Formation

POST

Overview

Houston, Texas
550,000 ft² renovation

Brief

Reimagine the historic Barbara Jordan Post Office in downtown Houston as a mixed-use complex featuring an arts and music venue, workspaces, and one of the world’s largest rooftop parks and farms. In cooperation with OMA, MTWTF, Powers Brown, Hoerr Schaudt, and Dot Dash. The POST visual identity system was developed by MTWTF.

Services

Design and documentation, testing, vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding

Site Analysis

  • Site offers a cultural terminus to the Bagby Street corridor in north downtown
  • Opportunity to reuse and feature architectural artifacts from the existing site (flag pole, column identification), preserving the historic significance of the original post office
  • Wayfinding program must be distinguishable but also align with the character of the existing structure and new architecture

Updates
09/07/23
POST
Roof Portal
A nighttime photo of the POST MARKET sign in red neon, above glass doors.

Suspended POST MARKET neon for the Skylawn
09/13/22
POST
POST in Cite
Open spread of Cite magazine, showing a spiral staircase.
Open spread of Cite magazine, showing a plan of POST building, and a historical image of the building.
Open spread of Cite magazine, showing X-atrium and food hall.
Open spread of Cite magazine, showing front view of POST building, and sky lawn.
Close-up of open spread of Cite magazine, showing front view of POST building, and sky lawn.
Front cover of Cite magazine, on top of a cardboard box
Back cover of Cite magazine, with a table of content.
1/7

Write-up by Drake Flood with a premium design by MG&Co.; edited by Jack Murphy. 

It's a good idea to join Rice Design Alliance and subscribe to Cite: The Architecture and Design Review of Houston.
02/11/22
POST
The Spirit of the Place Part 2
Back side of a staircase in the POST building, with an industrial interior.
A spiral staircase with white vertical neon light tubes following the structure of the spiral.
A modern, multi-story building with a glowing, illuminated facade at dusk, featuring vertical slats and a symmetrical design. The entrance is well-lit, surrounded by a landscaped plaza with greenery and stone markers.
POST building interior featuring a large, X-shaped green staircase with sleek, contemporary design elements. The space includes glass walls, concrete floors, and industrial-style ceiling elements.
An empty atrium with a Z-shaped staircase, lit by natural light from the transparent ceiling above.
A modern, multi-level metal staircase with mesh railings and vertical light fixtures, creating a dynamic, layered effect. People are seen walking up and down, adding movement and energy to the scene.
Architectural structure with green staircases in a symmetrical, crisscross pattern around a central pillar marked with the number '6.' The setting includes exposed concrete and appears to be an indoor area of a multi-story building.
Crowded food hall at POST during the day, with a spiral staircase at the center.
1/8

Thanks to Kirby, Salome, and Jason. 

Photographs by Leonid Furmansky.
02/11/22
POST
The Spirit of the Place Part 1
A vibrant, multi-level indoor market or commercial space featuring a striking illuminated spiral staircase at its center. The warm lighting and bustling atmosphere highlight the dynamic energy of the space.
A rooftop Skylawn filled with people socializing, sitting on the grass, and enjoying the outdoors. The background showcases Houston city skyline with modern high-rise buildings under a clear blue sky.
A spacious atrium features bold green, crisscrossing staircases leading to upper levels, creating a striking geometric design. The open layout is illuminated by natural light from a large glass ceiling, emphasizing the industrial and modern aesthetic.
A modern interior space features a striking metal spiral staircase with a mesh-like railing, connecting multiple levels. The area is illuminated by natural light from a glass ceiling, highlighting the industrial-style design.
A lively indoor space with people gathered in a dimly lit setting, backlit by an illuminated spiral staircase installation in the background. The industrial-style ceiling and walls contrast with the modern lighting elements.
Interior of a large industrial-style space with a glass wall revealing multiple flights of green and white stairs. Exposed ductwork and piping hang from the ceiling.
A large, empty industrial warehouse with exposed pipes, concrete columns, and high ceilings. The space has tall windows allowing natural light to enter, with worn green and red paint on the lower half of the walls.
Walkway to a spital staircase, lit by vertical white neon lights that follow the spiral structure of the staircase.
A vibrant, multi-level event space with dramatic purple and pink lighting, featuring a geometric staircase structure in the shape of an "X". A person installing a textile structure near the railing, while beams of blue light illuminate the dance floor below.
1/9

Thanks to Kirby, Salome, and Jason. 

