Environmental Graphic Design

Sculptural artistic bike rack with large metal bikes in pink, blue and black colors with brick wall in the background
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Environmental graphic design, or EGD, is a multidisciplinary field of design in which the disciplines of graphic design, architecture, art, lighting, landscape, and other fields are utilized as a way to enhance the user experience through the visual translation of ideas in the built environment.

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Environmental Graphic Design is a collaborative and impactful discipline that combines creativity, information, and aesthetics to shape and enhance the way people experience physical environments. From strategically placed graphics to visually engaging signage, Environmental Graphics play a crucial in branding environments, guiding individuals, conveying information, and fostering a sense of place. Local history & developing culture provides inspiration for stories that bring physical spaces to life. Environmental graphics contain a blend of creativity and functionality by layering design elements that help with direction as much as they enhance the experience. The built environment is a canvas for engaging storytelling and seamless navigation, for a transformative environment that benefits the guests and our clients.

Environmental Graphic Design Projects

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Why are environmental graphics important?

Crafting a Visual Language

Start by evaluating the unique characteristics of each space, whether it is a bustling urban area or a serene natural setting. By carefully studying the site and its surroundings, we develop a deep understanding of how people interact with the environment and use this knowledge to craft visually impactful solutions that address their needs. In office buildings or healthcare projects environmental graphics play a supporting role to identification and directional signage that creates clarity and certainty for the guests. On the other hand retail and entertainment projects are intently focused on the guest experience. Public art, murals and interactive placemaking is used to create 'wow' moments that people are quick to share with their friends. Each graphic element plays a part in a guest experience that resonates with the local community and informs visitors.

Through the use of typography, color, graphics, and art we shape expressive environments that communicate their unique identity while enhancing the guest experience.

Rodeo 39 in Stanton before the redevelopment started
Rodeo 39 Public Market in Stanton CA exterior photograph of public mural, illuminated tenant sign, patio seating entrance and large folding doors in front.
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How are graphics used in architecture?

Integration and Strategic Placement

Seamless integration of environmental graphics into new or existing architectural contexts starts with collaboration between design consultants and stakeholders. A unified vision must be established so design teams can work together toward a common aesthetic. An essential aspect is the strategic placement of graphics and signage within a space. Meticulous studies of traffic patterns and key decision points using Kevin Lynch modeling will determine the optimal locations for impactful signage and graphics. Architectural graphics should provide clear and concise information at critical junctures, ensuring that individuals can navigate with confidence.

Colorful wayfinding signage directional with arrows pointing in different directions with park names for the community on each arrow.

Wayfinding & Signage

Essential in any environment, signage contains branding, maps, symbols, color, and typography to orient the user to the surrounding area and inform their decision making.

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"Be Epic" painted blue mural at Long Beach Exchange. Painted containers with typographic public mural along walkway

Art, Murals & Sculpture

These elements can be the main attraction or a small spark of delight for visitors to discover. Either way they play a role in how a place feels to the guests. It can have a functional undertone while displayed as an element for pure enjoyment.

More Public Art & Murals
Digital tabletop directory with futuristic stand design in brass and public art sculpture in the background of indoor retail mall

Interactive Experiences & Media

People can become a part of the brand by engaging in new ways. AR & VR have opened the doors to two way communication where the guest can tailor the experience to their preferences.

More digital integration
Yellow geometric ceiling treatment with skylight and varying patterns to create graphic integration with the architecture

Architectural Graphics

The integration of visual elements directly onto surfaces of buildings or structures. This could be large scale murals, patterns, or artwork that enhances the aesthetics and character of the space while providing visual cues for wayfinding.

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Brass dimensional tabletop directory map with public art globe in background and retail storefronts surrounding

Public Installations

Public installations are creative works of art or design that aim to engage and captivate passersby, contributing to the cultural richness and aesthetic appeal of a community.

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White geometric donor wall signage with angled alignment of pattern and type along white hallway walls

Exhibit Design

Creating immersive and engaging experiences for visitors in spaces like museums, galleries, trade shows, and other public venues.

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Public Market in San Diego overhead image of the seating area with typography mural on floor, unique tree shaped lighting fixtures and skylights for a lot of natural lighting

Placemaking Design

Placemaking is the process of designing and transforming public spaces to enhance their quality, appeal, and functionality, fostering a sense of community and identity.

More placemaking
Manhattan Village exterior public space with lighting, furniture, a lawn and landscaping

Furniture & Fixtures

Furniture and fixtures are integral components in creating immersive, branded, and user-centric experiences within a place. The integration of these elements contributes significantly to the overall success of an environmental graphic design strategy.

The goal is to help people connect with the unique sense of place

How do you translate brick and mortar into narratives that help people make meaningful and personal connections to a place? People, groups, or communities are the reason we build places so they must remain the primary focus. It all starts with human needs and designers use certainty, variety, and delight to satisfy human needs on multiple levels.

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Certainty

Maps, Arrows, Labels, Symbols

Certainty deciphers the environment for the user and primarily identifies uses, assists with navigation, and directs traffic. One can let their guard down with the understanding of the environment, and these elements of certainty provide assurance and comfort. All aspects of the wayfinding profile assist in creating certainty for the user.

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Variety

Scale, Color, Pattern, Form

Variety keeps things interesting while providing a functional breakdown of the overall experience into smaller, more intimate experiences. These varying areas denoted by differing elements carry the same DNA origins, but help with the user’s cognitive mapping of an environment.

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Delight

Sculpture, Art, Whimsy, Surprise

Delight is the fun part—it’s the colorful sculpture or mural or unexpected feature where people want to engage and experience on an emotional level. These landmark moments add to the wayfinding experience in subtle, intuitive ways and typically inform the personality of the place through interpretation of various influences such as culture, community, history, and emotion.

Environmental Graphic Design Markets

Our expertise lies in crafting compelling visual narratives that enhance brand identity, enrich visitor experiences, and seamlessly integrate with the built environment. With a focus on creating memorable spaces that captivate audiences and drive meaningful engagement environmental graphic design is expressed in varying ways depending on the type of project.

Topic series

A Three Part Series on Environmental Graphic Design

Part 1 /

What’s in a Name?

Environmental graphic design, or EGD, is a multidisciplinary field of design in which the disciplines of graphic design, architecture, art, lighting, landscape, and other fields are utilized as a way to enhance the user experience through the visual translation of ideas in the built environment.

Read article

Part 2 /

Emotional Connections

Four principles applied to the built environment cover all human needs. They serve as a litmus test for the capability of an environmental graphic design program to provide users the tools necessary to fulfill all four connections.

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Part 3 /

EGD Can Be Expressed in Many Ways

Environmental graphic design’s greatest asset may be its willingness to adapt to a wide variety of situations, materials, and processes. Because EGD is focused on the communication of creative ideas, the ways in which it can be expressed are limitless.

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What does an environmental graphic designer do?

An Environmental Graphic Designer (EGD) creates visual experiences in physical spaces, uses effective navigation systems to guide people through surroundings, extends brand identities into the built environment, and incorporates interactive and sustainable features. They work alongside architects, follow user-centered design concepts, and play an important part in developing the aesthetic and functional features of a variety of environments.

Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) enhances places by seamlessly integrating visual elements such as signage, wayfinding, and branding, improving navigation and creating cohesive, memorable experiences. Spaces become more navigable, aesthetically pleasing, and conducive to fostering a sense of identity and community.

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