AIMING HIGH HAKUBA 2017 (Hakuba City Summer Festival of Art, Music, and Culture, Japan)
I. Design Philosophy
Centered on “hand-drawn childlike charm and coexistence with nature,” the wayfinding system breaks the functional limitations of traditional signage. Through imaginative graphics and materials, signage is transformed into part of the event, allowing visitors to continuously discover surprises during their exploration and enhancing the immersive “forest carnival” experience.
II. Core Design Features
Locally-Inspired Materials and Craftsmanship
The main materials are solid wood and hand-painted acrylic, retaining the natural texture of wood and a handcrafted feel, which harmonizes with the forest environment of Hakuba City.
All signs are handmade on-site, with edges left intentionally rough to preserve the cut texture. Vibrant, high-saturation colors—yellow, blue, and green—create a strong visual impact against the green lawn.
Personified Visual Language
Drawing inspiration from “forest animals,” the signage features personified graphics such as bears, owls, and trees. For example, a large blue bear and a small yellow bear stand at the entrance, giving the signs a “character-like” quality and fostering emotional connections with children and young visitors.
Functional elements like arrows and text are integrated into the hand-drawn style. For instance, the “MAINSTAGE” sign incorporates mushroom shapes, and the “TREASURE HUNTING” board uses handwritten text to enhance the sense of adventure.
Modular Adaptation to Scenes
A diverse combination of “standing signs, hanging flags, and installations” is employed:
Entrance Area: Tree-shaped standing signs of varying heights form a “welcoming forest,” complemented by triangular hanging flags to create a festive atmosphere.
Main Stage Area: A giant wooden bear-shaped standing sign serves as a visual landmark, with smaller mushroom-shaped signs guiding directions.
Interactive Area: Cutout photo boards allow visitors to “blend into” the signage graphics, encouraging social sharing.
The height and density of all signs are adjusted according to pedestrian flow, ensuring clear guidance without obstructing the natural scenery.
Temporality and Sustainability
Considering the temporary nature of the event, the wayfinding system adopts a “disassemblable and recyclable” design. Wooden standing signs can be reused after the event, and fabric decorations like hanging flags can be recycled and repurposed, aligning with environmental principles.
The hand-painted visual elements require no complex production processes, reducing costs while reinforcing the event’s “improvisational carnival” tone.
III. Functional Value
Enhanced Experience: Wayfinding transforms from cold directives into “atmospheric props” for the event, immersing visitors in a world of childlike charm and artistry from the moment they enter.
Increased Engagement: Personified graphics and interactive installations become natural photo spots, encouraging visitors to spontaneously take and share photos, boosting the event’s social media exposure.
Local Expression: The use of wood and its integration with the forest environment, along with animal graphics reflecting Hakuba’s natural ecology, make the wayfinding system a visual symbol of regional culture.