Photographs by Leonid Furmansky.
01/28/22
POST
Project Documentation Part 2
A red neon sign reading “POST MARKET” is mounted on the corner of a building with a mix of dark brick and corrugated metal siding. The lighting casts a dramatic shadow on the wall, enhancing the contrast between light and dark areas.
A glass door frames a view of an outdoor space with a blue sign reading “Skylawn,” surrounded by greenery. In the background, modern high-rise buildings contrast with the minimalist architecture of the foreground.
A black “Elevator” sign extends from a concrete wall, positioned near exposed structural and mechanical elements. The design is simple and functional, aligning with the industrial setting.
A white emergency stairway sign with black text and a floor plan is mounted on a clean wall near an elevator. The sign instructs occupants not to use the elevator in case of fire and to take the exit stairs.
In the interior of the exterior sign, a series of vertical blue-lit panels create a striking geometric composition in a dark setting.
Stage lighting fixtures are suspended from a white metal framework inside a glass-enclosed atrium. A distraction marker blends with reflections and views behind on the glass.
White pictograms for restrooms, an elevator, and stairs are displayed on a glass surface, subtly reflecting the surrounding architecture. The minimalist icons provide clear wayfinding while blending seamlessly with the modern environment.
Red and blue neon tubes are arranged in a geometric pattern on a metal grid, wrapping around a corner. The illuminated lines create a striking visual contrast against the dark industrial background.
A red neon sign reading “POST MARKET” is mounted on a glass storefront, with exposed wiring visible against a raw concrete backdrop. The sign’s reflection adds depth, complementing the industrial aesthetic of the space.
A minimalist red neon sign in the shape of a stylized smile hangs in a glass storefront. The exposed wiring and industrial ceiling elements contrast with the clean, modern design.
1/10

Photographs by Mickey Aloisio.
01/28/22
POST
Project Documentation Part 1
A vibrant blue L-shaped sign stands among lush greenery and blooming purple wildflowers. The modern, minimalist design subtly integrates into the natural landscape while providing wayfinding information.
A blue flag with a subtle abstract design waves atop a flagpole against a backdrop of modern high-rise buildings. The urban setting contrasts with the flag’s fluid motion, adding a dynamic element to the composition.
A blue “Skylawn” sign stands amidst a landscaped garden with tall grasses and autumn foliage. The natural setting contrasts with the clean, modern architecture in the background.
A blue informational sign titled “North Meadow” stands in front of lush greenery, featuring botanical illustrations and text. The structured design contrasts with the organic forms of the surrounding plants and the gridded architectural backdrop.
A 2 directional, Y-shaped blue wayfinding sign emerges from a field of tall, green grasses, directing visitors to different locations. The bold design contrasts with the organic surroundings, blending functionality with the landscape.
A blue “Exit” sign with a directional arrow is placed within a landscaped area near a concrete walkway. The sign provides clear wayfinding while integrating with the surrounding greenery.
A large blue perforated metal sign displays white text for “POST Market,” “713 Music Hall,” and “Skylawn,” along with simple graphic icons. The bold typography and symbols create a visually striking wayfinding element in an urban setting.
A close-up of a bold white sans-serif typeface on a blue perforated metal sign displaying “POST Market,” “713 Music Hall,” and “Skylawn.” The composition emphasizes typography and material texture.
An illuminated blue wayfinding sign at night displays “POST Market,” “713 Music Hall,” and “Skylawn” alongside minimalist icons. The internal lighting highlights the perforated metal design, creating a striking visual effect.
1/9
01/11/22
POST
Site Identification Installation

Size: Maximum Allowed
01/07/22
POST
Project Features

🔗 OMA
🔗 The Architect's Newspaper
🔗 designboom
🔗 Houston Chronicle
🔗 Arch20
🔗 ArchDaily
12/23/21
POST
Sign structure models
1/3
09/22/21
POST
Skylawn Signage Install
A small, angular blue wayfinding sign emerges from dense green grass, directing visitors with minimalist icons and text. The design integrates seamlessly with the landscape, blending functionality with natural elements.
A blue wayfinding sign labeled “The Outpost” is positioned among greenery, pointing visitors in the right direction. The sign contrasts with the surrounding plants and a nearby utility cover, blending signage with the landscape.
A close-up of a blue wayfinding sign reading “The Outpost” with an arrow, covered in raindrops. The wet surface reflects light, contrasting with the textured greenery in the background.
The word “Skylawn” is displayed in a clean, modern typeface on a glass surface, with a cloudy sky and greenery reflected in the background. The minimalist design integrates seamlessly with the natural and architectural elements.
A circular distraction marker with segmented white lines is applied to a glass surface, with reflections of trees and an overcast sky in the background. The subtle design interacts with the transparency of the glass, blending graphic and environmental elements.
White pictograms for restrooms, an elevator, and stairs are applied to a glass surface, with Houston city skyline and construction crane reflected in the background. The minimal iconography provides clear wayfinding while integrating with the urban environment.
A blue “Skylawn” sign stands against a white wall, surrounded by tall ornamental grasses. The clean, modern design contrasts with the natural textures and bright sky above.
1/8

