Pierce College Wayfinding (LACCD)

Client: Pierce College

Scope: Wayfinding

Size: 120,000 SF

Completion: 2015

Project Manager: Richard Berliner, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ALEP

The Pierce Gateway and Entries project was initiated to create a bold new identity for the college at its two main vehicular entries on Winnetka Avenue and Victory Boulevard. At the prominent corner of the campus where those two roadways intersect a new pedestrian entry has been opened, linking the campus to the nearby Metro Orange Line station.

The vehicular entries are characterized by pairs of curved walls which flank the roads, clad in natural stone that relates to the landscape of the campus. The walls support free-floating,  illuminated identity signs with a high-tech character reflecting Pierce’s emphasis on the sciences. Another pair of walls flanking each entry display tile inlays characteristic of the Spanish Mediterranean style of the campus.

A landmark three-sided electronic sign pylon dominates the Victory/Winnetka corner displaying news and event information to passing traffic. The pylon also functions as a welcoming presence for students arriving from the Orange Line, with a circular plaza and seating surrounding its base.