GOW HASTINGS ARCHITECTS ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS GOWHASTINGS.COM
branding wayfinding signage Environmental graphic design is the visual communication of a built environment for the purpose of connecting people to place. It plays a critical and ubiquituous role 2 in how we can identify a space (branding), navigate our way (wayfinding), and orient ourselves (signage). Environmental graphics are used to provide a focal point, anchor various activities, or divide a space. Inventive interpretations and creative applications of environmental graphics engender engaging and memorable experiences. 1 Graphic film for Humber College Design Centre 2 You Are Here: A New Approach to Signage and Wayfinding, Victionary, Hong Kong, 2013 Gow Hastings Architects provide integrated design consulting services. Our multidisciplinary approach seamlessly brings together architecture, interior design, and environmental graphic design to give clients the added-value of comprehensive and cohesive design solutions and give users a fully connected experience. We work with every surface floors, walls, ceilings and explore diverse materials acrylic 3d printing, screen-print film, frit glass, perforated metal to develop a compelling visual language that elevates the architectural expression of a building. We play with colour, light, typography, geometry and scale to create signature spatial environments. 1
Branding, wayfinding and signage help transform buildings and interiors into desirable addresses 2 365 Bloor Street East Building Rebranding and renovations project (of $20 million In improvements) to modernize the existing building and attract new corporate tennants, with Post Media as the anchor. 3 4 1 Colour establishes identity and gives visual presence 2 Colour as coding system to define related spaces 3 Exterior lit address marker 4 Wayfinding floor directory 1
School of Performance, Ryerson University
1 1 Easily identifiable Information and reception desk 2 Informal lounge space 3 Service waiting area 4 Large lettering establishes a focal point for the self-service computer stations 2 Bold graphics and oversize typography enliven a space while giving visual cues to the different areas of use 4 Ryerson Student ServiceHub ServiceHub is a 13,000 sf interior renovation that transforms how students experience and engage with the most crucial resources of the Registrar s Office. The bespoke design solution creatively brings student services to life in a boldly branded environment reminiscent of a technology store or a design-savvy coffee shop, offering an interactive experience that aligns with the social habits of today s digital native students. Environmental graphics work in tandem with architectural elements to elevate user experience. 3
Student ServiceHub, Ryerson University
1 Double-storey signage 2 Corridor view into studios 3 Student space 2 Humber College Design Centre 70,000 sf space consolidates the departments of Architectural Technology, Design Foundation, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Robotics and Electronics into a prominent design cluster that increases the profile and visibility of Humber College s design programs. The supergraphics assert the Centre s new dynamic identity. Supergraphics make a dramatic visual statement and draw users into spaces 3 1
HSF Student Centre, Humber College
1 Branded environments communicate client values by giving visual expression to their identity 2 3 1 Brand colours designed to reflect the healthy green food concept 2 Graphics integrate with the space s architectural expression 3 Multi-purpose space for eating and working Cube Cafe, Bahen Centre University of Toronto Located on the ground floor of the Bahen Centre for Collaborative Interactive Digital Media (CCIDM) at the University of Toronto is the Cube Cafe, an initiative by the University to develop a healthy new food outlet with warm and cold food options. We worked with the University to visualise the branding and logo concept for this space.
2 Oversized LED-lit signage gives the building a strong street presence, increasing brand visibility 1 Free-standing LED address sign 2 LED wordmark projected from behind perforated metal screen 3 Signage radiantly glows at night Centre for Justice Leadership Humber College 18,000 sf facility anchoring Humber College s campus expansion on Toronto s lakeshore. The Centre is dedicated to the teaching of forensic science, enabling students to learn the art of fingerprint dusting and other investigation techniques, including laser and video recording, in a state-of-the-art forensics lab. Signage played a critical role in establishing the College s new presence in the neighbourhood. 3 1
2 Centre for Trades & Technology Humber College 95,000 sf dedicated, purpose built facility for apprentice and skilled trades training. The Centre takes students beyond a traditional classroom and provides hands-on practice in a simulated worksite. 3 1 Frosted glass signage 2 Graphics make visual connection to the exterior 3 Abstracted graphic film pattern of nuts and bolts 4 Graphics give visual interest to student study space 1 Stratgetic use of colour and patterns enhance the experience of circulation and public spaces 4
About Us Gow Hastings Architects is a Toronto-based architecture and interior design studio creating signature spatial environments. Founded in 2002 by Valerie Gow and Philip Hastings, our integrated studio provides multidisciplinary consulting services from a qualified team of professionals diversely trained in architecture, interior design, and graphic design. We create vibrant spaces that engender engaging and memorable user experiences. We take a considered, collaborative approach to finding imaginative, contemporary solutions to the evolving question of how best to learn, make, eat, work and connect in the new millennium. Gow Hastings is recognized in particular for its design excellence in higher education, and known for our distinct work in the field of food and culinary arts studies. Services Architecture Interior Design Space Planning Master Planning Functional Programming Facilities Renewal Building Renovations Interior Alterations Environmental Graphics, Wayfinding & Signage Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment Memberships Ontario Association of Architects Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario Interior Designers of Canada Ontario Library Association Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Toronto Society of Architects Association of Registered Graphic Designers Ontario Select Awards ARIDO Award of Excellence SBID International Design Award FX International Interior Design Canadian Design-Build Awards Remmy Awards Best of Canada Award OAA Design Excellence Award AJ Retrofit Award Zerofootprint Re-Skinning Award Design Exchange Award Ceramic Tiles of Italy Award LEAF Sustainability & Retrofit Award 275 Spadina Road Toronto, ON M5R 2V3 (416) 920 0031 www.gowhastings.com
Wall Graphic, Brookfield Institute & iboost Ryerson University