Rooftop signage
09/09/21
POST
Fabrication
A close-up of a group of blue signage stacked together.
A fabrication-stage photo shows blue metal signage structures in progress, with vertical supports and framed panels. The industrial workshop setting, including tools and a trash bin, provides context for the production process.
A close-up of blue metal signage components in fabrication, featuring curved dividers bolted onto a structural base. The repetition of forms and smooth finish highlight the precision of the manufacturing process.
Blue “Reserved Parking” and “Van Accessible” signs with white accessibility symbols are neatly arranged on a wooden pallet during the fabrication process. The uniform design and precise lettering highlight the production quality.
Metal signposts in fabrication stand upright, partially coated in blue paint that fades into raw aluminum. The gradient effect highlights the production process.
Blue metal wayfinding signs in various stages of fabrication stand in a workshop filled with tools, equipment, and materials. The industrial setting provides insight into the production process behind the signage system.
1/6

Shop visit to GraphTec, Inc.
07/15/21
POST
Interior Install
A sleek, double-sided “Elevator” sign extends from a wall in an industrial-style interior, featuring a green perforated backdrop and exposed ductwork.
A construction worker wearing a hard hat and high-visibility vest measures a glass surface with a tape measure.
A stencil of restroom, elevator, and stairway pictograms is taped to a glass surface, likely as a placement guide for signage installation. The reflection in the glass shows a worker wearing a hard hat and high-visibility vest.
1/3

Phase one installation
02/01/21
POST
Skylawn Surveys
A large circular skylight under construction is partially wrapped in protective insulation and embedded into a sloped landscape. The surrounding gravel and marker flags indicate an active installation site.
A team member wearing a hard hat and high-visibility vest inspects gravel placement on a rooftop, holding a small sample labeled “SGS.” A partially installed skylight is visible in the background, indicating an active project site.
A construction worker wearing a high-visibility vest walks across a large rooftop under construction, with skylight installations and structural elements in progress. The expansive view captures a mix of urban development and dramatic cloud formations in the background.
A person holds architectural drawings in front of a glass window, reflecting a construction site with a ladder and overhead stage lighting. The image captures the planning and execution phases of the project in progress.
During a site inspection, a construction worker wearing a hard hat and high-visibility vest kneels on a tiled surface, measuring a line with a yellow measuring tape. A brown tool bag sits nearby on the ground.
1/5

Rooftop signage planning
01/20/21
POST
Site Walks / Construction
During a construction or maintenance task, a worker is seen kneeling on a translucent roof or canopy, silhouetted against the sky. Below, a metal beam with mounted stage lights adds depth and context to the structure.
During construction, a grand atrium with a dramatic X-shaped staircase sits beneath a large glass ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the space. The unfinished interior features exposed concrete, green paneling, and construction materials scattered throughout.
During construction, a striking multi-level spiral staircase is partially enclosed in protective mesh within a large atrium. The open framework, exposed concrete, and scattered materials highlight the ongoing progress of the space.
During construction, a mezzanine level features a circular skylight cutout in the ceiling, allowing natural light to filter through. The unfinished space includes green perforated paneling, exposed wiring, and a temporary safety railing.
During construction, a worn concrete column displays a faded “Authorized Personnel Only” sign with graffiti, alongside a small white arrow pointing right. In the background, temporary stairs and caution tape indicate ongoing site work.
During construction, a spiral staircase wrapped in protective mesh stands in the center of an unfinished atrium. A worker in a high-visibility vest walks across the dust-covered floor, surrounded by exposed concrete, scaffolding, and construction equipment.
During construction, an unfinished metal spiral staircase ascends through a multi-level atrium beneath a translucent roof. The exposed steel framework and suspended cables highlight the ongoing structural work.
During construction, a utility vehicle coated in a thick layer of dust sits in a dimly lit environment, its rugged tire resting on a rough concrete floor.
During construction, a tension rod extends from the ceiling to a concrete balcony, securing the structure with metal brackets. The surrounding perforated railing and translucent roof panels highlight the industrial design of the space.
During construction, a paint-splattered wheelbarrow sits in front of a blue mesh safety barrier covering an unfinished entrance, with scaffolding, caution signs, and protective sheeting in the background of an active worksite.
During construction, a spacious atrium with a glass ceiling allows natural light to illuminate the unfinished interior. Exposed green paneling, structural elements, scaffolding, and construction equipment fill the multi-level space.
A weathered concrete column features a black “C” sign above faded lettering that reads “STAIRS”. Exposed wiring and speakers are mounted on the column, with a construction site and city buildings in the background.
1/12

