OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY

EGD | WAYFINDING | EXTERIOR SIGNAGE
Experiential graphic design, wayfinding, and exterior signage package for THE POINT at Otterbein University.

Since its founding in 1847, Otterbein has been recognized for its pace-setting ideals and ground-breaking, integrative studies. THE POINT, on Otterbein’s west campus, is a space that perfectly captures these ideals. Part Maker Lab and part Business Incubator, THE POINT houses a variety of workshops, classroom and lecture hall environments. It also includes corporate tenant spaces where students integrate real-world projects into their curriculum.

We worked with WSA Studio and THE POINT’s staff to provide a variety of experiential graphic design, wayfinding, and exterior signage features to create a fully integrated design system.

Our branded experience started with a flexible motif based on “play” and “fast forward”. THE POINT fast forwards a student’s education so they can experience real-world collaboration and hands-on fabrication techniques. It’s a great way to see the entire process of identifying a need, designing a solution and bringing it to market. We wanted to express these things in our design so our solution included custom icons and a graphic language just for THE POINT.

The pattern language is on all glass elements throughout the facility. It doubles as passive wayfinding, pointing the way to classrooms, while also providing privacy for each space. The result is an integrated design that ties spaces together, adds privacy, and elevates the fun. We subtly integrated THE POINT logo, designed by BLKLTR, into each of the overhead wayfinding signage that directs students to labs, studios, classrooms, and offices. This reinforces the uniqueness of the space and adds a level of continuity. We needed to strongly identify Otterbein University but wanted to also express the spirit and uniqueness of THE POINT. We selected a wall that was set back but viewable from the entrance to add the college logo. At first glance, it is just a logo but as the viewer comes closer, the feature reveals its “maker lab” language. Exterior identification featured total integration into the WSA-designed facade. The tone-on-tone design strategy marries the new identity with the new architecture.

Embodying the idea that this facility is more than just another school building, our integrated design experience at THE POINT reinforced the essence of the space as a place for collaboration, innovation, and exploration.

Portfolio view

SERVICES ON PROJECT

Experiential Graphic Design
Exterior signage & Wayfinding

LOCATION
Westerville, Ohio
COLLABORATORS

WSA Studio
BLKLTR

Large, angular red soffit extends over common area at Otterbein University's THE POINT. On back red wall, the word "OTTERBEIN" is made from cables and pins. Students lounge and study throughout common area.
Students and teachers meet in conference rooms decorated with arrow patterns on the glass. Above, a red ceiling fixture creates an accent to the white walls.
Left, arrow pattern applied to glass acts as privacy screen and passive wayfinding. Background shows common area. Right, custom shaped blade signs hang above room. Red, angled sections mix with wood texture to direct visitor traffic.
Origami inspired wall feature sits on red wall. Wood panels of different shades make up unfolding facets. THE POINT logo in red sits on right side. In center of feature is a TV playing Otterbein University content.
Large red wall centers common area at Otterbein's THE POINT. Wall has the word "OTTERBEIN" written on it using a series of cables and pins.
Left, detail of "N" from "OTTERBEIN" made up of white cable looped around pins against a red wall. Right, students study in common area with red feature wall in background with the word "OTTERBEIN" on it.
Student studies on bench in front of a blue wallpapered wall. In background, a white wall features large, wooden dimensional lettering of a quote from President Kathy A. Krendl
Exterior of the building features THE POINT logo in large, dimensional red letters on a red, angled wall above the entry doors.
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SERVICES ON PROJECT

Experiential Graphic Design
Exterior signage & Wayfinding

LOCATION
Westerville, Ohio
COLLABORATORS

WSA Studio
BLKLTR

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Curved, colorful graphics wrap around back of circular couch in front of the customer experience center. Frosted graphics applied to glass doors. To right, an employee walks past layered graphic panels.