Urban Wayfinding Planning and Implementation Manual

URBAN WAYFINDING
PLANNING AND
IMPLEMENTATION MANUAL
Photo courtesy of Vertigo Barcelona
1
Contents Introduction
2 3
The Case for What Comprises a
Wayfinding Systems Wayfinding System
Defining a Sense of Place Gateway and Area Identification
Highlight Complementary Destinations Vehicular Wayfinding
Enhancing the Urban Commercial Brand Pedestrian Wayfinding
Supports the Entire Community Destination Identity
4 5
Traffic Controls and Parking Identification Urban and Street Identity
Consistency and Consolidation (De-Clutter) Media and Print Support
Case Study: Legible London Case Study: City of Charlotte, NC
Getting Started System Financing

Working with Stakeholder Groups Planning, Design, Fabrication,
Working With Government Officials and Management Costs
and Community Leaders Leading Sources of System Financing
Getting Started: A Stakeholder Framework Instruments for Ongoing Financing
Case Study: Philadelphia, PA Case Study: Phoenixville, PA
Sign Research Foundation 1

6 7
Contents
Managing the Managing the

Regulatory Framework Design Process
Pre-Planning
The Disconnect Between Best Practices and Regulations
Planning
Using Research to Make the Case
Design
Developing Regulations for Different Urban Environments
8
4 9
5
Fabrication
Framing Perceptions
Installation
Case Study: Miami Beach, FL
Case Study: Los Angeles, CA
Design Issues
Getting Started System Financing
Management
Planning
Working with Stakeholder Groups Materials Selection
Planning, and System Durability
Design, Fabrication,
Identity
Working With Government Officials Managing the System
and Management Costs
Design
and Community Leaders Maintenance
Leading Sources of System Financing
Legibility
Getting Started: A Stakeholder Framework Expansion and
Instruments for Design
OngoingManagement
Financing
10 11
Materials and Technology
Case Study: Philadelphia, PA Vancouver, BC
Case Study: Phoenixville, PA
Case Study: Rockville Town Center, MD
Highlights and Acknowledgements

Further Readings Checklist Summary

1
Introduction
With the current climate, communities see
stronger wayfinding systems as a way to sustain
economic viability.

Introduction
Over the last twenty years, urban areas from small town The Sign Research Foundation (SRF) is a not-for-profit organization
main streets to the downtown districts of the largest cities serving academia, planners/regulators and businesses by
have developed wayfinding and identity systems to enhance advancing the knowledge base in the topical areas of science,
their brand, ease navigation and reinforce key destinations. technology, art, marketing and regulation. Working along with
With the current climate, communities have seen stronger the International Sign Association (ISA), SRF presents this
wayfinding systems as a way to sustain economic viability. workbook and an associated online education program to provide
These important wayfinding projects have developed to the a comprehensive overview of the steps towards a successful
point where they have been integrated in the Manual on wayfinding program, including financing, conceptualization, the
Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published in magazines and approval process, implementation and ongoing management. The
books and accepted as part of municipal bond and other workbook also provides best practices from successful programs
financing programs. and guidance for hiring consultants including environmental
graphic designers and sign fabricators. Finally the book provides
Yet there is very little information available to planners and city a current roadmap for the approval process with community
officials who want to develop these programs and learn from the leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
cities that have been most successful. Given that these projects
may take two years from conception to final installation, this The Sign Research Foundation hopes that towns and cities
information is crucial. In addition, there is little support to help will be encouraged to use the tools and guidance contained in
city leaders make the case for spending the effort and dollars to this book to take a leadership role in developing a wayfinding
make these programs possible. program that enhances their community.

2
The Case for
Wayfinding Systems
Wayfinding elements can enrich and enhance our
experiences with urban environments.
The Case for Wayfinding Systems

We live in a world where cities can be navigated through a smart-
phone or other technologies and any information on a destination
can be found within minutes. With all of these tools at our disposal,
why are physical wayfinding elements even necessary?
Municipal wayfinding systems serve an important and crucial
role well beyond responding to the need for basic navigation,
identification and information. Wayfinding elements such as
monuments, directional systems, directories, interpretive and even
regulatory signs can enrich and enhance our experiences with
urban environments.

Defining a Sense of Place

You are here, but how do you know where here is?
Municipal wayfinding systems not only direct
visitors to destinations, but also serve as a teaching
tool that educates the visitor on the boundaries,
destinations and key features of the urban
environment. This creates a legible city where
wayfinding and identification elements support the
overall urban structure and experience.
Urban geographer Kevin Lynch developed the

legible city concept in his book, The Image of
the City. In his research, Lynch suggests that all
cities have a specific vocabulary that residents and
visitors can read in the streets, landmarks, nodal
areas and unique districts. Designers discovered
that by utilizing a system of gateways, signage
and streetscape elements, they could enhance
the legibility of the respective city. Today, the
Lynch method of testing legibility through personal
cognitive maps has shown the effectiveness of
successful municipal wayfinding systems.
London, England has the largest municipal
wayfinding system in the world, referred to as
Legible London. (See Case Study for full summary.)
The guidelines for Legible London were developed
utilizing the cognitive mapping process. Studies
have validated the increased urban understanding
by visitors and residents who used the wayfinding The BART/MTA mapping and wayfinding system in San Francisco, The City of Midland, MI, wayfinding program developed by Cloud Gehshan Associates
CA, by Studio LImage shows the value of developing legible reflecting the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture on gateways, parks and recreational
system which includes signs, directories, places and includes maps, signs, print and web. The wayfinding areas. The case for such an extensive wayfinding program is in reinforcing the entire urban
projects value is in connecting visitors to destinations through brand through placemaking.
print maps, and mobile applications. transit which can be measured in increased use of bus and rail.

Highlight
Complementary
An example of the power of a municipal wayfinding
system to impact less prominent destinations is in
Destinations Lancaster, a small city in central Pennsylvania. After

installing a city-wide wayfinding system in 1999,
attendance at five major destinations in the city
In an age where GPS systems allow us to find our increased by 10% in one year.
primary destination quickly and easily, visitors may
end up bypassing lesser known destinations of In addition, the city recorded that name recognition
potential interest. Wayfinding programs seek to went up in particular for secondary destinations
bring awareness of the museums, retail districts, like the Art Museum and Central Market. Both of
historical areas and landmarks that visitors may not these locations show the value of the investment
know about and that may not be included in modern made in implementing and effective municipal
navigation technologies. wayfinding system within their community.
The City of Lancaster, PA, wayfinding gateway and directional sign program by Sussman/Prejza both brands
the city and directs visitors to smaller destinations and parking. The system is credited with a 10% increase
in attendance a year after the system was put in place.

Enhancing the Urban Commercial Brand

Supports the Entire Community
Municipal wayfinding systems are not limited to
identifying and directing visitors to city and related
institutional destinations. The inclusion of standards
as well as promotion of high-quality commercial
on-premise signs, including-free standing
monuments and building mounted identifications
and marquees, play a key role in enhancing the
overall brand of the community.
Research by Charles R. Taylor, Matthew E. Sarkees,

and Hae-Kyong Bang, detailed in their book
Understanding the Value of On-Premise Signs
as Marketing Devices for Legal and Public
Policy Purposes, illustrates that on-premise signage
plays a significant role in enhancing the positions
(value) of both small and large businesses within
the community, and will in turn enhance the value
of the real estate they occupy, the business levels
that they achieve, and the resulting tax revenues
to the city. In addition, large commercial signs,
when properly coordinated with the city, can serve
as valuable gateways and landmarks. Landmarks
like the CITGO sign in Boston, MA, PSFS Tower
in Philadelphia, PA, or the Domino Sugars sign in
Baltimore, MD, are important urban touchstones
that define the commercial importance of the city.
The world famous Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL, is an on-premise commercial The Domino Sugars sign in Baltimore, MD, is a historic sign that enhances
sign and landmark that enhances the entire community and brands the city the entire community by serving as both a gateway and landmark.
through frequent appearances on television and movies.

