Bloom, Ann Arbor Downtown
Hosted by The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) Elevate Program, the call asked designers to develop and install unique and creative art as a wayfinding system to connect the Ann/Ashley Parking Structure to the Farmers Market in Ann Arbor, MI.

Project Statement
The Farmers’ Market in Kerrytown is more than just a place to buy and sell produce; it’s a vibrant community hub where culture, festivities, and locals have come together for decades. Recognizing its role as the cultural heart of the neighborhood, we believe it’s essential to design a wayfinding system that reflects and enhances this identity.

To understand what Kerrytown represents to its community, we explored its retail and cultural landscape. The Kerrytown’s logo stood out as a significant identity marker, prominently displayed on facades and banners throughout the area. This application was primarily seen in the Kerrytown Market and Shops center, located right next to the Farmers’ Market venue. Therefore, we decided to create a visual identity that references the Kerrytown logo, but still had its own unique identity.

We deconstructed the logo’s basic shapes to craft a wayfinding narrative centered around floral-inspired forms and vibrant colors that change with the seasons—ensuring a dynamic visual identity that remains engaging year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

From the parking lot to the farmers' market entrance, visitors will encounter these colorful, floral motifs—on the garage walls, facades, and across the ground and amenity zones. While the floral shape is the core element of the graphic identity, its varied applications in shape, material, and color will create a visually intriguing journey for all who pass through.