Graphic Components to Pictograms: 1-16 (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Ken Briggs Collection
One of the most distinctive aspects of Ken Briggs & Associates’ design for the Barbican Centre was the Pictograms.
Pictograms
Pictograms are visual symbols designed to be instantly understood without the need for language: important for an internationalist Arts Centre.
General Information: Colour: 2/8.0 (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Pictograms
Ken Briggs & Associates designed them for all of the Barbican’s venues:
Pictogram: Barbican Hall (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Hall
Pictogram: Barbican Theatre and The Pit (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Theatre
Pictogram: Barbican Art Gallery (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Art Gallery
Pictogram: Barbican Cinema One (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Cinema
Photograph of Installed Directional Sign with Pictogram: Theatre Left by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
But also other Barbican amenities such as
Pictogram: Barbican Library (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Library
Pictogram: The Conservatory (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Conservatory
Pictogram: Bar (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Where to find the bars
Graphic Components to Pictograms: 49-64 (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Accessible routes and facilities
Pictogram: Late Comers' TV (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
And the Latecomer's Lounge for any late audience members.
Design Proposal Portfolio: Pictograms by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
All of them are set in squares with rounded-off corners, to give a sense of uniformity.
General Information: Colour: 2/8.0 (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The design included a colour coding system
To help lead visitors to their destination.
Photograph of Installed Directional Sign with Pictogram: Barbican Hall by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Want to see more?
You can see these iconic designs photographed in situ here.
