The right path towards innovation

How do you draw attention to signage in a building? And how do you guide a visitor flawlessly through the maze of meeting rooms, offices and floors? Our solution: fusing technology and minimalism into a sleek signage that catches the eye.

Visible innovation ... through signalling

For several years now, we have been releasing innovation through the annual report for Flanders Make, the research centre around innovation in the manufacturing industry. In its latest editions, it announced the construction and opening of their new technology centre in Kortrijk. As such, we were more than happy to get behind our drawing board for that building's signage.

 

A building's brand identity

Signage like this is not just a signpost and a floor plan, it also has to radiate a brand identity. So just leave it to volta! From the first discussions with the Flanders Make team, we understood the general approach and worked out our initial concepts.

 

Logical routing and landmarks

Our visual approach was quickly decided: the entire building had to radiate innovation from the moment you step inside. All elements of the signage had to take the visitor on a colourful and dynamic journey through technological ingenuity. However, this obviously had to be a journey that takes you smoothly from point A to B: without detours and via logical routes and landmarks.

Smart iconography

Above all, our signage had to be recognisable ... and therefore not too overwhelming! We brought the site to life with a clever mix of corporate colours and smart iconography. Like this, we drew inspiration from the furniture and fittings in the building: a mix that, together with the brand colours, immediately created a familiar look. Via clean lines and minimalist customised icons, every clue became a touch more modern.

 

Clear floor plan, clear directions

As a visitor, the overview of the floors welcomes you, along with many signage arrows. Signs then guide you to important areas such as meeting rooms, elevators and garages. We also gave clear markings to doors and made sure that the angled signage allows you to find functional areas such as toilets and meeting rooms in the blink of an eye.

 

One colour per floor

Each floor has its own colour code. That means you immediately know where you need to be - and where you currently are. And the meeting rooms? They each have their own custom icon, perfectly matching their name. Like “Wool” with a cute little sheep, “Inspiration” with a sparkling lamp, and “Cashmere” with a sweet little goat.

Even the mailbox got shape

Just when we thought the whole signage project was finished, Flanders Make presented us with perhaps the most original question ever. As there was no mailbox for the building yet, we had to design a complete one from scratch. Our graphics department was inspired by the geometry, character and interplay of shapes of the new building. So the mailbox was made up of two large, steel block shapes, fixed on a concrete base. Very handy for the many parcels that arrive there every day!