Guided by collaboration with Portland Community College students, staff, and stakeholders, Bora’s exterior wayfinding system provides a welcoming experience for all visitors navigating the unique challenges presented by the Sylvania Campus.

As the oldest and largest Portland Community College campus, the Sylvania Campus sits on a sloped, suburban site that proves challenging to navigate. Originally built in 1968, many of the Brutalist-style buildings are nestled into the hillside, creating variation in levels from building to building and impeding visibility. Not only is it difficult for users to find their way on campus, but the existing infrastructure poses significant challenges to accessibility.

Utilizing a process that included multiple in-person and online community engagement efforts as well as PCC stakeholder reviews, the EGD team developed a cohesive design system adapted from PCC signage standards that focuses on high-contrast visibility, frequent and consistent messaging, and integrated college branding.