Located nearby Singapore, Sentosa started out as a small fishing village in the mid-19th century before becoming a military fortress for close to a hundred years. Today, however, Sentosa is a premier resort getaway offering an array of leisure and recreational facilities.
It comes as no surprise then that Temasek Polytechnic would choose to locate its Tourism Academy in a series of old military barracks on Sentosa, where students can develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for careers in the tourism industry.
gsmprjctº was charged with designing thematic outdoor signage that would draw on the site’s rich heritage, become integrated into students’ lives, encourage participation, and foster visitor interest. The approach involved developing various types of signs that — in keeping with the Academy’s philosophy — are experiential rather than didactic, communicating layers of understanding, rather than simply providing labels.
Assorted panels and room signs offer context about historical questions, figures, and events through text, photos, and diagrams. Landmarks, such as benches, geographically pinpoint specific historical activities that took place around the site. Finally, environmental graphics provide an artistic dimension and emotional connection that capture the visitors’ imagination. All are structured in a concise manner that feels more like a graphic novel than a history textbook. The signage provides students with a series of props that can serve as cues as they lead tours, while still leaving room for individual expression and creativity.