Blog
Refreshing the Atmosphere at Plex
I’m excited to share my role in the refresh Foster-Walker Dining Commons (Plex) at Northwestern University. From helping decide on a theme for the dining hall to meticulously measuring and prepress, each step played a crucial role in creating an engaging and functional space. In this post, I will delve into the process of choosing messages to communicate, the challenges faced, and the impact of renderings in presenting ideas and plans to leadership.
Setting the Stage
To revitalize the dining hall, we decided on a chalkboard theme that would infuse the space with character and set the dining hall apart from others. I played a key role in selecting the graphics and determining their placement throughout space. It was essential to strike a balance between informative, functional, and interactive elements. Some graphics served as a source of information, while others would aided in wayfinding or offered interactive experiences by highlighting origins of the ingredients.
Overcoming Challenges in Graphics Placement
As the project progressed, the task of measuring walls and determining appropriate sizes for the output became paramount. Each measurement had to be precise to ensure everything fit seamlessly; avoiding any disruptions or cutoffs.
A good example on this was the wider graphics as the printer was only 90 inches long. Putting that into consideration, I avoided adding placing graphics in those areas as it avoid misaligning the graphic during install. Renderings proved to be invaluable tools during this phase, providing visual estimates and references that helped anticipate potential issues and plan accordingly.
Leveraging Renderings for Approval + Installation
During the project, the utilization of renderings proved to be fundamental in obtaining approvals from leadership and facilitating a seamless installation process. By providing a visual representation of the proposed graphics, the renderings effectively placed the concepts into context. This visual presentation helped play a role in conveying ideas, showcasing the overall plan, and illustrating how graphics would transform the dining hall’s interior. Even the sign installers were benefiting from the renderings by seeing the intended layout for install. With renderings as a powerful tool, the approval process became visually pleasing and straightforward, ensuring that all parties involved were aligned on the vision for the refreshed dining hall. The renderings served as a bridge between inception and execution, enabling stakeholders to envision the final outcome and provide their valuable input with confidence. This not only facilitated smoother decision-making but also created a collaborative environment where everyone shared a unified vision for the revitalized dining space. Ultimately, the renderings were key in bringing the project to life and ensuring that the final installation accurately captured the envisioned design concept.
Printing Constraints + Considerations
During the preparation of the graphics files for printing, a specific challenge emerged. The maximum width for printing was limited to 50 inches, necessitating careful consideration to ensure the graphics did not exceed this size. It was essential to avoid any overlaps or misalignment when stitching the vinyl together. By meticulously addressing this constraint, we ensured a seamless and high-quality installation process for the graphics.
The journey of transforming Foster-Walker Dining Commons into a revitalized and engaging space involved careful planning, precise measurements, and the leverage of renderings to gain approvals and present the vision. By selecting appropriate graphics and strategically placing them throughout the dining hall, we successfully created an atmosphere that combined functionality, information, and interactive elements. The challenges encountered along the way were overcome through meticulous measurements and the invaluable assistance of renderings. Ultimately, this project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration in creating a dynamic and inviting dining experience for all who visit Foster-Walker Dining Commons.
