Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities: Wayfinding
Oxford, UK

Using recyclable methods and materials to create a sustainable campus experience

Service

Wayfinding

Sector

Education

Client

University of Oxford

Size

14,200m²

Solution

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is the new headquarters for the university’s prestigious humanities department, bringing seven faculties together for the first time in the university’s history. It houses a world-class concert hall, library, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces and teaching facilities. Having previously laid the foundations for the centre’s visual brand and identity, the Benoy Branded Environments team was inspired by the history and traditions of the university for the wayfinding strategy. 

Environmentally friendly material selection 

Sustainable and local materials such as natural oak and stone were chosen to reduce production waste and ensure durability, while also reflecting the university’s sustainability ambitions and complementing the building architecture. One of the key innovative products used was Polygood, a smooth and robust material made entirely from recycled fridges. Keeping future-proofing front of mind, interior graphics were applied using vinyl, allowing them to easily be switched out if the university needs to replace or update them down the line. 

Result

An instantly recognisable identity 

Typefaces Calson Doric and Raleway were chosen for their legibility and strong roots in British history, while a bespoke pictogram set was designed in-house to match the typefaces. As with the building’s visual identity, the external wayfinding totems also incorporate the building’s key feature, a glass and timber domed ceiling as a detail etched into the base of the totems. For the archaeological information boards, Benoy completed all the graphics, incorporating Oxford Blue as a key colour, and designed the physical form in the shape of a lectern, in homage to the university’s educational mission.