Dudley College’s new vocational training centre Evolve, and Dudley Sixth A level Centre have opened their doors for the first time thanks to design and branding experts Happy Giraffe signage and display consultancy Signlex.
The college’s vision to educate, inspire and enhance the lives of its students is clearly demonstrated through its strong branding and with a newly decorated interior and exterior the college can now achieve its aspirations in a splendid environment.
Simon Belton, managing director of Signlex, was the project manager on the Dudley College contract. He explained: “Signage is often taken for granted, yet contemporary signage and display is multi-purpose with the practical elements to direct and inform but also to display and enhance the features of a building regardless of its functionality. Until recently signage was not necessarily appreciated for its artistic esteem. However, the signage and display works within the college paint a different picture in a literal sense with stunning colour-coded wayfinding signage, vinyl wall hangings, large-format graphics to glazing and stretched fabric artwork that offer a vibrant yet robust solution to standard pictures hanging on the wall. In any public building, artworks are at risk of being disturbed however, the display items we have installed are either fixed or applied directly to the surface of the walls and made of strong durable materials. Signage is without doubt a fashionable accessory in the commercial world.”
The works on the college included all internal and external signage at the two new developments, including directions and information to help visitors around the premises. Much of the plain white wall space has been covered with illustrations designed by Happy Giraffe. In Dudley Sixth there is a giant periodic table in the science lab, fun and thought provoking graphics with facts and information printed on them in the corridors and large-format words appear - ‘Imagine’ and ‘Debate’ throughout the two storey building. In Dudley Evolve, continuous graphics have been created, applying the strong colourful identity to different materials that stretch across glazing and walls in the large glass atrium, reception and curriculum specific areas. The overall result is a highly effective visual delight, a far cry from the schools and colleges from a couple of decades ago.
Jodie Price of Happy Giraffe provided all artwork for the project. She said: “Colleges must now be fit to compete in order to contribute to economic prosperity. Enhancing the environment in which students learn with stimulating visuals, provides inspiration to achieve ambitions
“I believe the new branding at Dudley College supports its reputation of excellence which makes students feel good about both their college of choice and future prospects.”
Jane Williams, strategic marketing and PR at the college, added: “Our aim was to create interesting and vibrant buildings. The integration of signage that adopted our strong branding identities has brought the buildings to life and helped to tie the student’s learning environment into our marketing campaigns.”
www.signlex.com