Traffic Controls and Consistency and

Parking Identification Consolidation (De-Clutter)
When it comes to vehicular wayfinding signage, It has been common for individual districts, retail
locating a destination is not the only key issue. areas or campuses within cities to
Vehicular wayfinding signage is also utilized to implement unique wayfinding and signage systems.
control desired traffic circulation patterns and aid Sometime these are very effective, but in other
motorists in efficiently identifying both public and cases can create inconsistencies in brand, style and
private parking lots and garages by utilizing design within a single community. Lack of system
consistent wayfinding and identification standards consistency can result in obsolete, inconsistent
defined in the system. Incorporating new media or low-quality elements that can compromise
and data tracking technologies into municipal the brand value of the community to visitors
wayfinding systems also can provide real-time and residents alike. In addition, a proliferation of
information on traffic flow and parking availability. specialized banners, redundant neighborhood
gateways and private interpretive projects created
Implementation of effective vehicular wayfinding urban environments that appear disjointed and
systems within communities can aid in creating disorganized. A well-defined and comprehensive
safer driving conditions by providing drivers clear municipal wayfinding system will contribute to
directions at strategic locations, thus reducing creating a consistent urban brand, a sense of
driver confusion and distraction while traveling organization, improved vehicular flow and safety
busy streets. while maintaining a perception of quality for the
system, the city and its amenities.
Legibility research at the Pennsylvania State

University has shown that inconsistent and
cluttered environments can adversely affect viewer
legibility and vehicular safety by relaying too many
incomplete and ineffective messages.
In Albuquerque, NM, the municipal wayfinding system, developed by

Jettwalker, Inc. with Lance Wyman, integrates wayfinding, identification
and street lighting to consolidate elements and reduce the number of
individual sign locations.

Case Study: Legible London
The primary objective of the system was to
promote the value of walking in London.
Legible London
The largest municipal wayfinding system ever developed,
Legible London, also included an extensive research
process for justifying the expense and the effort to develop
a comprehensive system containing more than 1,000
individual elements. The primary objective of the system
was to promote the value of walking in London. *

The Case for Wayfinding Systems / Case Study: Legible London
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Environment
Walking is the most environmentally friendly
mode of transportation and reduces communities
carbon footprints.
Commercial
An improved pedestrian understanding of
neighborhoods, landmarks and amenities increases
the opportunities for people finding and using
commercial resources in these areas.
Health
Walking improves general health and well being
and is a key tool in fighting obesity and many other
health issues.
Based on these value metrics Applied Information Group developed a research The Legible London concept is to build the pedestrian experience
program to illustrate how a comprehensive wayfinding system would increase around five-minute journeys exemplified in maps that would show five-
*Summary from the Yellow Book Legible London Research report. pedestrian access to the city and deliver on these value objectives. The resulting minute areas. This is also reinforced on the Legible London web site and
The report is available at system increased visitor pedestrian use extensively, particularly during the 2012 mobile applications. Research indicated that the best design approach
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/yellow-book.pdf Summer Olympics. Surveys to gauge tourist comfort showed the wayfinding for achieving the highest pedestrian value would be to use information
system as a key factor in finding urban neighborhoods and destinations. landmarks that would support a greater wayfinding program.

3
What Comprises a
Wayfinding System
Successful systems utilize common design cues
including color, typography, shape, logo, material
and nomenclature.
What Comprises a Wayfinding System?

Wayfinding systems mean different things to different
people based on their experience. Wayfinding can be
experienced on a highway, in a park or in a pedestrian mall.
The key to successful wayfinding in urban areas is how
these different experiences are linked.
Peeling the Onion
A wayfinding system has many moving parts that fit
together. To structure how all these elements work, it is
important to look at the individual elements as a series
of layers that a visitor encounters when experiencing an
urban environment. This encounter begins at the vehicular
edges of the region and continues into downtown. Finally,
it culminates in pedestrian main streets and destinations.
While all of these layers of experience do not need to be
clearly linked through design, successful systems utilize
common design cues including color, typography, shape,
logo, material and nomenclature.

What Comprises a Wayfinding System
Gateways and Area Identification

Gateways define the entry into a distinct place with
a defined identity. Gateways exist on a number of
levels in an urban area including:
Regional Gateways: Sign and landmarks that

identify entrance to a regional area which can
include government entities (states and counties),
heritage areas and economic zones (industrial and
commercial corridors).
City Gateways: Signs and landmarks that identify

a city or town. City gateways can be freestanding
or attached to other landmarks including bridges,
buildings and parks.
District and Neighborhood Gateways: Signs that

identify a unique district in a city. These can include
clearly defined mixed use districts (Downtown,
Chinatown, Historic District), neighborhoods, and
large park areas.
Area Identification: Signs that identify less defined

areas with distinct cultural (art districts), commercial
(main street corridors or areas of unique commercial
entities) or political (government nodes) importance.
From top to bottom: Miami Beach City Gateway, MERJE Design; From top to bottom: Haverson London Borough Gateway, Jason Bruges Studio;
Highland Park Neighborhood Gateway, Cloud Gehshan Associates; King of Prussia Gateway, King of Prussia BID.
Narberth Borough Bridge Gateway, VSBA, LLC.

Vehicular Wayfinding Downtown and Neighborhood Signs: These smaller

scale vehicular signs are located inside downtowns,
These elements direct motorists to districts, cities, neighborhoods and districts. They direct to a large
parks, heritage areas, destinations and parking. range of destinations and parking. These signs can
Vehicular wayfinding is meant to be seen at high also include trailblazers that lead motorists back to
speeds in public right-of-ways and is heavily interstate and state roads.
regulated by departments of transportation.
These signs include:
Pedestrian Wayfinding
Controlled Access Road Signs: Signs that direct
to destinations on the interstate highway system.
These signs are designed and planned based on
strict Federal Highway Administration guidelines Design elements that direct pedestrians to
and are administered by the individual states. destinations inside of a defined district or
neighborhood. Pedestrian wayfinding signs
Regional Signs: Signs that direct to cities, include:
parks, agricultural facilities (golf courses/wineries),
institutional and commercial destinations and
heritage areas outside of urban areas.
Regional signs can be administered by state
bodies, by individual counties, or by aggregated
counties and towns. These signs often include
distance information.
Large Scale Signs: In urban areas outside

downtowns and neighborhoods these signs direct
to large scale destinations and urban districts.
From top to bottom: Atlantic City Expressway Signs; Portland Riverfront combined
Gore Valley Regional Wayfinding, Corbin Design; Directional/Maps/Identity, Mayer/Reed.
Port of Los Angeles Wayfinding Sign, Selbert Perkins Design.

