spaceagency practice profile

SPACEAGENCYPractice Profile, September 2011

Space Agency is a multi-disciplinary design firm based in London and a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). With teaching experience at architecture and design schools around the UK, the firm’s directors place considerable focus on design research. Every project we take on is treated as an opportunity for innovation.

Space Agency believes that design innovation comes from redefining boundaries between design disciplines, promoting a culture of interchange that sparks creative thinking. Space Agency operates at the crossroads of graphic design, architecture, interior design and urban design.

Throughout these disciplines, space itself is the unifying agent. The way we organise space influences patterns of movement, occupation and social vitality. Space can be the agent of change, the agent for behaviour, the agent which triggers a mood.

Within the wayfinding discipline, Space Agency has developed a methodology toward understanding urban-scale space not only as a series of architectural objects, but also as a network of routes and spaces between. Space Agency approaches the reading of cityscapes using research-based methods to forecast the global pattern of movement.

Simultaneously, the team’s expertise in environmental graphics supports this movement and flow through spaces with a graphic narrative and informational layer, seamlessly integrated into the architecture, which facilitates orientation and enhances experience. Large spaces become intelligible through an attractive and intuitive hierarchy of information revealed through progressive disclosure. The overall result is a wayfinding, signage and environmental graphics approach which is creative, detailed to the highest architectural standards, and contributes to a fully-integrated design.

SPACEAGENCYWayfinding, Signage and Environmental Graphics

65 Phoenix Yard | Kings Cross Road | London WC1X 9LW | +44 (0)207 239 4909 | +44 (0)7525 636 [email protected] | registered company 6573349


Legal

Space Agency London Ltd. was established in 2008 and is a private company limited by shares, UK company registration number 6573349. We are a RIBA Chartered Practice and carry professional indemity insurance provided by the RIBA Insurance Agency / Heath Lambert. The SPACEAGENCY trademark is registered in the European Community, Community Trademark registration number 009720475 and with the UK Intellectual Property Office, registration number 2541197.

Consulting Skills Base

We are multi-disciplinary, highly-skilled company based in offices in central London. All senior members of the company are qualified, practising graphic designers, architects and interior designers. We take pride in the people we work with and are an equal opportunities employer.

Research Foundations / Technology

Our approach to wayfinding is grounded in a methodology developed at the Space Syntax Laboratory at University College London and tested in practice for over 30 years. This research has shown through evidence-based studies that about 75% of movement in public spaces is ‘natural movement’, that is, movement due to the effect of spatial configuration rather than attractors. We use this information in developing solutions for wayfinding projects that work with how people actually perceive and use space.

We enjoy strong connections with academia; senior members of staff hold teaching positions and are regularly invited to speak at research symposia and conferences.

We harness the potential of numerous 2D, 3D and GIS software packages across the graphic design, architectural and urban design disciplines to deliver our services. We expect that our state-of-the-art

COMPANY BACKGROUND

computer system will be fully compatible with systems in use by the entire design team.

Client Base

The firm has a diverse and international client base. Space Agency’s work has ranged from detailed public realm projects overseen by public sector bodies such as BAA/Heathrow, Gatwick Airport Limited, Docklands Light Railway, Transport for London and Newcastle City Council, as well large international private sector developers such as the Rooya Group (Cairo), Jumeirah Hotels Group (Dubai) and retail enterprises such as Le Pain Quotidien (Moscow) and the retail consultant Mary Portas (London). We also frequently are appointed as sub-consultants on projects with internationally-acclaimed architects such as Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (Stuttgart/Sidney) and Space Syntax Ltd. (London).


HEATHROW AIRPORT - TERMINAL 2 CENTRAL FORECOURT & MSCP

Client BAA LimitedYear 2011Location London, United KingdomArchitect Aedas Architects Space Agency is currently working with Aedas Arcotects and BAA to develop a wayfinding and signage strategy for the main entrance, covered forecourt and car park to the new Terminal 2 at London Heathrow Aiport.

A complex system of routes between London Underground, Heathrow Express, multiple vehicular drop-offs and various other user groups must be navigated. The forecourt is the primary approach to the new terminal and for arriving passengers one of the first impressions after disembarking. A clear and highly legible wayfinding strategy is therefore paramount for the client.

The overarching concept of the wayfinding strategy developed is to be simple, uncluttered and to emphasize the sense of alighting, the drama of leaving the ground. This idea of taking flight is conveyed as a subtle but distinct notion.

