ADLER HALL PLACEMAKING
SCAD Savannah’s Adler Hall, home to the school's graphic design and advertising programs, currently features no graphic system or identity relevant to its programs of study. Both the interior and exterior of the building are very bland in comparison to the work being done inside the building, and the existing interior graphics in different areas are not cohesive with one another. The interior of the building is difficult to navigate due to lack of wayfinding measures.
A graphic system based on the projection of light is applied to the building, relating to the computer screens in the building and the importance of colors created by light in design. Red, green, and blue spot lights positioned at key interest points create white light when they converge on the wall, but create vibrant split shadows when a person walks through the light's path. Painted graphics echoing this effect interact with the shadows of Adler Hall’s visitors as they pass.
The facade of the building facing Indian Street and the entryway of the building are given signage so that visitors and passersby are aware of Adler Hall’s location. A large yellow spotlight is painted across the wall of the entryway and is carried to the floor, creating both a twisted dimensionality and a hint at light being cast across the surface.
The window alongside the stairwell is adorned with a translucent decal which allows light to pass through and project onto the white wall inside of the building. As the sun changes position throughout the day, the lettering becomes differently warped.
The entrance to the basement at the bottom of the staircase welcomes visitors to the 100 level. Because of an array of red, green, and blue lights, visitors can watch their shadows interact with the graphics on the wall. Paula Scher's words on raising the expectation of design both welcomes designers into the space and gives them parting words as they go forth into the world.
The main hallway of the basement containing the graphic design and advertising classrooms is updated with frosted windows and larger, clearer room numbers. Another interest point with colored lights is placed on the wall between rooms 111 and 115.
In Room 143, main lounge and meeting area on the basement level, the existing whiteboard and television screen are consolidated and replaced with a large interactive screen. The contents of the screen can be updated instantly, and visitors are able to interact with and move the elements on screen to hone their design skills or to decompress after a stressful day of classes.
The restrooms, which are currently challenging for new visitors to locate, are marked with bold, unmistakable graphics so that visitors unfamiliar with the building are able to find them easily and quickly.