New York Legal Assistance Group

The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a valued resource, providing indigent New Yorkers and underserved communities with legal representation and access to the justice system. The organization moved into new, larger offices designed by Spacesmith, within their existing building. While the architectural design evokes calm and wellness in visitors who are understandably stressed, NYLAG decided that their space could use some energy and inspiration, not only for clients, but for the staff as well.

HDG designed a wayfinding system that provides the offices with clarity and energy through the use of cardinal directionals and NYLAG’s bright brand colors respectively. The signs identifying each cubicle feature an innovative solution that allows for easy updating and reconfiguration.

HDG’s designers also created large scale environmental graphics that enliven the workspace and remind visitors and staff of NYLAG’s mission. The unifying motif is the equal sign, which symbolizes NYLAG’s fight for equal access to justice; in one place, the symbol consists of quotes relating to social justice and the legal system; in another, it’s formed by the words “justice” and “community”. Other graphics are inspired by protest signs calling for social justice and by the movement of the city. All the images are dense with language and text; they may become familiar over time, but there will always be new discoveries within.