Over the last week, 40 interim signs designed by Applied have been installed in the Downtown district of Edmonton, Alberta. The signs, which feature detailed mapping of the local area, have been introduced ahead of the opening of the Rogers Place Arena, a major new attraction that is expected to bring a massive influx of visitors to Downtown Edmonton.

The interim signage scheme is a step forward in the longer term plan to install a permanent pedestrian wayfinding system in Edmonton. Applied has worked with the City since 2013 to achieve this objective, advising on a corporate wayfinding approach and producing an initial strategy document that culminated in the roll-out of a pedestrian-focused prototype.

Applied is currently working on subsequent phases of the project, which include developing the wayfinding system through detailed design specifications for a suite of permanent on-street sign types, as well as concept design for signage and mapping in the collection of indoor tunnels and walkways that make up Edmonton’s Downtown Pedway network. Our sister company, Living Map has additionally created a mastermap of 25sqkm area of the city, designed for cross-media use with interchangeable layers and styling to reveal the city’s subterranean pedways to pedestrians.

Applied prepared artwork for the interim signs to assist the large number of visitors expected in the Downtown area following the opening of the Rogers Place Arena. The final products are a series of panels manufactured and installed by the City of Edmonton’s sign-shop, and are intended to be semi-permanent, with materials and product design reflective of this. Placed in key pedestrians areas, the signs will support those who will be trying to find their way to the newly opened arena or understand the wider offer of Downtown Edmonton. The information and graphic content will work seamlessly with mapping to direct visitors to major landmarks and public facilities.

Rollout

The roll-out of interim signage will continue in September 2016, with interim signs installed within the Downtown pedways and LRT stations. The permanent, integrated wayfinding system is expected to be installed over the course of 2017 and 2018. These signs will include simple and easy to read mapping, indicating the areas and attractions within a 5-minute walking radius, and have lighting, to support users during the shorter days in winter.