Chicago Park District

By 1997, my list of graphic design “firsts” was coming to an end. I had a particular interest in the built environment, and a signage project was the last item to add. Chicago’s extensive urban park system is one of the nation’s finest, and home to many varied cultural destinations, and landmarks. Two Twelve Harakawa was asked to create a comprehensive set of design standards for exterior signage throughout the parks in the city’s system. The firm conducted multiple pilot programs, each separated by an evaluative phase, and I was brought onto the project for a number of reasons: the first being to complete the project.

A signage program is only as strong as its strategy and implementation. A key component of this project was the standards manual developed for the Park Department’s fabrication and maintenance, in perpetuity. This 250-page manual details the scope of the parks’ sign program, including specifications for fabrication, colour, cartography, new symbol design, and planning. My job was to evaluate the efficacy of previous phases, amalgamating signs types where necessary, and document the outcomes in the form of the manual. The project engaged my love of systems. Each round of the pilot program involved revisions to the previous signage and the introduction of new sign types. Accordingly, every sign type was adjusted; amalgamating sign types addressed redundancies in function. We developed a system of communication elements.

This project introduced me to the work of Andrew Simons, a key influencer in my life as a designer. He taught me to pay attention to every detail. This aligned with my ADHD tendencies. The Chicago Park District (CPD) commissioned a custom symbol set. It was developed with respect to the Army Core of Engineers and United States Department of Transportation (DOT) symbol sets. Ravi Hampole designed the system paying particular attention to the scale of children in relation to adults, and the placement of the head on a body. Andy pointed out how language plays a key role. Most parks greet visitors with a long list of don’ts—“Do Not…”—and we choose instead an approach of “the following is not permitted:….” Finally, welcoming guests in more than one language was key for this multi-cultural civic amenity. Communicating that design was more than a layout and construction details was what made this project meaningful and impactful on my career.

Firm of Record: Two Twelve Harakawa Design: David Gibson (principal in charge), Andrew Simons (project manager/lead design), Cesar Sanchez (junior design), John deWolf, writer, designer (standards manual), Ravi Hampole (symbol design) Client: Chicago Park District Timeframe: 1996–1997

Fabrication: Pobloki & Sons (fabricator) Western Industries (fabricator) Cartography: Gerald Boulet.

Award: 1998 Special Distinction award winner, Society of Graphic Designers.