Designing Within Constraints
The original vision called for a fully custom bench designed specifically for the Loop program. However, budget constraints led us to select an off-the-shelf bench as the foundation and customize only the elements that would have the greatest impact.
The bench design needed to satisfy several requirements simultaneously. It had to comply with ADA accessibility standards, reflect UC Berkeley's visual identity, and remain highly recognizable for users with low vision. Since all 37 benches would be installed across campus, creating a consistent and easily identifiable visual language was essential.
To achieve this, we designed a custom back panel featuring the Loop branding and selected a deep Berkeley Navy finish for the bench. The high-contrast color and distinctive silhouette help the benches stand out within the campus environment, making them easier to locate while reinforcing the identity of the Loop system.






