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Judith Aronson of the Department of Communications and Glenn Berger of Massachusetts College of Art recently received a Davis-Mini Grant from the Colleges of the Fenway (COF) to develop and teach "Wayfinding: Design, Information Architecture and Public Spaces" in spring 2003. Offered to juniors, seniors, and graduate students, the course will be taught mainly at Simmons, with some classes at MassArt.

Wayfinding systems are created using environmental graphics to logically communicate the pathways, layout, and structure of buildings and landscapes. More than just signage, they use architecture and landmarks to make spaces easier to navigate and more accessible.

Through studio projects, classic writings, guest lectures, and on-the-spot investigations—including a visit to the New York City subway—the course will analyze the constitution of wayfinding systems, and broaden students' ability to understand how designers' methods establish clear, ordered information. The final project—a sign system developed around COF needs—will articulate the relationship of the six campuses and the COF identity.

"We hope to attract students in various fields beyond design - including library science, information technology, architecture, and engineering," said Aronson.

When advising students for next semester, faculty should look for the course in the November registration schedule and in the COF Cross-registration Catalog (it is not listed in Simmons's 2002-04 Course Catalog).

To receive a more detailed description, or to see the syllabus, contact Judith Aronson at 617-521-2835 or Glenn Berger 617-232-1555.

SEE ALSO

Undergraduate Communications

 

 

 

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