Winnipeg The “W” Walkway Sign System: 2005-2006
Solving Pedestrian
Wayfinding with
3-D Modeling
Informing Design’s 3-D modeling of Downtown Winnipeg is being utilized to create a network of map kiosks, each one of which presents a miniature wayfinding solution of the precise view ahead. In outdoor (and lobby) installations, transit information is seamlessly incorporated.
Like other major Canadian cities, Winnipeg has a multi-mile indoor walkway system linking all major office buildings, entertainment venues and shopping centers. Notoriously confusing, a new subway-style system of signing, linked to an extensive network of map kiosks, is being installed and should be complete in March, 2006.
Wayfinding within the complex walkway system was conquered by dividing the system into three color-coded “subway lines”, each named for the out-of-doors avenue, which they parallel.
Major buildings (or collections of buildings) at the endpoints of each line provide the sense of direction. “Transfer” to the next line is announced in the subtended sign message.
Outdoor pedestrian map-kiosk incorporating transit information. Using the 3-D computer model, map image is precisely oriented to the passer-by's immediate viewing position.
Walkway Sign System, emulating subway system signing with the “stations” being the points of access at elevators or escalators.