OUGD405 - Leeds City Centre Symbols

In attempt to give residents and visitors to the Leeds City centre an enhanced level of environmental awareness, I have produced symbols to visually communicate information on points of interest and significance on the way finding signage/system.

I began by sketching out basic representations of the required symbols using a layout pad and pencil.



On a new layer of the pad, the sketches were then outlined and filled in black, ready to be scanned in for adaptation, refinement and digitalisation.



The image below shows the refined symbols alongside established symbols used throughout navigational signage in the UK. Please refer to the numbering of the symbols as locations are shown for affirmation and justifications of the symbols.




























Symbol 1

Symbol number 1 is a location pin that will be used for locations/areas that cannot be defined by an individual symbol, such as streets The Headrow and Briggate.

Symbol 2

Symbol number 2 depicts a symbolic representation of one of two stone lions that feature outside of Leeds Town Hall. These are a significant recognisable element of the building, and therefore appropriate in their presence in the way finding system.

Symbol 3

Symbol number 3 has been designed to represent Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute next to it. The symbol is inspired by one of Henry Moore's iconic reclining figure sculptures. Not only is this sculpture significant in the art world, but its feature on the City Centre way finding system will be a subtle homage to the artist whom studied in the city. 

Symbol 4

Symbol number 4 signifies an open book, in reference to Leeds City Library, of course associated with reading.



Symbol 5

Symbol number 5 provides a representation of the golden owls found outside Leeds Civic Hall, located in Millennium Square. The owl is also a prominent symbol within Leeds.



Symbol 6

Symbol number six may at first seem ambiguous - however provides a simplified representation of the architecture of the new £130 million Victoria Gate retail development - which cannot be mistaken for anything other than the to-be iconic structure of the John Lewis within the upcoming retail destination.



Symbol 7

Symbol number 7 provides a basic representation of the Corn Exchange, found in the east of the city. Though the symbol does the buildings architecture any justice, the visual is a clear reminder.



Symbol 8

Symbol number 8 depicts a simple graduation-hat shape. This a significant piece of imagery associated with university as it represents the ambition of all students who attend.



Symbol 9

Symbol number 9 is the logo of Leeds Trinity shopping centre. Used throughout its branding and fixed to the exterior of the building, this will be recognisable to those in the city.



Symbol 10

Symbol number 10 is a basic pound sign, immediately associated with finance and the currency of the UK.

Symbol 11

Symbol number 11 is the already established sign of hospitals, used nationally. This particular symbol will be use in representing Leeds General Infirmary.

Symbols 12 and 13

Symbols 12 and 13 are the established pictograms associated with bus and train stations, recognised by all.