Honor Award
Spertus Institute Environmental Graphics and Wayfinding
Chicago
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Krueck & Sexton Architects
Studio/lab
Marcia Lausen (principal in charge), Jody
Work (project manager/designer), Hillary Geller,
Cheyenne Medina, Meeyoung Melamed
Schellhorn Graphic Solutions (vinyl cutting and
installation, consultation), ASI Modulex (standard
signs, donor wall), Skyline Design (glass etching),
ColorImage (exit map)
Tim Wilson, Studio/lab
“Let there be light” is the phrase that
accompanies the logo for the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. The
logo is a graphic representation of a candle flame—symbolizing the
Spertus commitment to learning through education and the arts, today and
into the future.
In November 2007, the Spertus Institute moved into a new building on Chicago’s
Michigan Avenue. Designed by Krueck & Sexton, the building has a dramatic
10-story faceted-glass façade, part of an architectural design
that directly expresses the organization’s mission and values and
provides a window into the world of Jewish learning and culture.
In 2005, Studio/lab began work with Krueck & Sexton to develop an
environmental graphics and wayfinding system for the new facility. Like
the architecture, the typographic system is a “study in light.”
The key design element is a modern sans-serif font combined with a traditional
serif italic font. Placed on two sides of the many interior glass surfaces,
these two fonts create a “flickering” typeface, serving as
the candlelight of the logo brought to life in architectural space.
Large-scale glass directories located between the main elevators of each
floor allow visitors to easily locate the variety of educational and cultural
programming offered. Shadows created from the etched typography are very
much a part of the environmental brand expression.
“Take away, take away, and take away. And then when there is nothing
left to remove, imbue the program with a subtleness of light and shadow
that gently animates the graphics. I love the way the program is big without
being loud, clever without being gimmicky. I wanted to put my name on
this project and claim it for my own.” “
Man’s attraction to light and the power of
a flame enamored all the judges. The allure of this project kept speaking
to us at a deeper soul level. The integration and interplay of light and
shadow on glass transcends you from the entrance, to the lobby, and the
vertical circulation architecture. The beauty in the typography and the
elegant simplicity are truly enchanting. Thank you for your inspiration…it
has left a mark.”