Located less than thirty miles from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland, Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole transformed the aging Parole Plaza Shopping Center into a 2.1 million square foot mixed-use "town center."

The Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) Studio designed a program for the project that is comprehensive and addresses the unique needs and functions required for such a large and diverse project. The package created an effective wayfinding system for the exterior portions of the center and the interiors of both parking garage structures. The challenges presented by a project of this scale led to opportunities that allowed the EGD Studio to think beyond traditional concepts and seek out innovative solutions. ka coordinated closely with the Maryland DOT, taking an important step in anticipation of the large volumes of traffic the new center would bring. The nautical heritage of the region served as the program's design inspiration which ka drew on to create project branding and graphic language that captures the spirit of the community. ka's sign package included directional elements such as pole mounted street signs that not only identify the street names, but point patrons to the nearest parking facilities as well.

Banners mounted to the exterior garage facade serve to market the project to passersby and illuminated blade signs identify parking zones to visitors. These elements make a grand statement on what would have otherwise been blank surfaces. Inside, each of the five levels has a specific function from secure residential parking to a pedestrian bridge accessing retail shops. To reinforce identity, each level is assigned a color that is consistent on all sign types on that particular level. This creates an association for the patron, along with the level number, that assists in vehicle location upon return to the parking structure.

Services Provided:

• Environmental Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Design and Executive Architecture