Victoria Rooms
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol’s music department is housed in the historic Victoria Rooms. Continuing our working relationship with the University, having created signage systems at the Arts complex and Wickham Theatre, we were briefed with creating a new way-finding system for the Music department.
Working with the University’s branding, we were tasked with finding a way for the signage to reflect the building’s current use by the Music department, whilst remaining consistent with signage across the rest of the University.
Exploring the building for inspiration, we came across the department’s recording studios and observed methods used to dampen, soften and control sound. We found these diffusion panels an interesting visual representation of the music created in the building, and wanted to see if we could reference them in the signage system.
The Victoria Rooms is spread across four floors, so we allocated a diffusion pattern to each, with the ground floor referencing the pattern found on the ceiling of the auditorium.
Each room sign was made of maple veneer, and went through a two stage production process. First the sound diffusion pattern was lasercut to allocate its floor, and then each was printed with the room name and number.
Wayfinding signs were larger, and produced with a layered effect. The top strip is made from maple veneer with a laser cut pattern, joined to a printed plywood base with room information.
Alongside the theatre bar we installed a large vinyl mural showing students and performances. Images were held in the University’s characteristic diagonal shape, and adorned with the diffusion patterns now found throughout the building.
The reception’s welcome sign was constructed using all four patterns, layered according to the floor to which they belong.
The team at Greenhat were brilliant from the very first meeting to discuss ideas through to the final install dealing with issues patiently, professionally and with tact. The finished product exceeded expectations and has greatly enhanced the space for all users. Great work thanks!
The team at Greenhat were brilliant from the very first meeting to discuss ideas through to the final install dealing with issues patiently, professionally and with tact. The finished product exceeded expectations and has greatly enhanced the space for all users. Great work thanks!
– Deborah Gibbs, Resource Manager, Dept of Music, Film and Theatre
Finally we installed an information board telling the history of The Victoria Rooms, from it’s opening in 1842 and use as a concert hall and cultural centre, to it’s current occupancy by the University of Bristol’s Music Department.