Building research

The locations for my wayfinding system developed from including mills (ones still running, ones in disuse, and ones repurposed eg. Canal Mills), to just focusing on more central locations. The mills were scattered all throughout Leeds and I thought they may be quite dull a path to follow as many are run down and the public cannot visit all of them. Instead I chose buildings in the heart of the city, still focusing on the theme of the industrial revolution changing the city. Whilst doing research I came across many buildings that were constructed in the Victorian Era. The Town Hall and The Met Hotel were just some I found but I narrowed my system to include just 4 buildings.

Leeds Corn Exchange

Kirkgate Markets

Briggate

Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange and Briggate were all vital during the Industrial period as they were the locations at which the produce of the city was sold. 

Leeds City Varieties Music Hall

I wanted to include Leeds City Varieties Music Hall as it was built especially for the working class, as an alternative to the Grand Theatre which was normally frequented by more middle/upper class crowds. This place in particular was interesting to me as it was a perfect example of the city growing to accomodate the new influx of working class people and clearly shows how the Industrial revolution changed the culture of Leeds as well as commerce and sales.

Upon going to these locations, 2 of which I hadn’t been before, I gained a better feel for the vibe of the venues, and thought this would inspire me to create good pictograms to represent these places.