I created this schematic design package for Manchester State Park here in Washington. This is a redesign of the park’s wayfinding system and public installations.
The wayfinding objective is to create a defined path through the park, from start to finish, that identifies each area of interest along the way. Orientational signage will be located at the parking lot where the visitor begins their journey through the park. Directional signage will be located along trails and roads where needed. Identification signage will be located in front of historic buildings, giving visitors an overview of the location.
I’ve created a series of exterior freestanding signs for the park. I want visitors to the park to feel informed but not distracted by the wayfinding system, so I used wood as the main material with metal accents that complement the historic buildings on site. The signs will have soft edges – so there are less unnatural lines in the designs.
The first sign visitors will see when they get out of the car and begin their trip around the park has a map to show visitors where they are in relation to the park’s attractions. Next, there is directional signage that will be located along trails and roads so that visitors know where they are going and how far it is to their destination. This will establish a circulation pathway around the park. The larger directional signs are for the junctions along the trails. Several informational signs will detail the history of the park’s buildings as historic military installments. Each sign will also have icons that show visitors where different attractions and activities are located. The Interactive display will allow visitors to learn about a native plant and look for it along the trail. Each display has an example of the plant they are looking for and details its importance in the native environment. There will be benches for contemplation and rest placed along the waterfront trails.