Pedestrian Directional Signs: Signs that direct Interpretive Identity: Signs that combine destination
pedestrians directly to destinations. identification and interpretive information.
Map Signs: Pedestrian maps that define the urban On-Premise Commercial Landmarks:
district and the key landmarks and destinations Free-standing or signs attached to buildings that
within that district. identify commercial or corporate destinations that
also serve as urban landmarks.
Directories: Maps that also contain a directory of
destinations with additional information including Parking: Signs that identify parking garages and lots.
addresses, phone numbers or interpretive
descriptions.
Destination Identity
Landmark elements that direct to specific
destinations. Destination identity signs include:
Institutional Identity: Free-standing signs or

signs attached to buildings that identify a
government, cultural, educational, transportation
or health institutions.
Identity/Gateway: Identity signs can also serve as

gateways to educational, corporate, transportation
and healthcare campuses.
From top to bottom: San Juan Capistrano Map/Directory, Hunt Design; From top to bottom: World Trade Center Pedestrian Kiosk, C&G Partners;
Wissahickon Park, Cloud Gehshan Associates; Hong Kong Connect 12 Building Identity, Calori & Vanden-Eynden.
Hudson River Interpretive Kiosks, Joel Katz Design Associates.

Urban and Street Media and Print

Identity Support
These support signs, urban furniture and banners In addition to physical elements, web sites, mobile
help support and identify unique urban districts media, print maps and directories provide additional
and include: support for wayfinding. In most successful systems,
graphics are closely integrated with physical
Street Signs: Signs that designate city streets and design elements.
can also identify unique districts.
Regulatory Signs: Signs that regulate street activity

that can also identify unique urban districts.
Street Furniture: A range of street elements that

can support urban identity including benches, trash
receptacles, lights, landscape and parking meters.
Public Art: Public art and display that can also serve
as urban landmarks.
Civic Banner Programs: Temporary banner and

lighting programs that support identity as well as
ongoing activities.
Visitor Centers: Kiosks and buildings that provide

information on city and district activities.
From top to bottom: Pike Place Public Market; Mercer County Park Wayfinding Application, Winfield & Co.
City of Toronto Street Furniture, Kramer Design;
Park City, Utah Olympic Park Identity and Wayfinding, Infinite Scale.

Case Study: City of Charlotte, NC
The City of Charlotte wayfinding system is
among the most extensive in the entire country.

City of Charlotte, NC
The City of Charlotte wayfinding system is among the most
extensive in the entire country and embodies sign elements into
a wide variety of environments including highways, city roads,
pedestrian areas, parking and public transit. The system, planned
and designed by Two Twelve and in association with DAWA
and Brinkley Design, was developed in stages starting with the
pedestrian program in 2007 and is still under development.

What Comprises a Wayfinding System / Case Study: City of Charlotte, NC
Key elements include:
Interstate Wayfinding
These innovative interstate signs use color to
identify the four major urban districts defining
Uptown Charlotte.
Vehicular Wayfinding
Vehicular signs start at the interstate exits with
gateways signs that identify the four districts and
introduce drivers to the graphic and informational
language of the system.
Pedestrian Wayfinding
These signs contain map, directional and
transit information while defining key areas of
the Downtown.
Parking Signs
The program of signs, both static and dynamic,
include a system of space availability indicators
developed by Kimley-Horn and Associates.
The dynamic sign elements are updated via sensors
in each garage. Additionally, the data is transmitted
wirelessly to the citys parking management system,
providing real-time information to users accessing
the citys parking website.
Top - from left to right: Color-coded interstate signs; Vehicular signs; Bottom - from left to right: Dynamic electronic message center signs
The pedestrian sign contains identification, wayfinding, map and identify the number of parking spaces in a garage; The parking web
transit information; site connects with the system.

4
Getting Started
Like a bridge or a highway, wayfinding programs
affect a number of constituencies who need to be
consulted throughout the planning, design and
implementation process.
Getting Started
Beginning an urban wayfinding project requires a great
deal of preparation before establishing a plan or unveiling
a design concept. Like a bridge or a highway, wayfinding
programs affect a number of constituencies who need
to be consulted throughout the planning, design and
implementation process. The key to project success is the
involvement and preparation of stakeholder constituencies
at the outset.

Getting Started
Working with areas of the process. Steering committee agencies and the media. These groups in turn
Stakeholder Groups
members are also responsible for communicating communicate with the public. General stakeholder
decisions to larger stakeholder constituencies. groups usually have a very limited say in day-to-day
program process decisions, but should be informed
There are dozens of different constituencies that and able to comment on key decisions, particularly
must be consulted in specific ways and managed Management Committees and Task Forces related to design. In todays era of social media, the
through different groups and committees. These Often wayfinding programs have unique needs that public meeting input is often being supplemented
groups include: require the efforts of a specialized group to focus online, with public comments and feedback possible
on narrow topic areas. This can include tasks like outside the scope of a single public meeting.
Steering Committee approvals, financing and maintenance; or dealing
A steering committees role is to assist in decision with unique community issues. An example of the
making throughout the entire planning, design and latter can be found in a task force developed for a Who Spearheads the Project?
implementation process. The steering committee is wayfinding program in the Upper Perkiomen Valley, Wayfinding projects often take from 12 months to
usually small (5-8 people) and include stakeholder a community of small towns and villages in eastern 2 years to get from initial planning to installation.
representatives that can take a leadership role in key Pennsylvania. Because each town and village will In addition the projects often need to move through
be responsible for implementing the guidelines a difficult bidding and installation process followed
developed for the entire area, a task force was set by years of ongoing management. It takes
up specifically to navigate the financing, design organizations with long-term management
issues, implementation and management particular capabilities to take on these programs. The
to the towns while a steering committee managed expansion of special service and business
the overall design and guidelines process. improvement districts that are managing an array
of city services from funding to maintenance has
led to an increase in wayfinding systems over the
General Stakeholder Group past 20 years While larger cities have quasi-public
Public projects require community outreach and groups with full-time staff, smaller cities and towns
input to be successful, and wayfinding programs often need to make do with a single city manager
usually require a greater degree of transparency or streets official. In these cases, the need for
than a typical infrastructure project. Reaching out to structured steering committees become even more
the broader public requires the development of a important, with community volunteers taking on
stakeholder group consisting of political and many tasks including seeking financing, managing
Washington D.C., where one of the largest wayfinding programs in community leaders, key destinations, funding meetings and coordinating community outreach.
North America utilized a steering committee of federal, state and local
government officials to manage the complex jurisdictional issues.

Getting Started
Working with Government Officials

and Community Leaders
With non-profits, special service districts and
economic development organizations often taking
on the task of developing and managing the
wayfinding programs, government and civic officials
take a support role. But their inclusion is crucial to
successful implementation. Government and civic
leaders usually play one of three roles in the project
development process:
Promoters: Politicians and community leaders that

can help secure financial support, stir community
action or ease the approval process. Promoters
include top elected officials and civic leaders like the
head of the local chamber of commerce.
Approvers: Government officials responsible

for issuing approvals for the program from
the overall plan to the design and final
implementation locations.
Defenders: Wayfinding programs are not free of

politics and need government and community
leaders to defend design and financing decisions.
Why so few privately developed wayfinding programs? In Europe, most wayfinding and identity programs are developed by
private companies like JCDecaux while in the U.S. non-profit and quasi-governmental organizations are often the program
developers. This has much to do with how cities are run in different geographies. European cities have a top-down management
approach where most decisions are made from a central authority. In the U.S., decision making is often pushed down to
community and specialized organizations, working with city leaders. (Above project is the Dublin, Ireland, wayfinding program;
Specialty Bush Shelter in Copenhagen, Denmark; Interpretive Touch Map in London, England; by JCDecaux).

