BIG CYPRESS
NATIONAL PRESERVE
Information Design
Client:
Student Project at ArtCenter
Instructor:
Allison Goodman
Big Cypress is a map rebranding project that reimagines the park map to capture the distinctive character of this unique landscape. The redesigned front highlights the preserve’s remarkable features, while the back pays tribute to the rich history of the Everglades.
With digital maps eroding the tactile, cultural, and educational value of traditional park maps, this rebranding strategy positions the map as an experience, combining history, and accessibility to engage visitors, educate them, and create a lasting, collectible connection to the park.
Rebranding Big Cypress Map:
Process:
The project began with the exploration of visual direction by presenting three distinct map styles, each offering a unique way to represent the park’s character and features.
In the first stage, I explore three distinct design directions: Option 1, with an antique and traditional aesthetic; Option 2, vibrant and fun, emphasizing playfulness; and Option 3, minimal and Swiss-inspired, focusing on simplicity.
Ultimately, Option 1 was selected for its ability to honor the park’s rich history and cultural significance, aligning with the project’s vision to create a meaningful and engaging experience.
As part of the rebranding, the backside of the map became my personal project, dedicated to telling the story of Big Cypress’s rich history and culture.
Established in 1974 as one of the first national preserves, Big Cypress protects the water, wildlife, and ecological integrity of the swamp. This diverse landscape is home to alligators, panthers, egrets, orchids, and cypress trees and has also been the homeland of the Calusa, Miccosukee, and Seminole Tribes of Florida, whose deep connection to this land is celebrated through the design.
