This weekend at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s 35th annual cherry blossom festival, Sakura Matsuri, nature-lovers can enjoy C&G’s permanent “light on the land” sign program—along with over 60 events celebrating Japanese culture.

Cover image for Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Signs & Wayfinding

Implemented over the last several years, C&G’s sign program replaced a century of ad hoc signs that detracted from the Garden’s verdant character. Our wayfinding and cartography scheme, crafted out of bronze and porcelain enamel, foregrounds the 52-acre Garden. The system separates neighborhood destination and garden orientation, makes visitors aware of landmarks, and allows them to explore the garden as a journey using maps.

Armatures were based on floral forms and cast in bronze that weathers naturally to a rich patina. Depending on the visitor’s vantage point, the reflective, black porcelain enamel signs can be camouflaged by the foliage or clearly emerge from the landscape.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden C&G Partners signage

Orientation and discovery are done through maps, allowing visitors to journey through various plant places. Maps are created digitally in the spirit of watercolor, highlighting the humanistic place-finding experience. C&G’s signage system echoes the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s mission of establishing a sylvan oasis within the bustling borough.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden C&G Partners signage