Getting Started
Getting Started: A Stakeholder Framework
Stakeholder framework: A stakeholder project map is a handy tool for linking the process of
wayfinding development with potential stakeholders, by defining the groups responsible for
specific program tasks, and the stakeholders that would work best with each group.

Case Study: Philadelphia, PA
The City of Philadelphias wayfinding program
is among the longest duration actively managed
system in the country.
Philadelphia, PA
The City of Philadelphias wayfinding program was initiated
in 1988 with the first signs installed in 1992 making it among
the longest duration actively managed system in the country.
The program was a pioneer in many of the stakeholder and
management systems seen today.

Getting Started / Case Study: Philadelphia, PA
Project Leadership City Participation

The project started as the DirectionPhiladelphia The city of Philadelphia officially took ownership
vehicular wayfinding program in Center City of all the wayfinding system components and
Philadelphia. The Foundation for Architecture, played an active role in financing, approving
a non-profit city institution, led the stakeholder and securing Department of Transportation
process, managed the Sussman/Prejza design team, approval for the complete program through the
and implemented and managed the program. Streets Department.
The program eventually spread into many areas

and neighborhoods outside of Center City,
including a system developed for Fairmount Park
with the Fairmount Park Association. The organization
partnered with the Center City District, a special
services district, in the development of a pedestrian
program and the University City District in the
expansion of the program into West Philadelphia.
Joel Katz designed the expansions. Eventually both
special service districts took over management of
the system with the Center City District managing
expansion.
Stakeholder Development
The project was spearheaded by a steering
committee made up of leading institutions and city
officials, which managed the planning, design
development and approval process. A large
stakeholder group of participating destinations, city
and institutional leaders was kept informed of key
program developments and had the opportunity to
participate in meetings involving larger design and
The DirectionPhiladelphia wayfinding program started in the historic Top: The Walk!Philadelphia pedestrian program developed by Joel Katz
implementation decisions. core of the city and spread through the city with the leadership of Design Associates.
The Foundation for Architecture. Bottom: Over the years the system was integrated into the tourism fabric of the
city including banners, print maps, web sites and visitor center information.

5
System
Financing
The key to successful system financing is to
understand the complete design and
implementation process, while identifying
a range of financing solutions.
Financing a Wayfinding System

One of the most difficult parts of developing a wayfinding
system is developing an approach to financing the process.
Often funds can be used for some areas and not others.
The key to successful system financing is to understand the
complete design and implementation process, while
identifying a range of financing solutions.

System Financing
Planning, Design, Fabrication Leading Sources of

and Management Costs System Financing
Generally the financing of wayfinding systems is Fabrication and Installation: The final cost of Grants and Donations
divided into four major areas: shop drawings, fabrication and installation can range For initial planning and design stages, financing
from $100,000-$5,000,000 and is financed through must be as flexible and unencumbered as possible.
Planning: The cost of initial planning includes the an assortment of local, state and federal programs. There are a number of local and state grant
design brief, planning scope and conceptual design Sample fabrication budgets include: opportunities for sign programs ranging from
of the system. These costs are generally from Neighborhood and Main Streets foundations to regional planning organizations.
$10,000-$50,000 (depending on the size and $75,000 - $150,000 Other leading sources of planning and design
complexity of the project) and usually are paid for Small Towm money are direct donations from commercial and
by grants, donations or directly from an $200,000 - $350,000 institutional interests. Donations are also a great
organizations budget. Small Downtown or Mid Sized City source of funding for unique program areas including
$ 350,000 - $750,000 gateways and park programs.
Design: The cost of designing the full program Large Downtown
including design development, approvals, $ 750,000 - $1.5 million
documentation and bidding. Design fees can Entire Cities and Regional Areas
range from $35,000-$500,000 and, like planning $1.5 million - $3 million+
fees are often paid for from grants, organizational
budgeting and city line budgeting. Sample design Ongoing Management: The cost of cleaning,
budgets include: replacing and expanding the system. Management
Neighborhoods and Main Streets is financed through a range of approaches including
$ 35,000 - $75,000 destination fees, business levies and internal
Small Town budgeting.
$ 75,000 - $100,000 Note: This is a general overview of design and fabrication budgets representative of
2013, when this study was published.. Some projects including specialty gateways,
Small Downtown or Mid Sized City
landmarks, lighting, streetscape and media projects could cost more and should
$ 100,000 - $150,000 be analyzed as unique projects. In addition, there is a great deal of variability in the
size and scope of projects that can affect pricing.
Large Downtown Integration of new technologies often attracts local grant support.
$125,000 - $300,000 The Mercer County Park System wayfinding program in New Jersey
developed by Winfield & Co. is a combination of signs, maps and
Entire Cities and Regional Areas mobile applications. It was funded by Open Space Preservation grants
which is a fund established by the State of New Jersey to purchase,
$125,000- $500,000 maintain and support historic properties.

System Financing
Business Improvement District (BID) implementation. One such program is the

The last 20 years have seen a dramatic increase Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-
in the number of Special Assessment, Business LU), a federally funded program for infrastructure
Improvement and Property-Based Improvement improvements to highways and roads. Usually this
Districts (BID/PBID). A BID/PBID can assess an money is folded into large city street improvements.
annual tax on a property which can be used for A stand-alone source of federal funding is through
maintenance and for promoting the district identity the Community Development Block Grant Program
by the means of wayfinding, events and business (CDBG) of the Department of Housing and Urban
activities.These districts also have the authority to Development (HUD) which is often used to support
improve streetscape infrastructure by using special urban streetscape projects, and National Scenic
taxing powers to provide for specific projects or Byway Grants which fund regional programs.
overall improvements. These districts also can issue
bonds for capital costs on large improvements. In addition to federal funding, most states have
programs for urban improvements through
their respective commerce departments, which
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) also receive federal funding.
Tax Increment Finacing provides a way for municipal
authorities to help finance new capital projects.
This happens by taking advantage of expected
property tax returns (after the property is designated
as blight and is determined as a redevelopment
project area) where it can borrow against expected
increased tax revenues to build infrastructure. Often,
the sign system is financed in whole or in pieces
as part of a much larger streetscape improvement
or infrastructure project like a bridge or paving
program.
The Calgary, AB, Downtown Wayfinding Program developed by The township of Lower Merion and borough of Norristown, PA, with
State and Federal Funds (TEA-LU, CDBG) Corbin Design is primarily being funded through the Downtown systems designed by Cloud Gehshan and Seiler Drury Architects
(with Stacy Kent) used similar sources of funding available to them in
Improvement and Beltline Community Investment Funds. These
There are multiple state and federal sources funds are generated through downtown licensing fees and developer Pennsylvania. A combination of community county planning grants
bonusing contributions and are intended to be used for public realm along with federal community development block grants and the state
that can be used to fund system fabrication and improvements projects such as this program. redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funded the programs.

