The bold, playful environmental design, by New York City–based Once-Future Office, is fit for a university with a nationally recognized graphic design program—rarely do restroom signage and floor-level identification stand out so strongly.
Portland State University School of Art + Design
Placemaking for an art, art history, and design school’s new home
- Wayfinding
Collaborators: LEVER Architecture
We designed a signage, wayfinding, and environmental graphic system for the Jordan Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at Portland State University. Designed by LEVER Architecture, the new mass timber building unites previously scattered disciplines under one roof. Inspired by the school’s love for wild postings and RISO printing, the signage system has a playful shape and color palette, with each floor assigned its own shape and color combination. Larger-than-life floor level identifications double as canvases for students to fill in with murals, and magnetic signage becomes bulletin boards for fliers and announcements. Drawing from engagement and DEI workshops with students and faculty, the system feels holistically and uniquely PSU while also reflecting the energy of each department.
Matt Hickman, Architectural Record
Once–Future Office Jordan Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design