SELECTED PROJECTS


Client KACSTYear 2011Location Riyahd, Saudi ArabiaArchitect Laboratory for Visionary Architecture / RMJM

Space Agency was engaged to develop a wayfinding strategy and to design signage for a Science and Technology professional campus in northwest Riyadh dedicated to scientists of all fields. The objective of the wayfinding strategy is to promote knowlege-sharing and cross-pollination of ideas through the spatial layout of the campus and movement framework. This is achieved through a route layout which encourages scientists of different sectors to cross paths both inside buildings and within public space. The amalgamation of signage, seating and lighting clusters within public space facilitate information-sharing in central gathering spaces. The design concept for the signage draws on influences from Arabic contributions to the advancement of science and mathematics - geometry in particular.

KING ABDULAZIZ CITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SELECTED PROJECTS

Plaza KACST Headquaters SignBuilding AddressBuilding-Wide Tenant Directory

Reception 00Building-Wide Tenant Directory

Reception 01Building-Wide Tenant Directory

Lobby Entry -01Directionals to Lifts/Stairs

Lobby Entry 00Directionals to Lifts/Stairs

Women’s Lobby EntryDirectionals to Lifts/Stairs

Lobby Entry 01Directionals to Lifts/Stairs

00 Lift Lobby XLift Lobby Tenant Directory

01 Lift Lobby YLift Lobby Tenant Directory

01 Lift Lobby XLift Lobby Tenant Directory

Women’s Lift Lobby YLift Lobby Tenant Directory

00 Lift Lobby YLift Lobby Tenant Directory

Floor Level Lift Lobby XFloor Level Tenant Directory

Floor Level Circulation DirectionalsUnit Numbering / IdentificationMeeting Room IdentificationInstitute Branding

AtriumSector IdentificationFloor Level Nu mbering

VIP Drop Off KACST Headquaters SignBuilding AddressBuilding-Wide Tenant Directory

Floor Level Lift Lobby YFloor Level Tenant Directory

Women’s Drop Off KACST Headquaters SignBuilding AddressBuilding-Wide Tenant Directory

Basement Parking Building-Wide Tenant Directory

NATIONALCENTREFOR NON-DESTRUCTIVETESTINGÇáãÑßÒÇáæØäíááÎÊÈÇÑÇÊÛíÑÇáãÏãÑ







































































00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22B1B2


STONE TOWERS, CAIRO

Client Rooya GroupYear 2011Location Cairo, EgyptArchitect Zaha Hadid Architects

Space Agency was engaged as a consultant to Zaha Hadid Architects for a large mixed-use masterplan in Cairo containing office towers, a 5 star hotel, retail clusters, public space and a parking plinth. The central spine of this masterplan functions as an oasis, full of vibrant activity and a night time economy. In order to achieve this ‘buzz’, a strong, direct and convenient central axis of movement must be emphasized through wayfinding cues and signage. A visually and physically direct and accessible central core of movement at surface level links the retail uses into a chain, serving to activate natural movement through the heart of the development.

The primary approach for most users will be vehicular, through the basement parking. Environmental graphics and wayfinding directional markers from the basement up, facilitate orientation and picture-building for first time users and enhance the experience of getting where one wants to go.

30°

0° 0°

60°

90°

TO NBO5

TO

SB

O5

TO GARDEN

SELECTED PROJECTS


ELEPHANT & CASTLE SOUTHERN TRIANGLE PUBLIC REALM

Client London Borough of SouthwarkYear 2008 Location London, UKSpatial Strategy Space Syntax Ltd.Design Subconsultant Space Agency

The Southern Crossing at the Elephant and Castle in central London replaces the existing network of unpopular subways with a new public realm design characterised by surface crossings and improved quality in public space. This flagship project is emblematic of further regeneration to come in the area. Each of the three sides of the crossing is aligned with strategic pedestrian desire lines, ensuring that the design provides legible wayfinding across the wider area. The simplicity of the form is carried through into the detailed design of large paving directionals and the location of seating, signage and lighting.

ELE

PH

AN

T & C

AS

TLE S

OU

THE

RN

RO

UN

DA

BO

UT R

EG

EN

ER

ATION

SELECTED PROJECTS

Transport 2005: Transport challenges for a growing city (TfL, 2005) Transport objective 1

Realising the potential: walking and cycling in London (TfL, April 2004)

51% of all journeys in London are less than two kilometres in length; many journeys are short enough to walk.Walking is the most cost-effective form of urban transport: it would release capacity on the Tube, bus and road net-works.Walking enhances social inclusion.

