Coppin State University welcomed students back for the fall semester with new design features and signage on some older buildings that aim to refresh the Baltimore campus and improve connections.
The design features were created by Ayers Saint Gross, the firm that helped Coppin complete an ambitious master plan that reimagined what the campus would look like by 2033.
In an intital, four older structers were targeted for improvements, including the Miles W. Connor Administration Building (1978), the J. Millard Tawes student life center (1966), the Grace Hill Jacobs academic building (1977), and the Physical Education Complex built in 2010. Across the four buildings, 55 spaces were redesigned and had new graphics and signage installed.
The redesigns focused on “prominent circulation routes, building entrances, and communal spaces in need of visual enhancement,” said Ayers Saint Gross in a news release.
Design for the improvements began in 2023 and construction took place between March 2024 and March 2025, said Coppin State’s Office of University Relations. Many departments on campus shared their thoughts.
“There was a committee formed with representation from all campus divisions including students, faculty, staff, alumni, athletics, etc. who met monthly to discuss the scope of the project and to provide ideas and feedback on ideas for visual branding enhancements across campus,” said Coppin State’s Office of University Relations.
Lindsay Story, principal and creative director at the Ayers Saint Gross Graphic Design team, said the designs were intentional and carefully planned, given that Coppin is a small institution. Story described it as a “low cost, high impact project.”
Prominent new features include large gold letters spelling “CSU” at the intersection of Gwynns Falls Parkway and North Warwick Aveune intersection and a bold and blue Coppin sign at the entrance of the Physical Education Complex. Inside the complex, one of the walls is covered with three-dimensional lettering of the university’s alma mater song.
Smaller design elements appear throughout the rest of the buildings, including paintings, inspirational quotes, mottos, and affirmations. By incorporating these design elements, Story said students are able to “connect with a place in a way that’s meaningful.”
“They didn’t just want to slap a logo on a wall or paint a wall blue and gold. They wanted to really push beyond their brand and translate it in a way that spoke to these different audiences,” Story said.
The new signage and designs are just one part of Coppin State University’s 2022-2033 Master Facilities Plan. The plan’s guiding principles include strengthening connections with Baltimore City, enhancing the student experience, elevating campus pride and identity, and supporting sustainable campus growth.
This 10-year plan calls for the construction of a five-story residence hall along Warwick Avenue, the full replacement of Johnson Auditorium, the addition of new bleachers and a press box, and the potential development of a new baseball stadium. The total estimated cost of all projects is nearly $700 million.
The Office of University Relations said the feedback on the new signage has been great so far.
“Everyone seems to love the new visual enhancements on campus,” they said. “We have received so much positive feedback and comments in favor of the graphics and how they enhance the aesthetic of previously bare walls and environments.”
To learn more about Ayers Saint Gross and their work, visit ayerssaintgross.com.
