Gladan

Environmental design for security and enjoyment

Background

Gladan began as a bookprinting office. Could we find the building a new graphic profile that would visually improve the renovated location? Our client wanted us to turn the building into a place where tenants would feel comfort and joy, where they could grow and develop, and where they could easily orient themselves within the building.

Solution

Gladan is the name of a hawk. The golden symbol represents its nest and is a metaphor for a place where one grows. The entrance sign is an unexpected jewel, and the golden graphics in the stairwells harmonize with the interior.

The wayfinding is inspired by printing history. Instead of arrows, we used old-fashioned hands to show the way. The building now has a new identity and wayfinding based on its history, communicating care, safety and functionality. The somewhat quirky design has added the friendly touch requested by our client.