Houston, TX
2.4 million ft²

BRIEF

Develop and implement a new wayfinding signage system for the Houston Zoo based on findings from the previous research assessment. In cooperation with Principle.

SERVICES

Sign system design, prototyping, legibility and sight-line testing, nomenclature system development, sign location plan, visual message schedule

While effective wayfinding is much more than signage, the design, messaging, and placement of signage are crucial to a wayfinding system’s success or failure. Signage should embody and support the principles a wayfinding system aims to achieve.

In the case of the Houston Zoo, FORMATION developed the following set of organizing principles:

• Modularity
• Room for change during renovations (mobile signage)
• Strive for limited signage where possible
• Directional signs placed at accurate angles for non-orthogonal paths
• Internationally legible messaging
• Consistency throughout exhibits
• Place-making at key nodes/moments
• The ability for guests to contextualize their place in the Zoo through color-coding and threshold moments

We are developing a modular signage system that embodies these principles and anticipates future growth by maintaining a light touch on the natural environment.