Mr. Ignacio Ciocchini

01_ BP Sign System_ information kiosk

02_ BP Sign System_ information kiosk

03_ BP Sign System_ history panels

04_BP Sign System_history panels_graphics

05_ BP Sign System_ Herald Square

06_ BP Sign System_ research and inspiration

This outdoor sign system was designed for Bryant Park, in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It is comprised of 12 Information Kiosks and 6 History Panels. The purpose was to provide the public with park rules and regulations, parks hours and history, way-finding maps, and general information, while also providing branding and a graphic identity for the park and the Corporation that manages it. The sign system was installed in 2001 and it is still in use today, it has been so successful that other parks in New York are using similar solutions, Herald Square Park is one example.

2002 IDEA Bronze winner 

Design problem
- The design elements of the sign system needed to relate to the architectural history of the park, existing park structures, and surrounding buildings, especially the adjoining New York Public Library (a landmark building).
- The overall design needed to blend into the park environment and not interfere with park views and use.
- The sign system had to be easy to read and use.
- The content of the information kiosks had to be upgraded regularly by park staff and event organizers.
- Signs needed to be positioned through the park to maximize the use and visibility of them without intruding on the passerby.

Design solution
Branding: The top rounded branding panel shows the park/corporation logo while reflecting the classic Architecture details of the William C. Bryant Statue in the Park and the New York Public Library building.

Information Upgrade: The modular frame design facilitates extraction and replacement of sign frames and signboards. The kiosks’ feature a "Take One" brochure box with one 8.5" x 11" 4” (depth) bay and three 4.25" x 11" x 4” (depth) bays.

Graphics: The green to blue gradient and gray palette relates the sign system to other structures in the park like the restaurant and food kiosks and blends in with the different green shades of trees and plants. The tree element was extracted from the corporations’ logo and used as a super-graphic.

Location: The 12 Information Kiosks are located just within each of the park’s entrances greeting the public as they walk in. The 6 History Panels are strategically situated throughout Bryant Park creating a history trail.

Materials and processes
- Welded aluminum tubes, angles and channels
- Welded square and round aluminum bars
- Laser cut aluminum plates
- 1/4" and 1/8" polycarbonate sheet (lexan)
- E-coated carbon steel tubes and mounting plates
- Tamper proof screws
- Wet coated matte surface finish
- 1/4" resin embedded digital print panels (Folia)
- Piano hinge
- Standard rubber stops
- Silicon sealer

Client’s bottom line
- The built-in flexibility of the sign system saves Bryant Park from having to create new signs to display changes in rules, hours, and information. The frame system allows sign boards to be replaced and/or updated at any time. Because of this, park hours panels can be updated every month, management and website panels updated every year, and the regulation panel can be replaced whenever the NYC Parks Department changes its rules. Between July, August and September 2001, 40000 brochures were picked up from the brochure box. Brochures included, Summer 2001 Events, HBO Film Festival and Garden Notes.

Benefit for the user
- Each History Panel has a distinctive map of the park incorporated into its design. The panel is set at a 45-degree angle, which makes the map easier to read.
- In each Panel, the design orientation of the map reflects the reality of the park, allowing the readers to immediately orient themselves and locate what they are reading about.
- History panels and Kiosks coordinate with the website (in progress) where users can find supplementary information.
- Brochures keep the public updated as to what’s going on in the park as well as upcoming events.

Ecological responsibility
The kiosk structure is 90% aluminum the rest is carbon steel, polycarbonate, and digital prints embedded in resin. All the aluminum and carbon steel parts are recyclable or can be easily repaired and repainted for reuse. The wet coating paint process is done in an enclosed environment where all the emissions are controlled and the air filtered. Some waste reduction is necessary after painting.

Appearance
The appearance of the Bryant Park Sign System was designed for maximum ease of use for the public. With its strategic locations and specially oriented and angled maps, the sign system makes it easy to navigate to park. Its integrated design strikes the right balance between providing the public with clear information and unobtrusively blending in with the park, not detracting from its beauty.

Social impact
Bryant Park is one of the world’s preeminent urban public spaces and its success is due to the high level of design, management, and maintenance that insures the park meets the satisfaction of the thousands who enjoy it daily. The sign system further enhances Bryant Park for the public. It is an equal partner of the other elements and maintains the high standards of the park that GQ magazine has called "the most urbane setting in America."
 

Skills

IT Autocad Adobe CS5 Suite Rhino 3d	Crafts/Manual color rendering sketching, drawing
Languages Spanish (native) English	Other -