HWG Campus LU Wayfinding System

Geissert Thomas's Wayfinding System presents a monumental freestanding directory panel positioned against the dark charcoal facade of a contemporary institutional building, establishing an architectural dialogue between vertical signage element and horizontal building mass through pronounced figure-ground contrast, the composition adhering to a precise grid structure that divides the wayfinding totem into distinct chromatic and informational zones, with the upper two-thirds occupied by a deep anthracite grey field bearing white typographic listings and a commanding circular blue identifier positioned in the compositional center slightly above mathematical midpoint, while the lower third transitions to a warm beige or sand-toned panel containing subtle tonal graphics, the color palette demonstrating restrained sophistication through limitation to neutral greys, crisp white, vibrant process blue approximating cyan or primary blue at high saturation, and the warm neutralized beige providing chromatic relief, the blue circular mark constructed with geometric precision featuring a bold sans-serif letterform with diagonal striping or hatching in the upper right quadrant creating visual texture and dimensional suggestion within the flat graphic treatment, the typographic hierarchy expertly calibrated with primary institutional destinations rendered in larger point sizes and secondary descriptive text in smaller complementary type, all set in what appears to be a contemporary humanist sans-serif typeface ensuring optimal legibility at varying viewing distances, the lighting conditions suggesting overcast daylight with soft diffused illumination eliminating harsh shadows and allowing the saturated blue to maintain chromatic intensity against the recessive dark grey ground, spatial depth constructed through overlapping planes with the wayfinding element occupying the immediate foreground, glass entrance doors with visible interior greenery establishing middle ground, and reflective building facade with window grid pattern receding into background, textural contrasts animating the surface through smooth powder-coated metal panel finish juxtaposed against the visible fenestration pattern of the building elevation, edge treatment maintaining crisp geometric boundaries throughout with no feathering or atmospheric dissolution, the design language clearly affiliated with contemporary Swiss-influenced information design traditions emphasizing rational organization, typographic clarity, systematic color coding, and modular geometric construction, the atmospheric register projecting institutional authority, navigational clarity, accessible communication, and contemporary design sensibility, the composition inviting systematic reading from top to bottom following the established informational hierarchy while the blue circular identifier functions as the primary attention anchor and brand recognition device, the work demonstrating sophisticated understanding of environmental graphic design principles including scale relationship to human body, viewing distance optimization, information density management, material durability for exterior application, and integration of wayfinding function with institutional identity expression.

The aim was to create a system with its own identity and originality. The signage and information system therefore has a clear design language and picks up on architectural elements of the new building. A colour concept facilitates orientation. It welcomes and informs students outside (car park, campus), guides them to the entrances and inside the buildings to the desired departments and facilities. The focus is on legibility, accessibility and recognition. A solution was developed that does not follow short-lived trends, but is durable in form and materiality.