Signage and Wayfinding

For a Floating Field Station

At GHD Partners, I worked with the RETI Center to define and develop a signage and graphics package for the RETI Field Station. Located on a barge in Gowanus Bay Terminal, the RETI Field Station is an experimental learning site for water science, sustainable building, and ecosystem restoration. In my role as designer, I created placemaking signage and graphics that aim to 1) introduce and inform passersby about RETI Center's mission and 2) help people navigate and engage with areas on the barge itself.

Introducing Signage On The Street Level

The barge can be seen from the street level. I designed railing-anchored plaques that introduce the RETI Center's mission to passersby who are curious to learn more about what they are seeing on the waters, and how they can get involved.

Navigating the Various Areas of the Barge

On the barge, there are designated areas for a range of activities and operations, including a garden, sunroom, classroom, bathroom, and more – all of which needed signage. I designed stencils that features reclaimed pallet wood, as building using salvaged materials is core to RETI Center's approach.

For the classroom, I also had the idea of designing hexagonal magnetic tiles, which would attach to the side of the barge, featuring materials used in the barge or things living in the surrounding ecosystem.

The graphics package also included a flag featuring a bold expression of RETI Center's brand colors.

Numbered flags were designed with pallet wood to mark the floating gardens.