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Project Overview
Ford Alumni Center
Client
Date
June 2011Location
Eugene, OregonOther Media
Tags
Tables, Collections, Content management tools, Data visualization, Real-time data, Touch, Installations, Walls, Environments, InfographicsPlaylists
When the visionary leadership of the University of Oregon’s Alumni Association conceived of their new Center, a new paradigm was born. While most university alumni centers are heritage repositories celebrating the past, the Ford Alumni Center equally cultivates the future. As the new front door to the university, this dynamic building welcomes all visitors and immerses them in the pioneering spirit that defines the University of Oregon, providing equal parts inspiration and information.
As the launching point for campus tours, thousands of prospective students will get their first impression of the Oregon experience in the Interpretive Center—a 2,000-square-foot space filled with media installations that fuel soaring dreams and invigorate appreciation for the history that defined this innovative institution’s culture. Nine towering “Oregon Cascades” serve stories, information, and artifacts; a large interactive “Alumni Table” recognizes every alum in the school’s history, and the “Entry Wall” reveals the day’s campus events while recognizing those whose contributions made the Ford Center possible.
Press & Awards
“Motion Graphics and Shareable Media: Motion and Interactivity,” The Fundamentals of Interactive Design, Michael Salmond & Gavin Ambrose, April 2013A series of media installations create an engaging and inspiring entrance way at the University of Oregon, US. Looking to engage the audience with an immersive experience, Second Story created a dynamic series of touch screens, video walls and LED walls that display a variety of rich media.
Your Best Work: Design Awards & Competition, HOW, Winner, March 2013“Getting to Know Your Users,” Interactive Design: An Introduction to the Theory and Application of User-Centered Design, Andy Pratt & Jason Nunes, October 2012Unlike many university alumni centers, the Ford Alumni Center is equally focused on the future as it is the past. They aimed to create a place that simultaneously honored the history of the student body and attracted the next generation of graduates. To accomplish this goal, the Portland-based interactive firm utilized the architecture of the space to create an interactive experience that is anything but ordinary.
“Exhibit Feature: University of Oregon Alumni Center,” Communication Arts, May 2012At the heart of the design solution was the concept of the university as bedrock and the students as an unending flow of water. The suite of interactives was inspired by this metaphor, and prospective students receive a stream of information that fosters a sense of possibility, while simultaneously honoring the legacy of alumni.
FITC Awards, Future. Innovation. Technology. Creativity., FINALIST: Installations, Visual Design, April 2012The FITC Awards honours the best of the best in the new media industry and is a celebration of epic proportions.
2012 Digital Signage Expo Content Awards, Content Award of the Year, March 2012Second Story Interactive Studios took home the first DSE Content Award of the Year for content created for University of Oregon Ford Alumni Center.
2012 Digital Signage Expo Content Awards, Gold Education & Healthcare Award, March 2012The annual Digital Signage Expo Content Awards honor innovative and compelling content created for digital signage and digital out-of-home networks.
“UO’s Ford Alumni Center Celebrates Past and Cultivates Future via Digital Media,” Digital Signage Connection, March 2012From a distance, the “Oregon Cascades” create a montage of images that a passive viewer can appreciate, while up close, the more adventurous user can navigate through stories containing movies, images, infographics and maps reflecting the university as a whole.
2012 IxDA Interaction Awards, Winner, “Engaging” category, February 2012The projects, ranging from applications and games to instrument panels and installations, were picked from over 300 entries from 33 countries, for their excellence in interaction design.
“Interactive Center,” American School and University, December 2011The facility is designed to welcome everyone: it features accessible parking and a staffed information desk. Six 14-foot-high panels with touch-sensitive displays inform and inspire visitors with more than 1,000 stories told through words, images and video. These stories are updated constantly, and the entire system is integrated with a dynamic 3-D mapping feature that can be changed as the university grows and evolves.
“New UO Visitor Center,” Northwest Travel Magazine, December 2011Using large touch-screens, visitors can explore the 2,000-square-foot interpretive center. The multimedia installation celebrates Oregon heritage, informs visitors about the university, and builds connections with future alumni.
“What’s New,” Via Magazine, November 2011The University of Oregon’s Ford Alumni Center in Eugene explores the school’s legacy and future with artifacts and interactive displays, such as a searchable touch table with details on former students.
“University Extends Warm Welcome,” SkyWest Magazine, October 2011No matter when or why you’re in Eugene be sure to stop by the University’s new Cheryl Ramberg Ford and Allyn Ford Alumni Center. The $33.6-million high-tech marvel offers a 2,000-square-foot interpretative center, featuring interactive exhibits that help even first-time visitors connect with the school and its heritage. Six fourteen-foot-high touch-screens present more than 1,000 stories detailing interesting aspects of the university’s past, present and future.
“Interactive digital signage goes to the Ducks at UO alumni center,” Digital Signage Today, Christopher Hall, June 2011Interactive digital signage displays are integrated into nine towering ‘Oregon Cascades’ that display UO stories and information on command; a large interactive multitouch display ‘Alumni Table’ that recognizes every alum in the school’s history; and the ‘Entry Wall’ that displays campus events and recognizes donors to the center’s creation.
Part of SapientRazorfish /© 2021 Second Story, Inc.Project Group
- Project Overview
- Oregon Alumni Table
- Oregon Cascades
- Oregon Entry Wall
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