Highlights
Gateways installed at UTSA
Architectural gateways of local limestone and glass designed by CGA have been installed at the University of Texas San Antonio. The first phase of the campus master plan expansion also includes new activity zones, illuminated navigational elements, street renaming and a new parking strategy. CGA's comprehensive sign system includes vehicular and pedestrian directionals, orientation stations, sheltered kiosks, parking ID, maps, banners and building identification signs. UTSA is the second largest in the University of Texas system with a 600-acre campus.
Photos courtesy of Jered E. Widmer, The Lighting Practice.
CGA welcomes Hannah and Jay to the team
CGA is pleased to welcome two new additions this month—Hannah Alexander, marketing coordinator and Jay Hyun, designer. Both Hannah and Jay are excited to join the CGA team and have jumped right into their new roles.
Hannah was previously employed by Duane Morris LLP and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Drexel University. In her role as marketing coordinator, she prepares proposals, manages the company's web presence and helps build relationships with current and prospective clients. Jay graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2012. As a designer on the CGA team, Jay develops construction documents and renders using AutoCAD, Rhinoceros and Revit. He is also skilled at modeling, casting and product development. CGA is glad to have both Hannah and Jay on their team!
Glenside Commercial District
The Glenside Commercial District in Cheltenham Township has received a Montgomery County Award for streetscape enhancements that have revitalized the Easton Road corridor, which runs through the heart of Glenside, PA.
The improvements introduced have increased the livability, appearance and sustainability of the district as well as the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods. Upgrades included new paver to replace blacktop and sidewalks, granite curbs, street furniture, illuminated bollards, ornamental street lamps, flower baskets, and street trees. Wayfinding signage, banners and gateways are some of the most visible elements and help reinforce Glenside's identity and sense of welcome.
This ambitious project led by KSK Architects Planners Historians, has added new liveliness to the Glenside community. It has attracted new businesses, created a focal point for events and become an enjoyable destination for residents, visitors and students.
A dynamic welcome
Communication with patients and visitors is a priority for Thomas Jefferson
University Hospital.
CGA is helping TJUH welcome its thousands of visitors with a dynamic video wall. Now in design, it will be located at a major point of entrance to the inpatient building. The 9-screen wall will display notices from TJUH's active patient education program, friendly graphics and screening reminders. A user-friendly interface will allow staff to update the wall regularly. A historic timeline is also in the works.
Donor attribution in progress for the University
of Chicago Medicine
The University of Chicago Medicine's Center for Care and Discovery, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, will be opening in February of 2013. The new flagship building represents the largest investment in health care in South Chicago's history.
CGA is designing a major installation in the Center's sky lobby to recognize UCM's most generous benefactors. In addition to bronze and edge-illuminated glass panels, CGA is integrating an electronic, interactive kiosk to tell donor stories, offer UCM news and list additional donors.
Phase 1 launch in the Windy City
Implementation of a comprehensive new sign system at The University of Chicago is beginning. The system, designed by CGA to complement the beautiful academic campus, will greatly enhance the visitor experience and campus accessibility. The first phase installation includes vehicular wayfinding signs. Fabrication of phase 2 signs, building identification and map signs, has also begun.
Polishing gems in Baltimore
The City of Baltimore offers a stunning 6000 acres of parkland and public space. CGA has been selected by Baltimore's Department of Recreation and Parks to assist with ongoing design projects for the system. The first assignment, new signage for the historic Cylburn Arboretum, is nearing completion. CGA has designed identification and wayfinding for the beautiful 200-acre public garden and Renaissance Revival mansion.
How to live forever
You’ve probably passed it many times and not noticed it, sandwiched as it is between fruit and fish stands. It’s the “Drink Buttermilk and Live Forever” sign in the southeast quadrant of the Reading Terminal Market. Another colorful fragment in an amazing place that is full of them, this “blast from the past” reminds us of a simpler time when shopkeepers wrote their own taglines, designed their own signs and, quite possibly, hand cut the letters in their basements. Few modern retail signs can beat it for heart-on-the-sleeve enthusiasm and sheer charm.
Spataro’s Buttermilk was started in 1947. There were at least 3 buttermilk stands at the time as the beverage was riding a wave of popularity as a health drink. Domenic Spataro, family and Market patriarch, didn’t live forever, but he did live to the ripe old age of 94.
Thanks are due to Reading Terminal Market managers for preserving this quaint piece of history even as the stall occupants change. If you are looking for the sign note that the stall is now occupied by a soap store called Terralyn.
Cape May County NJ kicks off comprehensive signage and wayfinding program for the peninsula
Located in the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May County includes 16 municipalities—five on the mainland and 11 on the barrier islands—with a year-round population of 100,000 that swells to 750,000 during the summer. The county is located along the Atlantic Flyway and boasts an extensive state park system. It serves as an important stopover grounds for migrating birds and butterflies, and is mecca for whale and dolphin watching, sport fishing and birding. It is also home to the largest collection of Victorian architecture in America, and an eclectic collection of 1950s beachfront residential and commerical architecture, white beaches and historic boardwalks.
CGA will be developing vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle orientation systems, along with other environmental enhancements that will help unify the visitor experience. An new interpretive system will display the County’s abundant stories about its history, people, entertainment, ecology and nature.
Life was a lark at Willow Grove Park
Willow Grove Park, Pa. was one of the country’s premier amusement parks, operating for 80 years until eclipsed by more modern theme parks. The modern Willow Grove wants to create a stronger sense of place and help visitors take advantage of the significant community and retail assets of the area. The CGA team has been selected to design a gateway, wayfinding and interpretive signage program and, in addition, to help the Township forge agreements with local businesses to coordinate improve-
ments and maintenance. CGA will also manage the development process with stakeholders, agencies, funders and the public.