Wayfinding
Culture & Civic
Nuveen
40 Leadenhall is a prestigious commercial development in the heart of London’s financial district. The project brief called for a crafted, integrated wayfinding system that would speak to the architectural language of the statement flutes without detracting from their grandeur. The client, Nuveen, wanted a light-touch solution, enhanced with a human element, to help visitors navigate a complex space with multiple lift lobbies and double-storey lifts serving only odd or even floors.
We conducted a visual audit of the Leadenhall area, exploring the contrast between historic and modern architecture and local typography. This inspired the theme of “contrast”; old and new, sculptural and sleek, rough and smooth. Our goal was to create a wayfinding system that connected with the site’s heritage while remaining modern and elegant for a progressive business environment.
After evaluating several typefaces, we chose FS Siena for its legibility, elegance, and harmony with the building’s architectural flutes. We simplified the design and embedded the signage into the building’s architecture, using contrasting materials like matte black aluminium, brushed stainless steel, and brass to reflect both the modern and traditional elements. A tactile map and refined pictograms further enhanced accessibility and brought character to the design.
Through the use of typography and materiality, our wayfinding solution successfully juxtaposes old and new, aligning with the client’s aesthetic vision. The signage blends seamlessly with the surrounding features, offering subtle navigational cues that guide visitors through the space. Through designing a wayfinding scheme that is harmonious within the space while respecting the building’s architectural integrity, we delivered a solution that is both elegant and practical. The result not only enhances the visitor experience but also complements the unique character of this iconic development.