System Financing
Impact Fees signs. Some North American cities like Los Angeles
When a large commercial enterprise is developed and Toronto have created signage districts in
like a stadium, casino, or shopping center specific areas of the city where public commercial
the developer may be required to pay impact advertising can be used to fund street furniture and
fees to mitigate the additional traffic in the area. wayfinding programs.
These fees can be used for streetscape and
wayfinding improvement.
Top 5 Leading Financing Sources for
Wayfinding Programs
Instruments for
Tax Increment Financing District
Transportation Equity Act (TEA-LU)
Ongoing Funding City Capital budget for Economic Development

Community Development Block Grants
Institutional and Corporate Grants
Wayfinding systems require changes, maintenance
and expansion. Over time a number of cities have
developed financing approaches that can provide
ongoing support. The model for this approach is
state transit-oriented development (TOD) programs
where commercial establishments and institutions
pay a fee to be on highway and roadway signs.
Those funds then that support the implementation
and maintenance of these programs. Special
Service Districts and Economic Development zones
often employ user fees, including charging listed
destinations based on the number of messages.
In addition, many downtown districts employ a
tax on commercial businesses that can be applied
to ongoing management and maintenance costs.
In Europe, cities including Paris and Berlin use
In Toronto, Kramer Design Associates working with Astral Media The city of San Diego, CA, found a creative approach to financing their
commercial advertising fees from kiosks, bus Outdoors developed a collection of street furniture integrated with the ongoing system through parking meter fees. The city created a special
wayfinding program. parking district downtown where a percentage of meter fees could be
shelters and public restrooms to fund wayfinding utilized to develop and maintain the wayfinding program.

Case Study: Phoenixville, PA
Phoenixville is developing a wayfinding
program consisting of vehicular signs,
gateways and park signs.
Phoenixville, PA
Phoenixville is small borough outside of Philadelphia that
is developing a wayfinding program consisting of vehicular
signs, gateways and park signs. The borough sought multiple
sources for financing and worked closely with Craig Berger
Management Consulting, design firm ex;it, and a steering
committee led by City Manager, Jean Krack. The total cost
of the program from planning through implementation is
estimated at $250,000.

System Financing / Case Study: Phoenixville, PA
Planning
The $16,000 initial planning cost was split between
a grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning
Commission and cash and in-kind donations from
the borough.
Conceptual Design and Development

The design phase was funded with $35,000 from
the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation
and the borough.
Prototype Development, Fabrication and

Implementation
For the park trail signs, $40,000 was raised from the
Schuylkill River Heritage Center, the Natural Lands
Trust and private developers adjoining the trail.
For the gateways and wayfinding signs,
$150,000 was raised through the Chester County
Revitalization Program.
Management
Ongoing management will be provided by the
borough through existing streetscape
maintenance contracts. The money was raised
over the course of 18 months, with the planning
phase used to apply for design funding and
with the concept design used to apply for
implementation funding.
The planning phase helped the borough apply for design and implementation funding.
The design development process was also used to solicit funding for implementation.

6
Managing the
Regulatory
Framework
Over the last 20 years governments have updated codes to
meet the requirements of wayfinding and identity systems.
Managing the Regulatory Framework

Wayfinding systems are designed to be integral parts of public
space, which are highly regulated by local, state and federal
government entities. Over the last 20 years governments have
updated codes to meet the requirements of wayfinding and
identity systems. Still there often are a number of gaps between
the needs of a successful program and the existing regulatory
structure. Developing a regulatory framework is every bit as
important to the success of the project as financing or design. It
creates the environment to make a project possible and effective.
Since commercial on-premise identity and wayfinding signs

are important to the overall community brand, this chapter will
review the regulatory hurdles found in both public or institutionally
managed wayfinding systems and private on-premise signs with
an impact on the urban environment.

The Disconnect Between Best Practices and Regulations

A number of regulatory roadblocks stand in the For a regulatory framework to be successful,
way of developing wayfinding systems that reflect a this mismatch must be approached in a way that
mismatch between best practices defined by improves the entire environment. In the case of a
research, history, precedent and regulations. Most single or small group of signs, this often means
of the key regulatory issues and conflicts can be seeking a variance or legal exception based on
summed up in two statements: unique circumstances. An entire wayfinding
program requires developing sign codes and
Codes Require Wayfinding Elements guidelines based on sound research and an
to be Too Big or Too Separated from honest analysis of the specific urban conditions.
the Environment
The entities that govern wayfinding signs focus on
the safety of the motorist, though interestingly, not
the pedestrian. These entities tend to focus more 100
90
heavily on roads with a higher speed limit. Their
LI = 20 ft/in
80
concerns may be legitimate for high speed roads,
70
but often create a regulatory mismatch between
Cumulative Percent (%)

60
low-speed pedestrian-oriented urban streets and
50
large-scale highway environments.
40
LI = 40 ft/in
30
20
Codes Require Commercial and Gateway LI = 30 ft/in
10
Signs to be Too Small and Dim
0
On the flip side are zoning codes for shopping 0.1 1 10 100
Luminance (cd/m)
and commercial centers that require signs to be
too small and less legible. Since commercial signs
b. Street Name Sign
are an important complement to urban programs,
particularly for larger shopping and entertainment The new FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has The International Sign Association has developed extensive
a section dedicated to community signs. This has alleviated many of the research reports detailing the importance of legible signs for both
centers, this in fact leads to legibility issues for issues between signs designed for highways and those designed for urban commercial success and safety. These reports have been used to
areas, but still requires successful interpretation by local department of seek variances, but even more importantly, to impact code reforms.
finding destinations. transportation officials who administer the guidelines.

Using Research to Developing Regulations

Make the Case for Different Urban
Most of the public believes that codes and policies
Environments
are determined by research and precedent. But
this often isnt the case. Committees may use The unfortunate tendency of sign codes is to create
very little underlying research to make decisions blanket solutions whether the signs are in urban,
and may be influenced by advocacy. Legitimate rural or suburban areas. When codes are not
research has led to great successes in improving the appropriate for specific conditions on the ground,
environment including reforming the FHWA Manual the resulting signage is unlikely to meet the needs of
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the community.
the development of more legible model codes from
communities. While original research can be time Best practices from similar environments offers a
consuming and costly, simpler approaches may lead successful approach to developing regulatory
to the same results. Existing research combined with codes. Best practices may be obtained through
examples from successful wayfinding programs may organizations like the International Sign Association
be used. (ISA) or through observations based on sign
codes of desired environments. This may help
establish a code structure that most closely fits the
environment. In addition, case studies of successful
systems like those profiled in this manual can be
used to develop a successful regulatory framework.
The development of Clearview, PA, by Donald Meeker included research by

the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute that showed that the new typeface
was more effective than those currently used on highways. This resulted in
the eventual transition to Clearview for new highway signs in addition to other
reforms including the use of upper and lower case letters.

Framing Perceptions
When negotiating with code officials, success
is more likely if the discussion is framed around
a respect for the current code structure. This
conversation should involve developing a strategy
based on strong knowledge of existing codes,
careful consideration of which codes need to be
changed or re-interpreted and an approach that
seeks reform for all future projects instead of carving
out small exceptions. A respectful approach usually
achieves a better chance of success than using
political pressure or seeking one-time gains.
In contrast, seeking one-time only variances based

on quasi-judicial advocacy can often backfire when
developing larger guidelines and systems. Variances,
unless they are due to unique circumstances,
often undermine the validity of the code and make it
more difficult to expand programs over time.
(Left column) 7-11, Sheetz, and Wawa are the three leading (Center column) The Georgetown SC, wayfinding program by
convenience stores in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and New Corbin Design illustrates the special needs of wayfinding in
York but their identity and wayfinding needs are vastly different historic towns. The design firm developed a full study of the
based on their locations. Sheetz is in more rural and exurban issues specific to the town before developing the system.
areas and Wawa is in more suburban and urban areas. 7-11 is
in all these areas but has lately focused on creating tightly a
developed identity for expansion in downtown cities.

