Architectural Harmony and Functional Design
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Client
Whitney Museum of American Art
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Location
New York, New York
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Sector
Cultural
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Discipline
Wayfinding, Donor Recognition, Digital, Placemaking
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Architect
Renzo Piano
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Photography
Jason Dziver
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Awards
Graphis Design Annual Gold Red Dot Communication Design Advertising & Design Club of Canada Directions SEGD Global Design Merit Applied Arts Award Communication Arts Award of Excellence Transform North America Gold
A Palette of Monochrome
In keeping with the museum’s focus on contemporary visuals, we selected a monochromatic color palette based on black, grey, and white. This choice not only reinforces the modernist appeal but also ensures that the wayfinding and informational graphics do not overshadow the artworks. Our designs include ‘flexible’ directional arrows inspired by the museum’s logo, serving as a navigational aid while integrating seamlessly into various backdrops—whether vinyl on concrete, screened graphics on drywall, or dimensional letters for donor names.
Innovative Application
Special consideration was given to the material and application techniques to enhance durability and maintain aesthetic integrity across diverse surfaces. For example, silver vinyl on glass was utilized for the primary donor wall, offering a subtle yet distinguished acknowledgment of support.
Our solution was functionally effective but subdued enough not to compete with the art, keeping the museum environment simple, elegant, and timeless.
User-Centered Design
Every aspect of our work aimed at improving the visitor experience, making navigation intuitive while honoring the architectural and artistic essence of the Whitney Museum. From the choice of materials to the design of custom icons and signage, our goal was to create an environment that is not only easy to navigate but also enriches a visitor’s engagement with the art.
Visit the Whitney to experience 21,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photos, film, and new media.
Find out more about the Whitney Museum of American Art.