Hames Sharley / Wayfinding Signage.

Ikano Power Centre.

Axiom Design Partners were commissioned by architects Hames Sharley to develop design concepts for wayfinding signage at the Ikano Power Centre (IPC) Mutiara Damansar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur.


Challenge.

Swedish homeware retailer IKEA is the anchor tenant for the shopping centre therefore the brief required a fusion of Scandinavian and Malaysian design elements to create a modern, playful and inviting environment for customers.


Response.

Working closely with the architects, Axiom first identified all the sign types and locations as well as prepared a hierarchy and implementation plan.

The wayfinding system was then designed to complement the building’s architecture. The smooth, playful, people-centric design is inspired by Ikano’s brand philosophy and the “Happy Pill” motif represented in their centres.

Wayfinding’s primary purpose is to help people navigate a space – in doing so the new signage system embodied much of Ikano Centres’ brand story – in that it should be functional and easy to use; practical and not overstated; simple in its execution but relevant to the place and people that interact with it.

The bold, simple forms, iconography and typography combine to create a legible, intuitive and architecturally harmonious solution – imbued with a sense of fun.


Result.

The successful refurbishment of the IPC Shopping Centre means that customers now experience an entirely new shopping environment, with increased amenity and public space.

The sleek, modern wayfinding system complements the new shopping centre upgrade. Its successful integration allows visitors and shoppers to easily navigate their journey from neighbouring centres, the new pedestrian concourse and upgraded carpark and throughout the shopping centre itself.