To elevate a feeling of welcoming to users of the University Square North lobby, I was tasked with incorporating subtle Ohio State branding without overwhelming the space. In response, I proposed adding biophilic elements, small pops of color, and personalization to the space that can be removed if necessary to a client but brings OSU campus into the experience. Faced with constraints of a shared space that needs adaptability depending on the user, as well as a tight budget, I worked with representatives of the building and its tenants to determine what changes would be effective and possible.
Lobby featuring proposed plants and pillows
Original Lobby Left
Original Lobby Center
Original Lobby Interior Entryway
Analysis
The original design has little color or personal touches that invite users to relax in the space. The furniture often is untouched. With no biophilic elements, the lobby quickly becomes unpleasant for workers such as security guards who spend prolonged amounts of time inside.
Studies
I explored various plaster work and window decals that are a subtle invocation of Ohio State. I tried different Block O designs to compliment the simplistic wainscotting, and Oval and buckeye leaf patterns for the glass in the entryway. Additionally, I worked with the design and placement of a script Ohio sign that would be removeable when necessary.
Block O Detail 1
Block O Detail 2
Block O Detail 3
Glass Decal Oval 1
Glass Decal Oval 2
Glass Decal Buckeye Leaves 1
Glass Decal Buckeye Leaves 2
Lobby furniture
Lobby Interior Doors
University Square North Exterior Doors
Lobby Furniture and Monitor
Concepts
Colorful pillows bring attention and warmth to the furniture, and the script Ohio sign brings elegance and draws the user's eye to the art on the wall, which upon closer look shows a selection of Columbus campus's beautiful architecture. The buckeye leaves on both the interior and exterior glass contribute to biophilic visuals. A framed monitor maintains a finished look and provides general information, wayfinding, and advertisements for the building tenants and University Square. Featured in the primary photo at the top of this page is an indoor plant to add life into the space as well as help produce fresh, healthy air.
