Silver Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2023
KK-Park Signage System
by Yi Zhang
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Value Design and Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 41,249
- Verification code 62A1ACC380 · Verify this award
About KK-Park Signage System
KK-Park is a signage system for a cultural and leisure block in Yancheng, China. The site, a former playground, was renovated as a place for cultural exchange between China and South Korea. The design reinterprets Korean elements, including the ribbons of traditional Korean costume, the traditional color scheme known as Obangsaek and the strokes of Korean characters. The signs follow the belt-like loop of the site. Tall wayfinding signs stand near each entrance to guide visitors. The boards are made of bent stainless steel, prefabricated and installed on site.
Within the evolving discourse of environmental graphic design and placemaking practice, Updesign's KK-Park Signage System emerges as a compelling exemplar of how functional wayfinding infrastructure can transcend mere utility to become genuine public art that enriches the pedestrian experience. The work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of color theory principles, deploying a carefully calibrated spectrum that progresses through primary and secondary hues with controlled saturation levels that achieve maximum visibility without visual aggression. The three-dimensional sculptural approach represents a deliberate departure from conventional flat panel signage, instead creating volumetric presence that engages viewers from multiple approach angles while establishing memorable placemaking identity. Technical execution reveals precision fabrication with smooth surface transitions between color zones, crisp typographic application, and durable material selection appropriate for outdoor environmental exposure. The circular form with its central void references historical design movements including the geometric abstractions of constructivism and De Stijl while maintaining contemporary freshness through its playful palette and accessible character. The integration of multilingual text demonstrates inclusive design thinking that welcomes diverse park visitors, while the clear directional arrow and internationally recognized parking symbolism ensure immediate functional comprehension. The work participates in broader conversations about the role of graphic design in public space, suggesting that wayfinding systems need not merely inform but can actively delight, creating positive emotional associations with place that encourage return visitation and community pride. One might consider how such approaches to environmental graphics transform the experience of navigating shared public spaces, inviting reflection on the relationship between visual design, spatial experience, and collective urban life.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The site's mission is to publicize the city brand and promote South Korean culture. China is correlated with South Korea in terms of history and culture. The design deconstructs and rebuilds the Korean elements such as iconic ribbons of traditional Korean costume, the traditional Korean color "Obangsaek" and strokes characteristics of Korean characters.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 2200mm x 500mm x 665mm/5mm thick stainless steel bending
- Tags
- Signage, Commercial Street, public space, redevelopment, Culture
- Production Technology
- The varying shape meets diversified functions. All boards of different categories can be unified visually through the same approach. Twisted steel plates are prefabricated and highly finished in factory, and on-site installation with accurate and precise structures is implemented, ensuring the final quality.
- Design Challenge
- The project was different from the common shopping centers as well as the regular playground, and had the complex, diversified and thematic characteristics. It fully studied the pedestrian flow, brand distribution and event spaces in the future. The density of signage was controlled intentionally in the condition of a clear key goal. Here now the visitors are encouraged to explore spaces.
- Project Duration
- Oct 01, 2022
Tinghu District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China - Operation Flow
- Along the loop were several entrances and exits. The hierarchy of primary and secondary entrances was not obvious. And orientations were hard to tell. Thus it is essential to install iconic signage nearby each open entrance. The 3-meter-high wayfinding, light and graceful, is obvious in size and shape, fast guiding for the pedestrian flow.
- Research
- The site, located along the central lake, was designed a belt-like loop used as the main circulation. The unique ribbons, extracted from the traditional Korean costume, were featured as the main visual elements. The signage system is designed in a light and graceful shape, i.e. it inherits the core characteristics of the site, a belt-like route. And in the meantime, it results in highly recognizable visual effects as well, with a joyful ambience and a pulsing rhythm of the site.
- Inspiration
- Over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, the two countries have continuously deepened economic and cultural exchanges. Located in China-South Korea (Yancheng) Industrial Park, the siteof a formerplayground, after renovation, was restored to a Sino-Korean cultural exchange leisure block.
We hope that the signage system, with a sense of place, links the geographic information, and functions as a tie for Sino-Korean cultural exchanges. - Image Credits
- Updesign