WEEK+08+-+Placemaking+and+Dimensioned+Drawings

Branding and Placemaking It is essential that your wayshowing/wayfinding system has a consistent visual identity that can be applied across various media whether they be digital, printed or built elements. The following chapter from //The Wayfinding Handbook// by David Gibson provides a good overview of these considerations.



This article from the magazine segdDESIGN discusses the use of smartphone applications in wayfinding. It is important to understand that these devices can enhance the wayfinding experience and are one component within a comprehensive system that can also consist of more traditional built elements such as signage, map directories and kiosks, printed maps and markers to name a few. Not all users may have access to the technology therefore the system must be able to accommodate as broad an audience as possible.



An article by Sergio Correra de Jesus about general design considerations within environmental planning or wayfinding focusing on the perceptual, semantic and cognitive dimensions. There are also summary notes for the article.

Drawing to Scale: Dimensioned Drawings Built artifacts whether they are objects, structures or buildings can be represented with dimensioned, scaled drawings. These drawings can provide general dimensions //(design intent)// or be very detailed //(construction or shop drawings)//. For your final proposal you may need to produce a dimensioned, scaled drawing if you are using a built signage element, map directory, kiosk or marker. Even if your proposed system does not include this type of element it is important that you know the basics in case you are involved in this type of project in the future.

The following resources explain **orthographic projection** which is the primary method used to create views of a 3-dimensional element in technical drawing. They all explain the same basic information in different ways.

@http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=ENG19204

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDDdth42B8&feature=related

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz2FDjF5b6E&feature=related

Adjusting your perception of scale within the built environment can take some practice. This article by environmental graphic designer Wayne Hunt explains various environmental scenarios related to scale and is a useful guide for gauging the dimension of elements in relation to the body.



The following document has **ergonomic information** //(the science of designing user interaction with equipment and environments to fit the user//) for typical scenarios and environments such as wheelchair use, basic body dimensions, arm reach, horizontal circulation spaces and visual displays.

There are specific conventions for dimensioning technical drawings but within these there are many variations. The following examples show different ways that dimensions can be indicated on orthographic views and also how the drawing layout can be arranged. There are usually notes or specifications included on the drawing that explain materials, construction and finishes. These drawings explain the **design intent** so it is important to also how colour and graphics. Another set of more detailed drawings is required for each built element for the fabrication and installation.
 * Examples of dimensioned, scaled drawings**

Kent State University Wayfinding Manual //(excerpt)//

North Carolina State University Greenway

Dimensioned drawing template (Illustrator): This includes an example of a dimensioned sign element with a person, title block and explanation of how to use the background grid. It is drawn at 1 ft. = 1/2 in.