the architectural character
of the various areas
of the campus, and support the many "businesses" of the
University.
After analyzing existing conditions
and circulation patterns, Corbin recommended a series of sign types
to support wayfinding, including trailblazers, boundary markers, vehicular
signage supporting wayfinding to 30 top traffic-generating
destinations and three public parking
decks, and pedestrian signage supporting wayfinding to all campus
destinations using variations of the campus map. Maps
in the parking decks depict
the
entire campus, while maps located across the campus depict the "local
neighborhood" and offer directions to top destinations
farther away.
Corbin also developed an interior wayfinding system
for the crown jewels of Penn State's
library system, Pattee Library and Paterno Library, to guide students
and researchers through the libraries' 490,000 square feet of space.
The system uses oak trim and veneers that match library furniture
and interior finishes.
A custom
ring sign
identifying the circulation desk is suspended from the vaulted ceiling
by aircraft cables.
Corbin’s work on this project won an Award of Distinction from Creativity 31, and publication in the 31st Creativity Annual.