The University
at Albany has three architecturally unique campuses within 10 miles
of each other, serving a total of 17,000 undergraduate and graduate
students. The
exterior and interior sign systems that we designed for the university
as part of an integrated wayfinding master plan use the same shape
and fonts between campuses, while exterior bases and finishes are
tailored to the architectural style of each campus.
On
the main campus, white granite campus identifiers and vehicular guide
signs complement
the iconic architecture of Edward Durrell Stone. Two-foot-tall gold
letters identify buildings from a distance while blending with the
buildings. Limestone and brick campus identifiers and directional
signs are used on a more traditional campus in downtown Albany. On
the east campus, home to bioscience and high-tech research, signs
use marble and aluminum together with silver metallic accent bars
for a contemporary feel.
The heart of the program is a 100-page signage
and wayfinding manual that lists program goals, describes each sign
type, explains its intended use, notes where it should be located,
lists performance specifications, and outlines a phasing and implementation
plan.