PROJECTS

Beyond Wayfinding

Incorporating indigenous knowledge and protocols into campus signage

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A new, bi-lingual signage and wayfinding system acknowledges and celebrates the layered environmental, social, cultural, academic, and historical contexts of the campus. The interactive network, co-developed with Native Hawaiian practitioners and designers, invites viewers to learn indigenous navigation techniques and corporal alignment practices while highlighting significant locations and topographical elements surrounding the university.

For more information visit UH Mānoa Wayfinding & Signage →

COLLABORATION

Co-designed with Kūha'o Zane, Nalani Kanaka‘ole and Sig Zane of Sig Zane Kaiao / Sig Zane Designs.

This project was informed by one-on-one interviews, campus tour observations, cross-departmental conversations, and the generous contributions of more than 100 faculty, researchers and students.

The Beyond Wayfinding project was conducted for the University of Hawai‘i’s Office of the Vice President of Administration through the University of Hawai‘i Community Design Center platform.

IMPACT

Beyond Wayfinding was recognized with the top honor in the Art & Design category for Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas 2023. It was selected from over 2,200 entries across urban design, education, nature, politics, technology, corporate social responsibility, and more.

The concept for the new UH Wayfinding system was selected as one of the five commendations the university received during the 2022 WASC - Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation.