University of Miami

A NEW INTERIOR STANDARD

The original wayfinding program on campus has struggled to grow with the expanding University, and much of our work involves creating new signage standards and updating existing wayfinding to better meet the current needs.  Ten years ago, we designed new standards and specifications for all of the interior signs on campus. Working closely with the University architect’s office, we developed new specifications for common University-wide sign types that have become the standard for all new construction projects, and have been retrofitted into existing buildings over time. The design standards needed to be flexible, and capable of adapting to different University environments and interiors, while still maintaining common designs, layouts, branding, materials, colors, and text treatments. Since the completion of the initial guidelines, the University has successfully implemented the new system into numerous buildings on campus. Yazi has continued to be involved in updates and refinements to the program, and completed a recent update to the standards in 20204..

GATEWAYS AND EXTERIOR ORIENTATION 

The Coral Gables campus is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, and has many campus entry points that front these communities. A few years back, Yazi developed a program of gateway signage that identifies the University at primary entry points while respecting the character of the surrounding residential streets. In 2024, we began work on the planning and design of new comprehensive exterior sign standards for the Coral Gables campus, with a late 2025 anticipated completion date. Extensive on site reviews, analysis, locations and messaging plans have already been developed, and will be followed by the design and specification phases later this year. 

A NEW DIRECTION 

Over the last five years, we have designed exterior wayfinding for two new campus housing projects. Lakeside Village's residential campus opened in the summer of 2020, followed by the first phase of the University's new Centennial Village residential housing project in August of 2024. New freestanding monument signs direct and orient visitors and students within these campus regions, and may serve to become a model for future campus-wide wayfinding expansion.