Rochester Institute of Technology | SHED Building
Rochester Institute of Technology has long been recognized for innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking design – and their new Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) embodies that spirit completely. As a centerpiece of campus life, the SHED is a dynamic environment where technology, artistry, and hands-on learning collide. Its architecture celebrates openness, experimentation, and the kind of modern academic experience RIT is known for.
PRODUCTS:
Architectural Harmony
A building this bold demands signage that can stand with it – not compete, not fade into the background, but belong. RIT turned to Takeform to help achieve that balance: a visual communication system that felt unmistakably RIT while honoring the SHED’s progressive aesthetic.
A Unified Signage Package
To deliver that, our team crafted a comprehensive signage package using products selected for both performance and presence. Fusion Signage provided a clean, contemporary platform that aligns with the building’s modern materials and fluid interior spatial flow. Ethos dimensional letters added depth and sculptural presence –perfect for a space with such strong visual and architectural expression. And on the exterior, Signify overhead signage elements were designed to guide students and visitors across the campus environment with clarity, consistency, and brand strength.
Material Matters
Color and finish played a critical role. The SHED’s signature palette – its shimmering metallic surfaces and RIT’s iconic orange – became central to the design approach. Every sign, from the dimensional typography to the wayfinding components, was created to echo the building’s tone: innovative, energetic, and forward-looking.
Designed for a Distinguished Campus
For a university as prestigious and design-conscious as RIT, the details matter. Our work at the SHED ensures that the signage system not only supports navigation but also becomes an integrated part of the architectural story – worthy of the building, worthy of the brand, and built to inspire the community it serves.
Our Work in Education
Towson University
Towson’s Facilities Department began working with Takeform in 2019, drawn to our design+build approach to creating signage. Unlike previous experiences with multiple companies, Towson appreciated having a single partner that offered all the necessary expertise and capabilities under one roof.
American University
From lobbies to study lounges, American University transformed its campus experience through a cohesive signage and graphics strategy. By pairing clear wayfinding with layered, branded visuals, AU created spaces that are not only easier to navigate but also richer in personality and identity – bringing a sense of place to every corner of the campus.
University of Houston
When the University of Houston Clear Lake campus needed a total replacement of their aging exterior signage system, they knew it would be no small task.
