King County Wastewater Treatment Facility

Paying Respect to the Water Workers

Work created at Think Joule

Deliverables: Environmental Graphic Design & Concepts, Signage, Wayfinding, Art Programming

Summary: The main focus of this project was to help establish a sense of history, pride and place for workers of the wastewater treatment system West Section; to highlight the people and waters they protect. We were tasked with identifying key locations within the vast project where art and graphics could be used to transform the space and tell their compelling tale.

Results: This sprawling building went through many iterations and directions settling on a combination of functional and historical. This was still a fully functioning operations office that used refreshing artwork, spaces, and stories to empower these public workers as they’re the true heroes of this story.

Project Team: Think Joule, Forge Graphics Works

Mixture of Presented Concepts & Final Design

 

The building needed to function as both an operations base for the workers, while telling the story of their rich history. We were lucky enough to dive into their rich archive of photos, maps, plans, and statistics to build out their various designs. We sought to balance historical with a refreshing modern take. Placement and programing this project took a lot of time and planning.

 
 

This multi-floored building had numerous touchpoints the moment you walked into the lobby or parked your car. A variety of concepts were considered, striking a balance between functional and inspirational. Some ideas that bubbled up were practical like the whiteboard map for operation logistics. Other were inspirational such as a large-scale worker signature wall written on a piece of heritage piping. All ideas were considered and shuffled around throughout the building.

 

Accreditations

  • Agency: Think Joule

  • Creative Director: Jennifer Bryan

  • Account Manager: Jamie Bourgidou

  • Producer: Emilie Beath

  • Art Director: Danielle Breck

  • Senior Designers: Bre Tauscher, Keri Bonn

  • Client: King County Wastewater Treatment Division

  • Photos: Think Joule, Forge Graphics Works. Please inquire for individual images.

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