The Sharp Project is a brand new building offering office space to companies working in the digital industries in Manchester. One of their advisiors is Peter Saville and when they need to develop a wayfinding system for the new building (converted from the olf Sharp Electronics building, hence the name) he suggested Applied Information Group’s Malcolm Garrett to help out.

Working closely with both Peter and Maloclm and the team at AIG I was lead designer on the project which began life as a wayfinding and sign system project. However in the course of our work we suggested the development of a new identity based on the footprint of the building – a cornerstone of the wayfinding system.

And so we were able to develop the wayfinding system and visual identity in tandem with both informing each other. The logo itself begin the re-infocement of the building map, and the building features large architectural signs which reflect the map. All very neat.

My role involved the development of the wayfinding system from sign placement planning, sign design, and documentation/specification of all graphic elements.

Applied Information Group worked closely with Lacock Gullam who developed a very elegant product system based on the same cable trays that form the fabric of the building, all while keeping costs low and durability high.