Revolutionizing Wayfinding: Totetsu Training Institute

Designing Navigation with a Twist: Rail Lines as Guiding Paths

The design of the Totetsu Training Institute is a testament to the creative prowess of Takuya Wakizaki and his team at Motive Inc. Drawing inspiration from the institute's founding company, Totetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd., which was established to maintain and reinforce Japan’s rail system, the design team incorporated rail lines into the design motif. This not only pays homage to the company's history but also serves as a functional element in the institute's wayfinding system.

One of the unique features of this design is its solution to the spatial challenges posed by the institute's layout. Some rooms in the facility are located in blind areas, making them difficult to navigate to. To address this, the design team used rail lines to mark flow lines to these rooms, turning inactive spaces into active ones. This innovative approach to wayfinding is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the company's identity while enhancing the user experience.

The realization of this design involved the use of various materials and technologies. Rail scrap was used for the facility’s name sign and parts of the stairs, adding a touch of industrial charm to the space. Steel and PVC flooring were used to create the rail lines, while floor marking film was used for typography. The design team also had to ensure dimensional accuracy as the rail lines were constructed by connecting divided parts, making the construction of curves, intersections, and branches a challenging task.

The design of the Totetsu Training Institute is a perfect blend of form and function. It serves as a wayfinding system, an environmental design, and a graphic design all in one. The project, which started in June 2019 and was completed in December 2021, is located in Ibaraki, Japan. It is a shining example of how design can be used to solve practical problems while also creating a visually appealing space.

In conclusion, the Totetsu Training Institute is a testament to the power of design and its ability to transform spaces. The unique wayfinding system, which draws inspiration from the institute's rail-related roots, not only enhances the user experience but also adds a touch of history and identity to the space. This innovative approach to design has earned the project a Silver A' Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design Award in 2022, a well-deserved recognition for a project that pushes the boundaries of design.