Roles in the project
• Information Architect
• Graphic Designer
• Project Manager
Project deliverables
• Information Architect: space mapping, routes mapping, and new labelling of the rooms by floors and functions.
• Communications Designer: navigation signs, room labels, maps, informational signs, educational signs, typographical system and icon system.
• Project Manager: scheduling and project planning, conducting meetings, budgeting and communicating with suppliers, teams and stakeholders.
Problems
As we began to work on this project, a reopening date of the Espaço Cultural Renato Russo, in Brasília, Brazil, was already set, so we had to fit our schedule into that very tight time frame. The biggest constraint was, however, financial. The State was facing a severe financial crisis in the period, which translated to me having to deal with four different suppliers. A further challenge was to get approval from the different stakeholders: the public authorities, the contractors, and the artistic community.
Solutions
After carefully planning and getting approval for the design direction and concepts, I worked closely with the architects' team and the contractor’s engineers to map the rooms and routes. We used demolition steel and similar materials whenever possible. We took advantage of the walls, doors and glasses to apply vinyl adhesive, making the whole system a lot cheaper. For every piece, we tested for colour contrast and legibility to guarantee seamless navigation and an aesthetically pleasing system that respected the cultural heritage.
Lessons learned
It was very rewarding to contribute to an important cultural space in my hometown. On the design side, I learned a lot from the architects. Since the construction was unfinished as we began, I relied heavily on their knowledge to understand the function and navigation across rooms.
But, the biggest learning came from the management of the project. I was very humbled by the trust all the stakeholders granted me, including the former Secretary. I believe I made it possible by not being afraid to ask, discuss concepts and seek consensus before moving forward to new tasks. Also, the relationship I developed with the suppliers guaranteed we stayed on budget and on time. By staying open, communicating clearly and building trust, we were able to deliver a great project and safeguarded the reopening of the space on time.
