Stewardship and sustainable forestry are the foundation of the graphics and wayfinding program for Weyerhaeuser’s new headquarters in Seattle. Celebrating its legacy in the Pacific Northwest since 1900, the program uses expressed wood elements and forest references to reinforce the company’s mission and bring the beauty of the forest into the workplace.
At the heart of the program are two stairwell murals: A Douglas-fir tree in the North stairwell and a Loblolly pine tree in the South by artist Olivia Knapp. Spanning the entire height of the building, the detailed botanical illustrations depict the tree’s natural growth process. Accompanying interpretive graphics at each level provide scientific information about the trees based on its age at the corresponding height of the mural. At the ground floor level, a person is shown planting a sapling – making an investment for the future.
The result is a visually striking environment that enhances the headquarters' sense of place and purpose. The expressed use of wood and steel integrates with the architectural environment and reinforces the company’s connection to its Pacific Northwest forest industry roots. Overall, the graphics and wayfinding system create an engaging and educational experience that honors the company’s legacy while looking forward to a sustainable future.
