In 2021, MAD Architects invited 2x4 to create signage for the Cloudscape of Haikou Library. Overlooking Haikou Bay in China’s Hainan Province, the library appears carved from the natural world. Interspersed throughout, Solid masses and “gray space” in the concrete structure creating light and openness.
Our work began with the question: what is the relationship between environmental signage and architecture? In this case, the identity is not a manual for the architectural space, rather, it embodies the natural flow of the building, providing a design system that follows the architectural paradigm. We designed a graphic language of sleek and soft fonts and abandoned the use of standard arrow symbols, choosing, instead, to stretch the arrow to greater lengths in response to the building’s texture and curvature. Aluminum signage and white screen printed text subtly reflect the natural light of the seaside and complement the building’s concrete surface.
All signage photography is by Aogvision.