Case Study: Miami Beach, FL
The gateway and wayfinding program for
the city became a model for development
of a regulatory approval.
Miami Beach, FL
The gateway and wayfinding program for the city began in
2001 with design development beginning in 2003. The program
became a model for development of a regulatory approval
process that allowed further development of programs in
Florida and other states. The design firm MERJE, working
with a stakeholder group led by the City of Miami Beach,
established the regulatory structure.

Managing the Regulatory Framework / Case Study: Miami Beach, FL
Regulatory Guidelines
A key part of the early project was the development
of design guidelines that focused on addressing
specific code issues that would be reviewed by the
Department of Transportation. These standards for
sign size, messaging, color and type allowed the
project team to develop a strategy on which codes
needed to be followed strictly, where leeway was
allowed and what restrictions had to be changed.
Research
While the project team was successful in getting
approval for all their design guidelines, one area
needed additional research, the approval of a non-
MUTCD compliant typography, Futura. To have
Futura approved, MERJE worked closely with the
Larsen Institute at Penn State to develop a research
process that showed that Futura was more legible
than highway Gothic, the standard for font approval.
Framing Perception
The early and pro-active approach of the city and
design team to involve local and state officials, as
well as a strong knowledge of existing codes, was
just as important as the development of guidelines
and research. This created an atmosphere where
there was clear respect for existing precedent while
understanding the need to make changes for a
successfully designed system.
*The research report for typeface testing is in the resource section of Chapter 5.
The successful field research program for Futura. Mapping out regulatory guidelines made for a clear and
Final Miami Beach wayfinding sign. transparent strategy to be developed.

7
Managing the
Design Process
Even the simplest wayfinding system is
a complex undertaking.
Planning and Design Process

Even the simplest wayfinding system is a complex
undertaking. The planning and design phase often can
take up to two years. Additionally, no matter the size of the
municipality, whether a small town or major metropolitan
area, a complex and bureaucratic approval process can
slow things down.

Managing the Design Process
Pre-Planning
Design Brief elements being developed and can include: Design/Build: The design team is paired with a
Before hiring planners and designers it is important Areas including a geographic region, an entire city, fabrication team either through the prototype stage
to develop a brief that outlines the key mission, goal a neighborhood, campus or corridors; or the complete project.
and scope of the potential project. The design brief Arrival mode including vehicular, pedestrian or
also provides an approach for selecting designers public transportation; and Management Contract: One team is included
and planners as well as provide a scope for the Functions including primary/secondary/tertiary to develop the system, manage fabrication and
entire project. Chapters 2-6 lay out most of the key visitor destinations (by visitation), amenities, retail/ maintain the system.
issues, considerations and content required as part commercial, trails or parking.
of the design brief, including:
Regulatory Issues: A list of key regulatory issues and
Mission Statement: This statement lays out the the government entities required for approval.
rationale and goals for a project. (See chapter 2 for (See chapter 6 for a description of key regulatory
approaches to the development of specific goals issues.)
for systems.)
Financing and Implementation Plan:
Potential Design Elements: A list of design elements A framework for completing the design and
being considered. (See chapter 3 for a description fabrication process around financing. The financing
of design elements that can be included.) plan will also help define a set of scenarios for
how the design and development process will be
Stakeholders: This requires identifying key focus developed and phased over time (See chapter 5 for
groups that provide feedback at all phases of the a full review of system financing).
project including steering and management
committees. (See chapter 4 for a description of Combined Planning and Design: The same design
stakeholder groups) and planning team is hired to develop the entire
approach at one time.
Confirmation of Scope Area and Definition of
Preliminary Destinations: This identifies key Separated Planning and Design: A project plan and
destinations included in the project as well as concept is developed that is used as the basis of a The town of Chamblee, GA, wanted to utilize an extensive wayfinding
and identity program to advance the image of the city as a place
the overall area. This approach should include a separate design agreement. for innovation. The detailed design brief allowed for the hiring of a
design firm, Sky Design, as well as detailed process for development,
preliminary hierarchy based on the type of design financing and implementation.

Planning Design
The project team refines the scope and strategic destination selection), preliminary routes and The design phase is usually a two-part process:
approach to the project. This part of the process can sample locations. This step should be initialized schematic or concept design and design
also result in preliminary design descriptions and during the end of the planning stage or the development. This approach allows greater ability to
recommendations. This stage can be developed as beginning of the design process. manage the design, stakeholder review and approval
part of a larger design process or as a stand-alone processes, as well as ensuring buy-in to a chosen
project that will inform a larger design project or a concept at strategically defined benchmarks.
number of design projects. The planning process The two-part process is advisable for large urban
consists of the following elements: areas or complex wayfinding program with multiple
stakeholder groups.
Research Process: This phase may include reviewing
of best practices from existing projects; analyzing The process can be combined in some
pedestrian and vehicular circulation routes; surveys circumstances in small communities where budgets
of field conditions and analysis of existing sign and/or timeframes are restrictive and the wayfinding
messaging protocols. The research process can also system is simple.
include visitor, resident and stakeholder surveys, as
well as focus groups. Schematic or Concept Design: A preliminary design
is developed by referencing feedback from the
Strategy and Management Approach: A series of survey and analysis in the strategy phase. Single
recommendations for the design, implementation or multiple design concepts are developed for
and management of the program. The strategy stakeholder input including placement of elements,
stage also offers the opportunity to rethink ideas magnitude of the final built product, budgeting,
established during the pre-planning stage including material selection and design standards. Developing
the role of stakeholders, the financing plan and even a design concept also provides stakeholders with
the original goals of the project. the opportunity to revisit goals established in the
strategy phase.
Preliminary Design Concept Report: This report
should articulate design elements through Design Development: Schematic or conceptual
The planning process required for a system sometimes is far more
descriptions or best practices. It also should extensive than the actual development of the project elements. In the design elements evolve into a fully realized design.
Laurel Highlands, PA, regional system (planned by Gannett Fleming)
include the initial structure of the program, such and the Schuylkill River Pennsylvania marker system (planned by Cloud Typography, colors, materials and attachments
Gehshan Associates) complex planning was needed for the small number
as a draft destination hierarchy (with criteria for of actual signs being used. are developed in more specific detail, based on

feedback from the conclusion of the previous Mockups: Temporary mockups and testing of
phase. They are then examined through a review wayfinding elements should occur early during the
process, which may include multiple public design development stage. These add an additional
meetings. Many cities and towns make key stages layer of assurance that the design is meeting project
in the design process public, with meetings goals. Mockups can range from rough models to
presented on television and design variations test legibility and scale, to more complete details
published in the newspaper. that show color and materials.
Regulatory Review: During the design development

process, specific code and regulatory issues are
reviewed for initial approval by local and state
entities. It is important that these groups are
informed during the design process with leading
issues established during the planning stage, and
provide full design approval before the project is
bid. (See chapters 6 and 8 for more details on the
regulatory process and key legibility issues.)
Value Engineering: Before the design is complete, it

must go through a process where the overall scope
and design elements are analyzed to ensure they
meet pricing estimates established in the initial
project strategy. This information allows the design
team to perform any related coordination with the
client group and stakeholders to ensure funding
is in place for the implementation of the program,
or if the program needs to be re-engineered to meet
funding realities.
In urban wayfinding, design ideas are often informed by best practices that can help illustrate a narrative approach,
provide precedents for approval and serve to illustrate system successes and failings over time. The Embarcadero
Interpretive markers and walkway in San Francisco, CA, (top left) developed by Michael Manwaring in 1996
provided a role model for the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, OR, (bottom left) designed by Mayer/Reed in 2002,
which informed the design of the Tampa, FL, Riverwalk by MERJE Design in 2008.

