SLU ISE BUILDING ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS

Saint Louis University's Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (ISE) building features innovative teaching environments and flexible lab spaces. Opened in summer 2020, the 90,000-square-foot, three-story structure is a place where students and faculty learn, collaborate and experiment together. To exemplify this innovation, we were tasked with developing wall graphics and a 3-story atrium experience in the main lobby. The overall visual approach was based on our interpretation that the rhythm and pattern of the architectural details mimic the life and science of human interactions. Therefore, the materials and surfaces have reflective, matte, metallic, and translucent finishes which demonstrate the illusion of depth: shiny versus matte, glowing and iridescent—all properties which speak to science, technology and innovation. We developed the moniker STEM@SLU to bring attention to their interdisciplinary way of teaching and learning.

One thing to note was our working methodology in the middle of a global pandemic with strict social distancing guidelines—challenging to say the least, but extremely rewarding to work with clients and vendors who kept us on track and allowed for a smoother than expected workflow.

Design partner: Heather Testa Architect: Hastings+Chivetta Wall Graphics: SpeedPro Atrium monitors: TSI Atrium letters: Signcrafters Atrium letters dimensions: Gen Obata

Mood Boards

We spent a lot of time working with client and architect teams understanding wants and needs and honed our visual explorations into 3 categories to help focus discussions: sensory experiences; human connections; architectural details.

3-Story Atrium

We knew the prized location for serious visual impact would be the 3-story lobby/atrium. This was an opportunity for us to explore how technology could play an important role in the experience.

We considered a living wall to showcase the impact of research while taking advantage of the abundance of natural light.

However, we all agreed that the biggest bang for our buck would be using flat screen technologies to showcase an endless amount of content the program could offer.

Small Budget. Big Impact.

We proposed large scale stock photography for walls overlaid with key messages throughout the building.

Creating high visual impact in stairwells through use of images and wayfinding were all explored.

Work in Progress

We made several on-site visits to verify sizes, materials, and lighting to determine the best way to approach each space.

Final Design Plan

Working closely with the client team, we refined each designated space and prepared specifications to share with vendors and fabricators.

Cohesive Visual System

While the atrium screen displays drove the overall visual concept of the space, we worked hard to carry that idea throughout the building.

Lobby Screens Prototype

We proposed 2 sets of screens that can be programmed to function in different configurations: the large 8’ x 36’ screen plus the 10 lower 2’ x 3.5’ flat screens. This prototype animation shows all screens with one video running.

Bottom Screens Prototype

The large video screen can run content separately from the 10 flat screens underneath.

Moiré Experiment

We looked at developing moiré pattern graphics as a way to show movement using 2D artwork.

3-Story Atrium Wall

In the end, we opted for using the screens to project customizable content and STEM@SLU letterforms to depict the idea of moiré.

STEM@SLU letters

Spanning 3’-2” x 21’, each letter was designed to create a rolling movement influenced by the moiré animation above. The various depth of the ‘fins’ create a unique optical illusion also aided by color changes to the tops and sides of each surface.

Lobby Screens Testing

Third Level Feature

Using various patterns and metallic finishes, we created a bold, graphic element built into this architectural feature at the top of the lobby stairs.

This detail shows how the blue translucent acrylic letterforms are pinned to the wall graphic to add depth.

Second Level Wall Graphics

A unique detail of a microscopic organism comes to life by printing on a metallic matte material and overlaying high-gloss, custom-cut STEM@SLU letterforms.

Lower Level Wall Graphic

Housing state-of-the-art wet labs, a detail image of water below the surface is printed on matte metallic material and overlaid with high-gloss STEM@SLU letterforms.