At Oberlin College and Conservatory, physical spaces shape how people experience our institution. From studios and labs to residence halls, and gathering places, each environment should feel cohesive. Environmental branding reinforces our identity by creating spaces that are welcoming, unified, and grounded in a strong sense of place.
To maintain a consistent campus experience, environmental branding and signage require coordination across teams. The table below outlines who leads, reviews, and approves different applications, with reference to the campus map where location context is required.
| Application | Who Leads | Brand Review Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior building signage and wayfinding | Facilities Operations | Yes (both facops and comms) | All permanent exterior signage must align with official brand guidelines, building names, and locations shown on the campus map. |
| Interior signage and directories | Facilities Operations | Yes (both facops and comms) | Interior directories should reflect building layouts and room naming consistent with the campus map. |
| Environmental graphics and branded installations | Campus area with Facilities vendors | Yes (Office of Communications) | |
| Digital signage | Individual areas | No (Communications standards preferred) | Templates available in Canva |
| Lamp post banners | Office of Communications & Facilities | Yes (both facops and comms) | Placement is determined by campus zones and circulation patterns identified on the campus map. |
| Retractable banners and feather flags | Requesting unit | Yes (Office of Communications) | Used for temporary wayfinding or events tied to specific campus locations. |
| A-stands and on-demand signage | Printing Services | Branded templates required | Location-based messaging should use official building names and landmarks from the campus map. |
When someone enters a physical space, it should immediately look and feel like Oberlin College and Conservatory—whether expressed through color, materials, furniture, graphics, or imagery. All logos and design assets must be used in accordance with brand guidelines.