
UNITED WAY | ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHIC DESIGN
Working with United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s leadership, we designed a system of signage, wayfinding, environmental branding, and donor recognition.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati opened a brand new Convening Center designed by GBBN. Our studio worked with the center’s designers and UWGC’s leadership to tell UWGC’s compelling story throughout its new center. We urged the client to let us think of Signage, Wayfinding, Environmental Branding, and Donor Recognition as one system. We worked hard to integrate these statements into the architecture, and let the user’s natural approach to and through the building guide them through the story.
To achieve this cohesive system, the unique needs for the signage, wayfinding, environmental branding and donor recognition all had to be carefully evaluated. We started by first developing visual, emotional and verbal statements. Then, we carefully arranged the statements to naturally guide users through the building, telling United Way’s story as they progressed. The messaging details United Way’s local history, its aims and achievements, its donors and its impact on the community.
A super mural anchors the entrance of the building. Visually delivering United Way’s core message, the mural also highlights the more specific mission and value statements.
We also integrated these emotional statements into the architecture. For instance, large images terminate pathways and pull you through the halls. While, bright colors cue you to the most important wayfinding directories and destinations. Transient spaces offer singularly emotional graphics, while moments of pause offer more bits of story to digest. Together, each element creates a cohesive environmental branding system.
Electronic donor boards are easy to update via a cloud-based digital signage system.
Conference Rooms feature group-specific, color-coded privacy bands and names.
Large murals and modular displays anchor each floor’s lobby.