Final Plan: The stakeholder steering committee into a program that can be built, installed and
should review all documentation to make sure it is maintained. Civic projects also have many rules for
ready to be submitted for approvals. This includes: fabricator selection, complicating the documentation
Formal destination hierarchy and criteria for and administration at this stage. These are the
destination selection; important areas that define this stage in the process.
Route and circulation plans;
All designed wayfinding elements; Bid Documentation: With final approval, all
Specifications for all materials, technologies and documents should be prepared for a public or
construction processes; negotiated bid. The level of documentation should
Specific location plan(s) of all elements; and be developed to match the bidding process. Publicly
Message schedules. bid projects require exact specifications to ensure
that proposals are as closely aligned as possible.
Final Approval: This concludes the planning and Negotiated projects can include more general
design processes, with a final review of route specifications where the fabricator could propose
plans, message schedules and design elements. A alternative solutions and approaches.
separate survey and review should be conducted
with the stakeholder steering committee, city leaders Prototypes and Rollout Administration: For any large
identified in the early planning stages and local and scale wayfinding system with multiple elements,
state code officials. a prototype stage must be included as part of the
overall bidding process. This involves fabricating
a single wayfinding element, which can inform the
final review. This is especially necessary for public
bids in which the lowest bidder will be selected. A
Fabrication prototype can ensure that fabricators and entities
awarding the bid understand the project. Prototypes
With all the plans approved, the wayfinding elements can be developed by a single fabricator and used
can be constructed. This can prove to be the most as a bidding tool or be required by all fabricators
challenging and stressful element of the project. All submitting a bid.
the planning and design work must be translated
The town of Banff and Banff National Park in Alberta designed by

the Entro | G+A shows how a prototype exploration and rollout
plan can produce a successful implementation of complex signs,
landmarks and banners.

The Bidding Process: Bidding civic projects requires Final Review: Any final issues can be resolved
careful planning and review. Involving the designer before closing the fabricator contract. Like the
and steering committee in the selection process overall construction administration process, final
can ensure that the approved design is translated reviews should be among multiple stakeholders and
into the final fabrication of design elements. For civic officials. Reviews should take into account
projects with very different elements, a separate completeness and quality as well as safety issues
bidding process may better identify fabricators with that may not have been foreseen during the design
specific expertise. and planning stages.
Construction Administration: With a fabricator Final Testing: While extensive testing should occur
selected, the project lead, designers, during the mockup phase, additional testing after the
managing committee and key officials move project is complete can inform further development.
into administration, monitoring and approving This can be particularly helpful if the system involves
construction from fabrication to installation. multiple phases. Are there enough wayfinding
Communication remains vital, especially for elements to do the job? Is the maintenance program
projects involving electrical components, deep adequate? Were there unforeseen costs? A final test
foundations or structural work. It is important for can both save money and ensure future program
the design team to stay involved during this phase, success.
particularly to review submissions, coordinate
requests for information and ensure the fabrication Final Guidelines and Management Plan: The final
contract is being met. review should be incorporated into guidelines for
ongoing expansion, management and maintenance.
This ensures that decisions made during the
design process are aligned with the final fabricated,
installed and tested elements. These decisions are
Installation then incorporated into a guidelines book that can
serve as a management tool for the system
With the product installed, the time has arrived to moving forward.
assess the completed system and develop a planning
framework for management of the program. During the
The Baltimore, MD, wayfinding program designed by Two Twelve Design
final installation phase there are three major tasks to Associates began in the Center City area and has spread into many of the
neighborhoods of the city due to the leadership of the downtown group that
complete the project: maintained guidelines for continued adaptation and implementation over time.

The LA Walks offers one of the largest and
most complex wayfinding systems in the
United States.
Los Angeles, CA
The LA Walks offers one of the largest and most complex
wayfinding systems in the United States. The project was
developed by a coalition of nine Business Improvement
Districts (BIDs), with a goal of making downtown easier to
navigate for pedestrians and motorists.

Managing the Design Process / Case Study: Los Angeles, CA
Planning Implementation
The planning and design team was a partnership The fabricator, Fluoresco, worked with the project
between Hunt Design and Corbin Design. This lead and designers to develop a program that would
group was led by Urban Place Consulting, who withstand the intense urban environment. Sturdy
managed funding, overall planning and installation. materials, such as embedded fiberglass, were used.
Early analysis showed that there was a need for The final project, which was implemented over three
13 total districts in the downtown to include well- months, cost $2 million.
known destinations like Bunker Hill and the Jewelry
District. Based on an early goal to develop a system
oriented to pedestrians and public transportation,
the wayfinding approach also included directing
motorists to garages and pointing pedestrians to
destinations with directional signs and maps.
Design
The system was developed around unique symbols
with colors and messaging that allows for easy
differentiation on maps and directional signs.
These symbols are effectively used on rolling maps
that provide a key view of downtown and more
specific information for a fourblock area. Additional
directional message signs support the map.
Approvals
A close negotiation with the California DOT took
more than two years and resulted in modifications to
the existing system, including changes in color and
text height to conform to Californias interpretation of
the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Key and Rolling Map. Pedestrian Signs.

Vehicular Wayfinding Sign.

8
Design Issues
Every planner or city official starts a
project with one clear goal: To develop a
quality program that fits the unique needs
of the community.
Design Issues
Every planner or city official starts a project with one clear
goal: To develop a quality program that fits the unique
needs of the community. How that goal translates into
specific decisions produces innumerable issues that should
be explored before starting the planning process.

Design issues
Planning
Development in Stages or All at Once?
tap/hover state
There is often a great deal of pressure to complete tap/hover state
search bar
logo still remains
category icon in same location
a wayfinding program in one project. While this

approach has much to benefit it, particularly in search search search
smaller communities and downtown areas, there Home > Things To Do Home > Things To Do > Wineries
> Allison Oaks Vineyard
are a number of positive reasons to stage projects,

Things to Do Agritourism
Allison Oaks Vineyard
Whats Nearby Historical and Cultural
221 East Main Street
Yadkinville, North Carolina 27055
Social Media Outdoors and Recreation www.allisonoaksvineyards.com
either by community or by wayfinding element. My Favorites
Update My Location
Scenic Byways
no details are available
Add To Favorites
Make This My Location
Visitors Centers Nearby Here
(GPS enabled phones only)
Developing a program in one area allows for greater Visit Our Web Home Wineries
testing of the system, as well as a trial run for the

Splash screen enters and
approval, fabrication and implementation process. disappears upon opening
Hover or tap state:
increase black to 30
Hover/tap state after
user selects wineries.
After selecting choice among
wineries, the user can now
the application. for new pantone Color modication: see one whole screen
swatch for selected black 75. Icon appears dedicated to a particular
category. on tap event for the winery, in this case Allison
given category. Oaks Vineyard. Color palette
Developing individual segments of a system as is inclusive to that of
category (wineries).
stand-alone projects may benefit the overall design,

particularly with elements that incorporate unique
technologies and methodologies. This also allows
for a fabricator selection process that best fits the
specific skill sets for the project, while maintaining 5"
WELCOME TO
consistency across the system. 3'-6" 7 3/4"
SURRY
Sign to Follow: North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Highways
Traffic Engineering and Safety Systems Branch STANDARD PRACTICE for Optional Welcome To Signs
Breakaway and sign supports to follow MUTCD for Highway .
COUNTY
15'-0"
5"
Entering the 1'-3"
13'-6"
1'-9"
YADKIN VALLEY
12'-0" 6'-1/2"
10'-6"
WELCOME TO WELCOME TO
CALDWELL CALDWELL WELCOME TO WELCOME TO
9'-0" COUNTY COUNTY WILKES YADKIN
7'-6" Entering the
COUNTY COUNTY
YADKIN VALLEY
YADKIN VALLEY
Entering the Entering the
6'-0"
YADKIN VALLEY YADKIN VALLEY
SCALE: 3/8" = 1'-0" Entering County Between County COUNTY GATEWAY SIGNS
Wayfinding and Signage Program - Yadkin Valley, NC

C o u n t y G a t e w ay s - N C D O T R O A D WAY S Design Development | OCTOBER 24, 2011
Regional sign projects like the Yadkin Valley, NC, wayfinding program by MERJE Design provide a
toolkit that can be implemented in stages. The map support and web site developed for the program
serves as a tool for understanding the entire area while physical elements are installed.

