Pacific Northwest College of Art | The signage system for Pacific Northwest College of Art in the historic 511 Federal Building drew inspiration from the school’s long association with printmaking. Every sign is a mono-print created here in the studio. The historic nature of the ornate Italian Renaissance interior contrasting with the contemporary architecture created by Allied Works Architecture asked for signage that works with both languages while honoring the expressive culture that defines Oregon’s preeminent expressive art school.
Applied vinyl allowed us to make expressive typographic wayfinding that adapts to any surface while conforming to the requirements of a building listed in the National Historic Registry. Signs must not permanently disturb original finishes. Named space restricted to the contemporary architecture is integrated into the materiality of the architecture.
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The ornate frame detail echoing the moldings in the historic grand hall are painted white in the contemporary wing of the building.