Sign location planning, construction process documentation
01/04/21
POST
Bayou Sight Line Study
A weathered concrete bridge with overgrown vines is set against a clear blue sky and the POST building. A blue street sign is mounted on a utility pole above, alongside power lines and a streetlight.
A view of POST, a white modern building with a textured façade, sitting above a concrete bridge lined with tall columns. Bare trees and a calm body of water frame the foreground under a clear blue sky.
A concrete bridge near POST features a large vertical water level marker with numbers painted on its surface. Bare trees line the riverbank, with the building’s white façade partially visible in the background.
1/3

Pedestrian path view
12/23/20
POST
Design Team Site Walk
Workers in hard hats and high-visibility vests inspect a translucent panel under intense blue lighting. The illuminated environment casts dramatic shadows, highlighting the material’s transparency and structure.
A worn red concrete column with chipped paint and layered markings, including the letter “E” and “FIRE STATION NO. 15,” is mounted on a concrete column. Additional stickers and handwritten labels add to the textured, aged appearance.
Three workers in hard hats and high-visibility vests stand in front of an unfinished spiral staircase at the POST construction site. The sunlight casts long shadows on the dusty ground, highlighting the scale of the structure.
An angled view of the POST building shows exposed concrete, a red structural marking, and green perforated paneling beneath a weathered overhang. A metal mesh railing runs along the edge, contrasting industrial and modern materials.
A circular skylight at POST allows natural light to enter the industrial interior, framed by exposed concrete and structural markings.
A laminated safety sign taped to a railing reads, “6’ feet apart today is better than 6’ feet under tomorrow,” with a skull icon below the text.
A green “Muster Point” sign is mounted on a wooden post in a construction site with uneven ground and caution tape.
1/8

Mockup reviews and sign location planning
11/02/20
POST
Scale Model: Site Identification Part 1
A scale model of a blue frame prototype stands on a plywood surface against a neutral backdrop.
A scale model of a blue frame prototype stands on a plywood surface against a neutral backdrop.
A blue scale model frame prototype is positioned behind a white surface against a neutral background.
1/3

Philip built a wood model of the site identification sign structure
11/02/20
POST
Scale Model: Site Identification Part 2
A blue scale model frame prototype with an illuminated panel stands on a table in a dimly lit setting.
Disassembled components of a blue scale model frame prototype are laid out on a black surface alongside a blue panel and rolls of tape.
1/2

Internal illumination simulated with electroluminescent wire and printed vellum
09/25/20
POST
Site Identification part 2
A digital rendering of a blue structural sign for POST features bold white lettering on a transparent framework, casting a geometric shadow on a neutral background.
A close-up digital rendering of a blue structural framework highlights intersecting support beams and a white rectangular panel.
A close-up digital rendering of a blue structural element shows a silver fastening mechanism attached to the frame.
A digital isometric rendering displays three variations of a blue structural framework against a black background.
A digital isometric rendering of three blue structural sign frameworks features red and yellow panels displaying wayfinding information for POST.
A digital rendering of a blue structural sign for POST features illuminated internal elements and a red panel displaying event information for Björk on 10/16.
A digital rendering of a blue structural sign for POST with illuminated lettering and internal lighting elements.
A digital rendering of a structural joint in the blue framework of the POST sign, highlighting the connection details and material intersections.
A digital rendering of a freestanding blue metal frame with a translucent panel, showcasing the structural design and material composition.
A digital rendering of a freestanding blue metal frame with illuminated vertical light strips behind a translucent panel.
1/10

Development of form and structure
09/25/20
POST
Site Identification part 1
A digital rendering of a blue metal framework with integrated vertical lighting elements against a dark background.
A digital rendering of a blue, illuminated sign structure displaying “Björk 4.15” with the other side of the sign visible on the interior surface.
A digital rendering of a blue metal frame with illuminated linear elements integrated into its structure.
Blue metal framework with illuminated text and horizontal light strips embedded in the structure. The internal support grid is visible through the translucent panel.
Blue metal framework with a grid structure, featuring evenly spaced illuminated horizontal light strips integrated within the design.
A close-up digital rendering of a blue illuminated sign with a perforated metal frame, displaying partial white text and horizontal lines.
1/6

