THE PERELMAN
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
PROBLEM:
How might we implement an accessible wayfinding and donor signage solution for a flexible performance space that redefines the World Trade Complex as a destination of culture, strength and inclusivity?
BACKGROUND:
After the tragedy on 9/11 a Masterplan was devised to rebuild the World Trade Center site. PAC NYC is the final element of the 2003 Masterplan, aiming to unite visitors, locals and artists.
SOLUTION SUMMARY:
Prioritize accessibility through inclusive wayfinding strategies, flexible directional cues, and a tiered donor system, fostering a welcoming and engaging environment for diverse audiences.
PROJECT GOALS:
Wayfinding Signage Goals
Show buy-in of different stakeholders (design architects, donors/donor foundations, core donors, sign fabricators/manufacturers)
Donor tier systems and associated values
Material vs. size vs. prominence
Placement must be cognizant of respecting the 9/11 memorial
Donor Signage Goals
Show buy-in of different stakeholders (design architects, donors/donor foundations, core donors, sign fabricators/manufacturers)
Donor tier systems and associated values
Material vs. size vs. prominence
Placement must be cognizant of respecting the 9/11 memorial
WAYFINDING STRATEGY:
Approach: General to Specific
The Perelman Center, a versatile theater, offers producers a blank canvas for immersive performances, with over 75 possible seating configurations, presenting a navigational challenge. To address this, we divided the user journey into three key stages: orientation, differentiation, and identification.
Orientation at the Perelman Center starts with understanding each floor's layout through elevator directories.
Differentiation involves encouraging stair use for crowd management and enhancing the stairwell experience with messaging and illuminated directional signs.
Identification occurs as patrons navigate along spacious hallways to locate their designated entrance, guided by signage designed to complement the venue's ambiance.
GENDER INCLUSIVITY:
Iconography and Messaging
PAC is a high-profile public space opening a door to position itself as a new standard for gender inclusivity through signage. With the help of an inclusivity consultant, gender was addressed as a spectrum, opening all restrooms to all genders.
This was done through carefully crafting sign messages and designing custom symbols that referenced restroom equipment rather than gender norms.
FLEXIBLE WAYFINDING NOMENCLATURE:
Flex-Theaters
Though exterior is simplistic, the interior is comprised of three complex flexible theater spaces that can be reconfigured to form various unique layouts and theatrical experiences. In order to accommodate all possible pathways, users are led to doors rather than theaters.
TIERED DONOR SYSTEM:
PAC NYC is largely made possible by its donors and so the donor recognition program soon became a key part of our scope. This scope brought along its own set of challenges. As a result of the pandemic, unanticipated added services became essential. Donors increased their contributions to fund these changes, thus impacting the hierarchy of giving.
Additions to the donor signage family made waves amongst other donors and the tier hierarchy was continuously restrategized to appease all parties.
