A human-centred approach for world-class universities
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A human-centred approach
for world-class universities

Universities are more than centres of education; they are dynamic communities shaped by their brands and the experiences they provide. Competing on a global stage, these institutions aim to be recognised as world leaders in research and innovation as well as attracting students and staff. Signage and wayfinding play a critical part in making this happen.

As campuses evolve to enhance their standing and reputation, the intersection of brand presence, placemaking, and user experience becomes increasingly vital. A well-designed campus doesn’t just attract top talent; it fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where students, staff, and visitors can easily connect with the space and each other.

At Diadem, we partner with leading universities to make these brand experiences a reality. From Australia’s historic sandstone universities to cutting-edge innovation centres across New Zealand and the Pacific, Diadem understands the distinct challenges of this sector and the pivotal role signage and wayfinding play in shaping a seamless campus journey.

Author

Mark Janetzki

Places of learning
and connection

By designing welcoming and accessible campuses, successful universities foster an environment where everyone feels connected to the space and one another. A strong brand presence in the built environment helps build this sense of belonging, reinforcing the university’s identity and values.

These institutions also recognise the importance of connecting to the surrounding communities and to Country. Crucially, they also deliver equitable access across the campus, ensuring students, staff, and visitors can navigate the campus safely and easily.

At the University of Canterbury, Diadem developed a wayfinding strategy, concept designs and implementation for the temporary signage following the Christchurch earthquake. We were then engaged to create permanent signage for the campus as it was rebuilt.

University of Canterbury

Bringing brands
to life on campus

How can a university’s built environment influence student recruitment and engagement? Universities with a distinctive and well-maintained campus have a competitive edge. Prospective students often weigh the physical surroundings and facilities in their decision-making process. A visually appealing campus that reflects the university’s values and fosters a positive atmosphere can significantly sway these choices.

A strong brand presence within the built environment helps cultivate a sense of belonging among students, staff, and alumni. When a campus embodies the university’s identity and values, it nurtures a shared understanding of purpose and strengthens the emotional connection to the institution.

So too does thoughtful integration of a brand’s elements, such as logos, colours, and signage. Consistency in visual identity across the campus creates a sense of unity and builds a strong foundation for the user experience.

Diadem has partnered with RMIT for many years, keeping its brand contemporary, clear and consistent across sky signs, directional signage, masterplan wayfinding and more for campuses in Australia, Vietnam and Spain.

RMIT

A user-first
approach to navigation

Our wayfinding strategies are centred around well-considered information systems that enable seamless navigation, making it easy for users to find their way across campus, especially first-time visitors. Thoughtful planning of pathways, accessibility considerations, and technology integration contribute to an intuitive and efficient user experience.

At the heart of this approach is a deep understanding of people’s diverse needs and perspectives. By assessing how various user groups—such as prospective students, staff, visitors, contractors, and even emergency services—navigate the campus, we can map their journeys and observe the experience from their point of view.

This user journey mapping informs every aspect of our wayfinding strategies, from signage design to manufacturing, ensuring that users can easily navigate the campus.

Australian Catholic University engaged Diadem to provide signage solutions for its seven campuses in five states. A standardised national signage and wayfinding strategy was developed, including the roll-out of a new brand.

Australian Catholic University

Co-design, culture
and community

There is a growing desire to engage students, staff, and cultural stakeholders in co-design, shaping university campuses that tell meaningful, local stories. Through collaboration, universities can create spaces that resonate deeply with the community and reflect First Nations narratives alongside other cultural, historical, and educational contexts.

This approach enhances the campus experience and can guide the naming of buildings, rooms, and spaces. Our focus on naming ensures systems that are future-proofed, consistent, and easily identifiable, creating a cohesive environment that supports intuitive navigation.

The built environment of a university serves not only its internal community but also acts as a hub for broader engagement. By designing welcoming spaces that accommodate public events, conferences, and cultural activities, universities can strengthen their connection to the wider community. This is particularly true at the University of Melbourne’s new premier music faculty which carries the legacy of a major cultural institution.

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

An integrated and
sustainable approach

Diadem brings its multidisciplinary model to university projects of all scales, ensuring that every wayfinding and signage component—from campus entries and pathways to individual buildings and rooms—forms part of a coherent, well-considered system. Our approach addresses the entire campus experience, creating information systems that are clear, logical, and aligned with the university’s brand, culture, and context.

Sustainability is embedded in every Diadem project. We focus on designing signage that is not only durable and low-maintenance, but also seeks to repurpose existing materials and reduce the campus’s carbon footprint. Our integrated approach supports universities in their commitment to sustainability.

As tertiary education continues to evolve, we help universities stay ahead by ensuring their brand remains visible and relevant in the built environment, while also delivering a seamless and first-class experience for everyone on campus.

Carbon Modelling
Clarity and culture

Fiji National University

A smarter national standard

Australian Catholic University

Together we will move sustainability from the alternative, to the core.

Carbon Modelling

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