SLAB - a wayfinding project

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The SLAB Wayfinding Paralleled Identity Project aims to seamlessly integrate navigational signage and visual branding, creating a cohesive and intuitive experience for users within a specified environment

Established in 2004, DJAD (DJ Academy Of Design) emerged in response to the growing demand for design education within the Indian context. Inspired by visits to the National Institute of Design (NID) and influenced by its exceptional learning culture, the founder sought to replicate those standards by establishing an institution in the southern region of India. Ar. Rahul Mehrotra, the Principal Architect of our college, skillfully combines the foundational principles of Bauhaus with a contemporary interpretation of classical Indian architecture

Who are the stakeholders poised to gain from the college's restructuring for visual and information systems?

When can individuals expect to navigate the college effortlessly, fostering a harmonious environment while preserving creativity?

What specific elements need restructuring in the college's visual and information systems?

Why is the integration of a communication system crucial within a creative space like DJAD?

Where are the key stress or nodal points situated within the college?

How should the design approach address information and communication for spatial navigation?

Utilising visual media generated through an exploration of the college campus, the primary objective of the SLAB project is to strategically restructure specific elements within the visual and information systems, ensuring seamless navigation, harmonious environments, and enhanced communication in line with the identified stress points and creative goals of DJAD

As we traversed the campus, our attention was captivated by the prevalent use of a distinctive stone known as cuduppah. This revelation not only guided our selection of materials for the signage system but also drew our focus to the predominant colour palette of the surroundings, characterised by an array of sophisticated greys and whites. Subsequently, our brand identity became intricately entwined with these aesthetic connotations, reflecting a harmonious fusion with the architectural elements of the campus

An in depth examination has taken place which involves closely studying the profiling, typography, and other graphical structures. This is achieved by printing out elements in progress and choices to facilitate a detailed analysis

After thorough discussions and extensive testing, the Georama typeface was selected for the signage. This decision was made considering its physical characteristics, including strokes and other details, which align seamlessly with the architectural elements of our college. During the tactile process of kerning the letters, we implemented a meticulous grid system. This strategic approach ensured that amidst the intricacies of the stone surface, we maintained a sense of orientation, preventing any potential visual disarray. a medium weight with a point size of 225 was finalized for legibility on motion.

Mukta Malar is a contemporary, humanist, mono-linear typeface available in 7 weights. Modest and versatile, it can be used across media, content and point sizes. Designed to work harmoniously with other scripts in the Ek multi-script family, Mukta Malar is also ideal for use where multiple script branding and text settings are required.

Top view of DJAD's campus with possible nodal points marked on it

The letters were meticulously laser-cut onto a pristine white acrylic board. When affixed onto the cuduppah stone, the sun's rays skillfully cast shadows of the letters upon the stone surface. Remarkably, these shadows harmoniously mimic the silhouettes generated by the surrounding walls and structures throughout the campus.