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Context
Industrial Areas of Haringey
Developing a cohesive network of industrial areas in Haringey
Scope: Audit, Wayfinding and Place-making Strategies, Implementation
Role: Working in all aspects of the project, from start to current stage.
Timeline: 2023 - Ongoing
Team: 2 members
DesignJD was commissioned to develop a comprehensive wayfinding strategy that aimed at connecting the various industrial pockets distributed across the borough thereby improving its profile, visibility and overall navigational experience for businesses, visitors and locals. This includes creating a sense of welcome, improving wayfinding elements, and providing clear directions to the industrial areas.
Task
We were tasked with conducting a detailed audit of all 14 areas, identifying the extent of the distributed industrial pockets and grouping them based on their geographical location and existing identity. Based on the gathered information, a suitable Pilot area was selected to devise tailored wayfinding, and visual and spatial identity strategies thereby improving the overall experience. The goal is to create a comprehensive place-making plan that acknowledges the unique identities of different industrial zones within the borough, while also maintaining a consistent overall theme and character that ties everything together seamlessly. Bearing in mind that industrial areas are busy and in some ways dangerous for pedestrians, clutter reduction was of prime importance.
Solution
Through an extensive on-site analysis, the 14 industrial clusters within the borough were meticulously studied. Observations related to navigation, identity, and accessibility were recorded during multiple site visits. Key landmark estates were identified, and the visual and spatial extent of each area was mapped through walkarounds and land-use maps. Parallels were drawn to identify trends across the borough in terms of signage, naming, and identity. This gathered information was used to determine the Pilot Area.
The pilot area was then analysed through various lenses, including naming observations, the nature of arrival, connectivity and accessibility, signage, area markers, and pedestrian and vehicular infrastructure. One-on-one interviews and interactive group workshops with business owners, visitors, and transport officials were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the area. A business survey was also set up to gather input from a wider audience. We also engaged with Park Authority which manages the expansive marshlands adjacent to the selected area. This provided insights into available leisure spaces for the well-being of the working population. Key routes, destinations and landmarks used for navigation were documented. Prominent navigation challenges and various degrees of decision points (primary, secondary, and tertiary) were identified. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the recorded user feedback and site audits highlighted the evidence and confidence needed to proceed with a comprehensive wayfinding and branding strategy to tackle the recognised pain points.
Decision-making around the locations of signs is based on where the need for guidance and confirmation is felt. Furthermore, care was taken to replace existing infrastructure and minimise clutter where needed. The strategy was then formulated, encompassing wayfinding and branding interventions. A borough-wide naming strategy was devised to establish a consistent identity for every business within an area, resonating with existing naming trends to ensure acceptance and representation of the local character.
Based on the requirements, a sign family was devised, including Welcome, Traffic, Sub-estate, Pedestrian, Street, Tourist and Event Signage
The strategy aimed to enhance the identity and experience of the Industrial areas while showcasing their individuality. Wayfinding Map design has now been initiated and a section of the map has been designed to include all identified estates, destinations, services, transport and parking infrastructure. We have formulated the signage locations document with sign types, locations and specifications, a planning statement, and an estimated implementation budget and are now in the process of submitting the planning application.
The project is now pending deliberation and approval.
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