The Sharp Project, Manchester, commissions Applied Information Group Identity Review and Wayfinding Programme

The Sharp Project in East Manchester has commissioned Applied Information Group to conduct an identity review as part of the development of a wayfinding programme for the 200,000 sq ft digital media complex in what was the old distribution centre for the Sharp electronics company. The £16.5m development by PRP Architects, which soft launched in the autumn, is scheduled to open fully early next year. It offers extensive digital facilities to professionals and start-ups in the field. The AIG team is led by creative director Malcolm Garrett.

As The Sharp Project is part of the New East Manchester urban regeneration programme, AIG partner Malcolm Garrett is working closely with Peter Saville, Consultant Creative Director to the City of Manchester, who says:

“Malcolm’s career has its origins in this city, right alongside my own, and his legendary work has been an inspiration to me and countless others. His commitment to new technologies has proven to be visionary, and for this reason his engagement with The Sharp Project was an imperative.”

The centre will help to consolidate Manchester’s growing reputation as the country’s ‘media city’ and its position as a major centre of cutting edge creativity.

The identity and signage are vital elements in ensuring the visibility of the enterprise, and accessibility of a complex site that comprises six distinct parts and spans the equivalent of a city block. AIG has been involved sufficiently early in the definition of the project to enable wayfinding elements to be embedded in the architectural scheme, and has worked hand in hand with Alistair Weir at PRP and Sue Woodward and Keith Jobling on The Sharp Project team in this process.

AIG tendered and won the contract to develop the identity and wayfinding design following on from an initial strategy review earlier this year.

“Whilst I have worked in numerous cities around the world, my passion for design was undoubtedly kindled here in Manchester,” says Garrett. “As a consequence I have maintained strong personal connections with its design and education communities. It’s a delight to be working with Peter again, as we have shared a common vision for so many years, especially on such an important project in the city.”

-ends-

Editor’s Notes

Applied Information Group

AIG is a multi-disciplinary firm of information designers, urban and transport planners based in London and Vancouver. AIG works on identity, environmental and digital projects with a user-oriented, information design approach. Clients include Companies House, UK Border Agency, the EC, Icons – a portrait of England, Transport for London, Open Futures, Translink Vancouver and the city councils of Leeds, Glasgow, Brighton, Bournemouth, Ipswich and Sunderland.

www.appliedinformationgroup.com

Malcolm Garrett RDI

AIG creative director Malcolm Garrett made his mark working in the music industry with Manchester bands Buzzcocks and Magazine, and then with Duran Duran, Culture Club and Simple Minds. Early collaborations with Peter Gabriel and the Design Museum fuelled an enduring passion for interactive design and digital technology. Malcolm is a Royal Designer, an External Moderator at Manchester Metropolitan University, and is a member of the Science Museum Advisory Committee.

www.wikipedia.com/malcolm_garrett

For further press information and images for reproduction please contact:

Deborah Richardson on 07973 601 626 or email deborah@objectives.co.uk