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SEGD local chapters have curated some incredible events this year. Read on to learn more about some recent events and how to get connected with your chapter.
 

SEGD Boston: Iron Works - The Art of Placemaking

On May 18th SEGD Boston gathered 30 people at Iron Works in South Boston for pizza and a panel presentation. The panel focused on the development of Iron Works and how the team revitalized this former industrial site through placemaking. The first phase of the overall Iron Works project features 75,000 SF of repurposed manufacturing space that is now transformed into creative office spaces, restaurant space, retail space and a parklet. 

Jesse Baerkahn, President and Founder of Graffito SP, discussed the concept of "place keeping” as a better way to think about Placemaking. That it takes so much more than signage or artwork to define a neighborhood or place. The goal is to revitalize what is unique to the neighborhood. Leah Harsfield, of National Development discussed the project vision, history and unique maker/experiential tenant mix. Along with Kathy McMahon from National Development she discussed how the multidisciplinary team was formed. Michael Panagako, of KHJ Brand Activation talked about naming and branding including the unique campaign “Real Characters.” Matthew Arnold, AIA, of Hacin, discussed the architecture and how color blocking and painted graphics on the existing building facade created massing, proportion and hierarchy for entries. Lastly to round out the discussion, Katye Muse, of Kayte Muse Creative and SEGD Boston Co-Chair, talked about how tenant signage was used to tie the two blocks together. Unified blade signs and painted address numerals relate to the architecture and history while primary storefront signage and graffiti style tenant art allows each brand to stand out.

“Iron Works was a great chance to gather with SEGD friends from across New England as well as a variety of disciplines: Designers, Fabricators, Architects, Branding Experts, Students, Real Estate professionals and more.”
 

SEGD Vancouver: The Power of EGD: Protecting Our Culture, Safety and Environment 

In Vancouver, the local SEGD chapter held an event to discuss The Power of Environmental Design. This featured two insightful speakers, Angela Danyluk and Mike Sheard.

Angela Danyluk, Senior Environmental Specialist with the City of Vancouver, presented the engagement process and methodology for the Sea2City Design Challenge. The challenge aimed to reimagine four sites around False Creek with consideration to the impact sea level rise will have on the area in the future.

Mike Sheard, Professor of Criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, presented the importance of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and the significance of time and space between diverse user groups in the built environment.

It was a delight to hear from such knowledgeable speakers in their respective fields.
 

SEGD Los Angeles: Rivian Venice Hub

SEGD Los Angeles recently held an event with Rivian Automotive and Design Communications (DCL) in Venice Beach, California to learn about how the Signage, Wayfinding, and Graphic Communication systems were created for the American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company.

The design talk, led by JJ Beard (Manager, EGD) and John Maestas (Sr. Design Manager, EGD), provided an exciting deep dive into the creative design process for developing graphic and communication systems - with designs ranging from the company’s manufacturing facilities to the experimental graphics greeting customers as they pick-up their new R1T or R1S vehicle.  From the shop floor and factory tour for visitors, to their manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois to their delivery center in Venice Beach, California, the team has cultivated a harmonious bespoke brand experience that speaks to the ethos of the company and has considered all touchpoints in between.

After the design talk, the members of the Los Angeles Chapter were invited to explore several test vehicles that were setup at the Venice Hub – for a truly hands-on experience. Design Communications (DCL) was the sponsor for this event and provided food, beverages, and churros for the attendees to enjoy as we experienced the American EV companies office and products.
 

Join an SEGD and Get Connected

SEGD has over 45 local chapters spanning the globe. Learn more about our chapters and get connected with your local contacts here.  If you don’t see your city listed and would like to start a chapter, or are interested in volunteering, reach out to us at [email protected]!