Stevenson Blackbox
Completed Date
Industry
Office / Education
Discipline
Experiential Design
The Black Box Theater lobby celebrates the diverse programs offered at Stevenson University, from drama to music and dance. The 38,000 square foot theater space also serves the Film & Moving Image, Fashion Design, and Graphic Design programs.
The centerpiece of the Black Box Theater lobby is a large wall installation designed by YDI, with artwork symbolizing the different programs offered at the space. The mural is constructed out of Turf felt, and features raised sections and illustrations, for a unique textural effect that instantly draws attention.
The reception space features a café, information desk, and box office. YDI added pops of material and color to the space that compliment the arts program with elegant dimensional signage that fits seamlessly into the space.
Extending the material language of the lobby mural, YDI incorporated felt into a display of colorful playbills opposite the café. The material references the acoustical felt often found in performance spaces, and frames playbills retired from Stevenson’s former theater on its original Greenspring campus, creating a tangible connection to the performances and creative programs that came before this new space.
A variety of donor signs can be seen throughout the building, with different tiers ranging from simple seat donor plaques to naming rights donor panels. YDI worked closely with the university’s advancement team to thoughtfully recognize and celebrate the donors who helped make the project possible.
Nearby, large-scale vinyl pictograms denote the restroom facilities. The forms of these figures are repeated on a playful blade sign that protrudes from the adjacent corner.
Frosted vinyl gives some privacy to the theater’s green room while also featuring some of the playful designs from the theater lobby’s felt wall.
Stevenson was interested in expanding on their new standard YDI-designed interior signage to create something different for the Black Box Theater. Sign panels feature similar forms and typography for a familiar feel, but new details like a brighter pop of color set the building apart.
For the theater building, exterior dimensional signage is halo-lit and pin-mounted, creating an elegant presence after dark. Nearby, an installation creates a striking photo moment: a deconstructed sculptural interpretation of Stevenson University’s official seal leaves its iconic tree graphic open, framing the lush greenery behind.