•

•

•

People crossing inDesignated area

Undesignated area

Green phase

Red phase

25%

75%

23%

77%

95%

5%

100%

QU

EE

NS

TRE

ET

COLLEGSTREE

QU

EE

NS

TRE

ET

PLA

CE

Non AlignedNon Aligned

Aligned

Aligned

People crossing inDesignated area

Undesignated area

Green phase

Red phase

45%

32%

68%

42%58%

58%42%

55%

QU

EEN

STR

EET

COLLEGSTREE

QU

EEN

STR

EET

PLAC

E

Non AlignedNon Aligned

Aligned

Aligned

Space Syntax Limited © 2008February 2008Elephant & Castle Southern Crossing London Borough of Southwark

SiteA potential to be realised

Situation

Elephant & Castle Development Framework

Research context

Geographic context

This kind of crossing performs better with regard to safety and efficiency (high rates of crossings in the designated area and high rates of crossings during the green pedestrian signal phase).

This kind of crossing performs poorly with respect to safety and efficiency (high rates of crossings in the undesignated area and high rates of crossings during the red pedestrian signal phase).

Well-performing crossings Poorly-performing crossings

People follow desire lines, which are natural paths of movement, based on what they can see about where they can go. UC Berkeley Campus

Clear and legible Enjoyable and attractive walking journey

Direct, and designed for the convenience of those on foot, not those in vehicles. Road crossing opportunities should be provided as of right, located in relation to desire lines.

Pleasant, allowing social interaction

5 “C’s” of good walking networks (TfL, 2005)

Connecting different areas with key attractions

Desire lines

Elephant & Castle enjoys a strategic location. Situated in the heart of South London, it is a primary hub in the transport network for rail, underground and road connections. The redevelopment of the Elephant & Castle area presents the opportunity to realise the potential of this strategic situation and to regenerate its immediate locale.

Capitalising on the potential of its strategic position, the Elephant & Castle Development Framework vision aims to create a living town centre with style and high quality. The project team comprised Tibbalds, Space Syntax, JMP Transport for the London Borough of Southwark.

Supporting sustainable economic developmentImproving public transportManaging traffic congestion

•••

Pedestrian crossings aligned to desire lines Pedestrian crossings non aligned to desire lines

ConspicuousComfortable Convivial Connected Convenient

Policy context

Pedestrians following desire lines


CABLE CAR FOR LONDON

Client Transport for LondonYear 2011Location London, United KingdomArchitect Aedas Architects

Space Agency was engaged as a consultant to Aedas Architects to develop the wayfinding, branding and signage strategy and implementation for the new Cable Car for London project. The Cable Car will span both sides of the river Thames, linking the North to the South Side, closing and a gap in the public transport network from the O2 Arena to the Excel Centre near Royal Victoria Docks. Its 100m towers will also act as a major landmark and tourist attraction.

The strategy involves bringing together wayfinding and public infrastructure identity with a unique London experience that will be accentuated by an immersive media experience.

SELECTED PROJECTS15

075

054

0

2990

1200

350

7515

050

2524

00

150 140 25

70 80

1600

CLE

ARAN

CE T

O U/

S OF

SCR

EEN

2415725

This drawing is to be read in conjunction with all related drawings. Alldimensions must be checked and verified on site before commencing any workor producing shop drawings. The originator should be notified immediately ofany discrepancy. This drawing is copyright and remains the property of Aedas.

NORTH STATION (DRIVE STATION)WAYFINDING AND BRANDINGTICKET OFFICE UE46 LCD SCREENS

002-AR-AED-DWG-06000501/101/20

SCALE 1:10 @A1SECTION THROUGH TICKET OFFICE WINDOW01

+5.60m AODCONCOURSE LEVEL

+5.75m AODTICKET OFFICE FFL

-

- 29/09/11 FOR INFORMATION RP SM

3no 46" LCD screens 1031 x584 x 29.90mm fixed ontobrackets custom made byscreen manufacturer andmounted with steel hollowsection ,through the ceiling, tothe u/s of the slab above

1:50 @A1TICKET OFFICE PLAN SHOWING LCD SCREENS02

D

C

11

12

137

1:20 @A1TICKET OFFICE UNROLLED ELEVATION03

3no 46" LCD screens at theback

7 12

670

800

950

1955 1955 1955

spaceagency practice profile

Documents

design research

legal space agency london

design disciplines

urban design

design innovation

integrated design

design schools

urbanscale space