Purdue University Northwest called on Corbin Design to develop consistent and effective exterior and interior wayfinding for its 167-acre campus outside Chicago. One primary goal of the new system was to create a sense of place on the grounds, to reinforce that the university’s 9,300 students and its visitors are on a university campus. Another goal was to identify buildings from campus parking better.
The new wayfinding and signage system was designed to:
- Be simple to follow for new students, parents, and visitors unfamiliar with the campus;
- Be logical in the presentation of information and consistent in appearance;
- Promote and support the Purdue University Calumet image;
- Address both vehicular and pedestrian travelers; and
- Accommodate current construction projects and campus work through 2015.
The new interior signage includes high-level public wayfinding for more than a dozen buildings. Sign types include building and elevator directories, wall-mounted directional signs, and identification signs, all reinforcing the university’s identity.
One essential but challenging wayfinding route winds from the university’s admissions office through its classroom buildings. A “Peregrine Path” was created using signage elements to direct students along the route. The peregrine is the school’s mascot.