Material and Illumination studies
07/25/20
POST
Unused: path lamps
Isometric drawing of a vertical architectural structure with a gridded interior surface, showing integrated mechanical components and lighting elements.
Isometric rendering of a vertical architectural structure with an exposed internal framework, featuring a yellow illuminated panel and mechanical components.
1/2

Landscape lighting studies
07/19/20
POST
Under Construction
Construction site barrier with semi-transparent mesh printed with diagonal blue and white stripes, enclosing an active work zone.
Blue construction banner with large, partially visible white lettering spelling “POST” in various directions, partially covered by overgrown green vines along the top edge.
Scaffolding set up against the white facade of the POST building, with its distinctive vertical fins and a clear sky in the background.
1/3

Scenes from a site visit
04/20/20
POST
Studying: material transparency, flexibility, shadow color
A curved blue acrylic sheet casting a soft gradient shadow on a white surface.
A close-up of a light source viewed through a blue-tinted acrylic panel, with a protective metal grille partially visible.
A work light with a protective metal grille positioned near a blue acrylic sample clipped to a white surface, casting a colored shadow.
1/3

Clamp lamp and flexible PVC
08/13/19
POST
Barbara Jordan Statement, 1974
0.1mb
Barbara-Jordan-Statement-on-Impeachment-Articles.pdf
08/12/19
POST
Installation
A white commercial building with a blue banner displaying a white envelope icon, viewed from across a roadw
1/2

Kronberg's Flags
08/12/19
POST
Field Test Part 4

1:1 mockup of sign type 406
08/12/19
POST
Field Test Part 3

1:1 mockup of sign type 405
08/12/19
POST
Field Test Part 2
Close-up view of a corner of a panel with an exposed MDF edge
A signage structure mock up using a rectangular MDF panel mounted within a thin wooden frame.
A can of blue paint placed on a sheet of white paper, with a blue tape partially visible behind the can.
A close-up view of a blue painted MDF structure showing the joint between two vertical pieces.
A close-up view of a blue painted sign mockup placed on white paper with blue paint smudges.
1/5

Fabricating scale mockup of sign type 405 in Philip's wood shop
06/27/19
POST
Houston Chronicle Article

Coverage of the POST public announcement and ground breaking ceremony
06/26/19
POST
Field Test Part 1
A 3D model of a green metal frame structure viewed against a blue sky with clouds, displayed on a mobile screen.
A 3D model of a green metal frame structure displayed on a mobile screen, with a building and street visible in the background.
A 3D model of a green metal frame structure displayed on a mobile screen, with a cloudy sky and trees in the background.
1/4

Using an augmented reality iPhone application to answer questions of scale for planned scaffolding installation.
06/21/19
POST
Featured on OMA

Announcement of OMA's involvement in the design of POST Houston
06/14/18
POST
Workshop × MTWTF
An aerial black and white image of a large building with surrounding parking lot and a road running along the side, near Buffalo Bayou.

Initial planning and charrette at the office of MTWTF, New York
04/30/18
POST
Site Visit, Workshop
A wall-mounted letter “F” sign above a door, with electrical wiring visible nearby.
A close-up view of a letterboard with the word “UNITED”, accompanied by a star symbol.
An interior view of POST with large windows letting in sunlight, casting shadows on the floor. The view outside shows a parking lot and surrounding area.
A close-up image of a yellow handrail on a staircase, with a metal grid visible in the background and a partially visible stair tread with a yellow safety marking.
A group of people stands on a rooftop, with a view of the Houston skyline, including several tall buildings and clear blue skies.
A sign displaying the letter “E” mounted on a wall with visible red markings and electrical fixtures.
An industrial interior with concrete floors, visible support columns labeled with letters, and warm yellow lighting illuminating a distant area.
A person standing in front of a wall composed of square, black, hollow blocks, with their back to the camera.
A person standing in the center of a large, dimly lit industrial space, with tall columns and a spacious floor, casting a long shadow.
1/9

Site tour and project workshop with OMA, Powers Brown, Hoerr Schaudt, MTWTF
03/01/18
POST
Announcement of Work
A black and white photograph from 1962 of the historic Barbara Jordan post office, with a flagpole and a car parked in front. The building features vertical metal slats and a logo at the top.
A black-and-white portrait of Barbara Jordan, a prominent American politician and civil rights leader, shown in profile with her hands clasped together in a thoughtful gesture. She is dressed in a light-colored jacket and has short, curly hair and pearl earrings.
1/2

FORMATION is pleased to be part of the design team reimagining the former US Postal Service distribution center at 401 Franklin in Downtown Houston. 

This important structure was originally designed by Wilson Morris Crain & Anderson and named in honor of Barbara Jordan, civil rights activist and the first Southern African-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives.

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