JOURNEY OF INNOVATION

Applied Technology Center - Washington State University Vancouver
Discovery, Knowledge and Innovation is the overall theme and inspiration for a mural design that runs a corridor and clean lab classrooms of the Applied Science and Technology building of Washington State University, Vancouver. We created graphics to highlight the translucent bright red orange color of the honeycombed insulated glass wall, playing with both surfaces by layering grayscale graphics and cut-vinyl for a bold statement. Each side of the wall is a unique viewpoint.  
CREDITS
Van Cooley (Narrative, Concept Development, Art Direction, Design)
in Collaboration with Ambrosini Design Ltd. (Agency Lead)
Gillespie Graphics (Fabrication, Print Production, Install)
ESSENTIALS
Placemaking
Built Environments
​Visual Narrative
Research
Experiential Design
​Schematic Design
Large Format Graphics
Production Management
  • Picture
    preliminary visual narrative study
  • Picture
    mural concept sketches
  • Picture
    schematic concept designs
PROBLEM + SOLUTION
Due to the scale of the mural wall, at 57'L x 32'H (1800sf), the artwork cannot be viewed in entirety inside the building. As a result, it is designed with vignettes that reveal the innovation journey as people physically move along the corridor. It is a story of how science, technology, and engineering, or more specifically, nanotechnology impacts the everyday lives of people. 

The images begin at the theoretical and molecular stages and move to the tangible, real life applications.
Picture
Architectural rendering courtesy of LMN Architects.
Picture
final design layout
mural makes a bold statement

PROCESS

To develop the narrative and visual content, we self-initiated research
and reviewed with project stakeholders, consisting of university department staff
to gather feedback. It was a collaboration between academia and creative teams.
layered elements and materials provide depth
completed project photos by Van Cooley / Left of Sunset

RESULTS

The bright, very large, and layered completed mural cannot be overlooked.
The visual experience varies depending on perspective, whether approached
from a distance, from above or below, or viewed up close. There is no
shortage of opportunities for exploration and discovery with each passing.
The wall is a celebration of form and function and delivers an inspiring
message of how Applied Science and Technology makes an impact
​in the world and people's lives.