The development of environmental graphics that integrate functionality with aesthetics to enhance the learning environment and improve wayfinding for visitors of the new Terre Haute Children's Museum

Abstract

This paper will discuss the issues and research support in relation to the design development of environmental graphics for the new Terre Haute Children's Museum (THCM). The museum runs mainly on volunteer services and the development of graphics, both environmental and for identity purposes, has been overlooked due to the lack of funding. The development of environmental graphics that integrate functionality and aesthetics will serve to enhance the learning environment for both adults and children. The environmental graphics must also compliment the overall identity of the THCM. My involvement in this project is to research and develop a new identity package for the museum and design environmental graphics for the new downtown location. Raising funds for the new THCM is still underway and has yet to reach the estimated building costs, so ground breaking for the new museum has yet to begin.