Place–Based Wayfinding
A new, bilingual signage and wayfinding system that celebrates the unique environmental, social, cultural, academic, and historic contexts of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. This system consists of new interior and exterior building signs, embedded medallions, and ʻili markers, unified around ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. This place-based system addresses the question of “Where am I?” at multiple, intersecting levels: Where am I on campus? Where I am within Mānoa Valley and the Waikīkī ahupua’a? What is the significance of these places, and what are their stories?
Orientations and Alignments
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Wayfinding & Signage System orients campus visitors to the geographic layout of the university and its institutional history, while recognizing the ʻāina we are situated upon and prioritizing Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) navigational practices, epistemologies, and moʻolelo.
‘Ili Boundaries
Situated within an ahupuaʻa are ʻili, which are usually understood as subsections of land as part of the ahupuaʻa system.
Wahi Pana
Wahi pana, or storied places, are significant locations that hold an abundance of stories and memories, passed down from generation to generation.
Star Compass
The star compass is a navigational framework used in the art of wayfinding and developed by Nainoa Thompson.
Body Alignment
The medallion is inspired by spatial alignment practices often demonstrated in the construction of heiau, or places of worship.
Design Collaboration with Sig Zane Designs
The wayfinding system was co-designed together with Nalani Kanakaʻole, Sig Zane, and Kūhaʻo Zane of the renowned Sig Zane Designs so that each carefully-crafted element tells a story.
“The aim of each design is to reinforce cultural values. Here on campus, our goal is to remind students, teachers, and the general community, that the greater purpose is to practice culture.”
“We hope they carry forth the knowledge, even if only subliminally, the importance of place and its culture, to absorb art and stories, and to share it. We seek to educate and inspire this community. The goal is for them to develop their own communities and share this knowledge.”
— Sig Zane Designs
Signage System
Building Signage
The building sign around campus each feature the building name, the ʻili where the sign is located, a watermark pattern, and a botanical cut-out. They are paired with a medallion that is embedded into the ground, which has a embossed puʻu (pointer) that directs viewers to a nearby wahi pana or storied place.
‘Ili Marker
The ʻIli Markers around campus denote the ʻili they are located on and signal viewers to broader cultural and geographical context. Each digital panel displays moʻolelo of the ʻili you are standing in and related knowledge or information about the campus environments.
Interior Signage
The interior signage supports wayfinding on a more microscopic level, supporting navigation within a building. Each sign features ‘ōlelo Hawai’i, English, and braille.
Contact
campusdesignlab-grp@hawaii.edu