The Lounge, University Union
DATE
Summer, 2024
TEAM
Elizabeth Ridley as a graphic designer for Associated Students Inc. Cal Poly.
DESIGN TYPE
Installation Design
TOOLS
Illustrator & Photoshop
THE TASK
Create a large-scale decal to transform Cal Poly’s newly unoccupied dining hall into a campus study space, and transform the building’s look and feel.
DELIVERABLES
Exterior paint colors for the University Union building; name ideas for the space; logo drafting; 39 large-scale interior window decals
ABOUT MY PROJECT
The Lounge, a large-scale environmental graphics project, was my first major installation project for a physical space and a defining moment in expanding my skillset. The vibrant wall of 39 custom-designed window decals brought energy and identity to the space while obscuring the view into the adjacent bowling alley. I also picked the exterior paint color and pitched logo concepts for the new lounge.
Working under tight deadlines, I presented multiple design directions to ASI leadership and student government. This project challenged me to think at scale—balancing creativity, brand cohesion, and technical accuracy—while collaborating with stakeholders to bring a large public space to life. Today, The Lounge is a favorite student study spot, and it’s rewarding to know my work directly contributes to campus experiences.
Research & Sketching
BEFORE PHOTOS
The University Union is the center of Cal Poly's campus, and inside a room in the building was a dining hall/study space.
Initial Drafting
CHOSEN DIRECTION!
Three of my co-designers and I submitted design directions to higher ups, student government, program supervisors, etc. to be discussed and voted upon.
I sent in two general directions, both intended to elicit relaxation and studying energy
INITIAL COLLABORATION
Second Drafts
MULTI-COLOR EXPERIMENTATION
ARTBOARD SCREENSHOTS
Final Installation
Artboard Screenshots
Space in Use
My Logo Concepts
Chosen Exterior Direction
FINAL PAINT COLOR & LOGO
My logos were sadly not moved forward, instead a simple logo was chosen.
However, I was able to pitch the chosen exterior wall paint for the UU seen here!