spaces

Given its age and architect, the Virginia Capitol building is the most historically significant state capitol in the United States. In a landmark structure like Jefferson’s Capitol, the message that the architecture sends out is clear, strong, and evocative of the principals for which it was designed. The signage had to send the same message and more. The new extension is a refined and modern complement to the historic building. It serves as the primary public entrance and the beginning of the visitor’s experience at the Capitol. The sign program had to be one that was not only elegant and bold, but also could be trusted to show the way.

As a key member of the design team, MERJE worked closely with Historic Preservation architect, Dr. George Skarmeas and the Capitol’s Executive Committee to design signage that would fit seamlessly throughout the renovated and expanded Capitol building. All parties agreed that, beyond meeting code and accessibility requirements, the new signs had to fit the historic building as if they could have been there when the building was first occupied in 1788.

Terra Libri is a fresh-bake cafe. Each of the menu items are made with all-natural ingredients and produce from local New Jersey farms and orchards. MERJE worked with Terra Moma Restaurant Group to develop a new identity and branded graphics that reflect the farm-to-table approach of the cafe. An earth tone palette was incorporated, along with black & white images of farmers and photos of the fresh produce. Located within the Princeton Public Library, the space provides a gathering place for the local community to stop in and meet with friends, grab a cup of coffee to go or just enjoy the latest best-seller.

The Chester County Library System’s main branch retained MERJE to design a new interior wayfinding and signage system that also includes large wall murals and interpretive graphics that showcase the history of Chester County.

The rolling hills and dairy farms for which Exton is known became the inspiration for both the signage and the interpretive aspects of the project. Simple, clean overlapping graphic hills are used in the signage and murals, along with graphic icons to identify areas of the library, like Multimedia, Literacy Center, Teen Zone, Computers and others. A mural in the entrance atrium showcases the names of library patrons’ favorite authors, while the interpretive graphics highlight the famous restaurant and creamery that was located near the present-day library site. A Guernsey cow, the icon of the restaurant, adorns one of the interpretive walls.

MERJE worked with the architectural and interior design teams of RMJM to blend the graphic design program as a single language throughout the space of CBS Channel 3’s new studio and offices in Philadelphia. The program includes reception area branding, wayfinding and operational signage, as well as the group’s common practice of establishing landmarks that provide points of orientation within a space, in this case a large etched graphic of the classic test pattern used in the early days of television.

Through its shapes, materials and forms, the design reflects the clean modern details of the space. Neutral metals are consistent with the interior finishes. The reception area signage incorporates lighting and the suspended glass surface panels behind the desk. Exterior signage includes a 16′ high classic CBS “eye” logo, which was carefully coordinated with the building’s structure.

The materials of the Campus Center at Becton Dickinson and Company express the environmental nature of the project and inspired the overall earthern and organic theme of the visual elements. Researching sustainable and natural materials was part of the design process. Interior signage is made from recycled frosted glass and has a subtly etched wood grain texture creating a virtual translucency that mimicks the interior lighting.

Culturally, people will create nicknames for meeting places. The new facility has several dining experiences that were named using lowercase lettering with earthy names such as root, node, and pulse. The photography and videos found in backlit cashier stations and light projected walls are of abstract natural elements. The light projected video imagery creates a natural texture and mood for relaxation enhancing a contrasting environment with the neighboring office buildings.