Design issues
Identity
Should programs be fully integrated
into one system or include unique
freestanding elements?
Many wayfinding projects are designed to fit into
one fully integrated system, where everything from
gateways, to streetscape elements, to the internet all
share similar graphics, typography and format. This
approach has become particularly popular with the
rise of Special Service Districts which focus both on
branding themselves and the community they are in.
This level of branding can create issues over time.

Communities like companies, go through periodic
rebranding, which impacts the very expensive and
permanent wayfinding project elements. Many
communities acknowledge this by designing some
parts of the system for constant change (maps and
pedestrian directories), and other parts to remain
permanent (vehicular wayfinding signs and gateways).
Communities also should be wary about designing

for changes that occur over the life of the system.
Cities and towns that are undergoing rapid
expansion should consider avoiding the use of
design elements that require constant change unless
they are designed for that change.
The Uptown Normal, IL, wayfinding and identity program by Top: The Brandywine Valley, PA, system has few cues that link it to a place but the simplicity and
Cardosi Kiper shows the success of an integrative approach utility of the program has allowed it to stay highly effective and relevant for over 30 years.
to wayfinding with branding, by focusing the program on the Bottom: The Houston, TX, wayfinding system designed by Gensler contained enough unique design
business district, with simple graphics, clearly linked to more elements that it was able to easily adapt to a change in one key branded element that impacted
universal wayfinding issues. the entire system.

Design issues
Design Legibility
Are signs the best option for a Where should scale and legibility
wayfinding system? truly matter?
Whenever wayfinding projects are discussed, the To departments of transportation, the main legibility
first thought goes to directional signs. For many issues that matter are size and contrast for vehicular
communities though, these are not always the best signs. For many communities, the key issue is
option. Some towns are small enough where most finding the right size design for the unique needs of
of the major vehicular destinations are in one small a place. Testing for scale should not just be part of
area, while others require only pedestrian or parking the approval process, but also should be a key test
access. Even for identity programs, a sign may not for the effectiveness of wayfinding elements in the
prove as effective as banners, window displays environment. Testing for proper scale through the use
or landmarks. The key is to view the needs of the of photo montages and mockups are an important
community with an open mind, before committing to part of the design development process, and should
specific system approach. be utilized even during the early concept stages.
The Fashion Institute for Technology in New York, NY, has a The Woodward Avenue Tributes in Detroit, MI, by Calori & Vanden-Eynden
program for developing window displays and public exhibition utilize a combination of scale, shape and light to cast a large presence as a
as an anchor for its public urban space. landmark in the community.

Design issues
Materials and Technology

Design for today or tomorrow?
Wayfinding projects withstand a great deal of
wear and tear including pollution, vandalism and
ultraviolet light which require durable materials. At
the same time wayfinding elements may become
obsolete due to style or system changes. When
developing a wayfinding program, measuring
longevity should be an important part of the material
specification process.
How should cities approach digital and

lighting technology?
Digital technology including billboards, public art,
facades and wayfinding, has grown increasingly
common in cities and towns over the last few years
as technology has dropped in price and become
more accessible.
Approaches like the use of advanced lighting

through projection and LED lighting also can play an
effective role in enhancing community identity. These
systems can provide many of the advantages of a
digital system including change and movement at a
lower price, and also is more durable over time. That
being said, the cost of implementing and managing
a digital system is still typically more costly than a
static system.
Mixed use retail like the Americana in Glendale, CA, by Romero Thorsen, The Millennium Fountain in Chicago, IL, designed by Juame
uses innovative lighting solutions for gateways, identity and wayfinding. Plensa with the Barnycz Group, was a trend setter for highly
LED sign technology developed by companies like Bitro, Element Labs and interactive digital public art and placemaking.
Traxxon, has merged lighting and digital technology creating a hybrid that
is revolutionizing urban signs.

Case Study: Rockville Town Center, MD
The Town Center contains a number of
innovative wayfinding system approaches.
Rockville Town Center, MD

The Rockville Town Center is among the leading
examples of a public/private partnership for the
development of a new mixed-use transit-oriented
development. Centered on the Rockville Town Square
mixed use project, the Town Center contains a number
of innovative wayfinding system approaches.

Design Issues / Case Study: Rockville Town Center, MD
Planning Innovation
Wayfinding elements including signs, gateways,
street furniture, public places and directories were
part of the planning process from the beginning of
the site development process. This allowed these
elements to be part of larger streetscape projects,
which allowed for faster development due to early
financing and pre-existing stakeholder groups.
Design Innovation
Because more than 70% of the project was
developed through private funding, the level of
integration of design elements with the streetscape,
commercial buildings and parking facilities made
for both a highly complementary design (by Selbert
Perkins Design), and a mix of unique fountains and
public spaces.
Ongoing Development
The Town Center plan is meant to be developed
over decades. In recent years, a library, innovation
center and apartment homes have been added. A
series of guidelines including wayfinding as part of
the larger urban design has maintained the
cohesion of the project.
A full review of the project can be found at:

http://www.terrain.org/unsprawl/27/
A fountain/light show anchors the Rockville Town Square. Building attached parking sign.
Streets signs developed as part of a cohesive wayfinding program. Gateway and directional sign.

9
System
Management
A wayfinding program is meant
to last for a long period of time,
sometimes as long as 20 years.
System Management
A wayfinding program is meant to last for a long period
of time, sometimes as long as 20 years, so it cant
be considered complete after implementation. In
addition, the environment changes over time, requiring
a wayfinding program to be developed to consider
expansion, destination change, design improvements
and system damage.

System Management
Materials Selection
and System Durability
Material selection plays a crucial role in system
durability. Research on existing wayfinding programs
has shown that a wide range of environmental factors
from pollution, to ultraviolet light, to vandalism can
shorten the life of a wayfinding program to a much
greater degree than originally thought. The key to
wayfinding program longevity is to specify materials
and methodologies based on an intended lifespan
that can range from 1 to 20 years. Material selection
generally falls into these broad areas:
Paints and Coating: These items generally have

the most visual manifestation of wear over time.
Technology has extended longevity greatly in the last
few years, but it is important not to underestimate
the environments impact on fading. In addition
frequent cleaning and changes can compromise
painted elements.
Printing: Like paint, digital printing has improved

greatly in durability. Where at one time it was thought
that only baked printing processes like porcelain
could withstand environmental rigors now a variety of
printing approaches from printing on high pressure
Banners are often the most popular urban identity programs and the ones The Norcross, GA, wayfinding program by Sky
where durability over time plays a significant role. Banners can be developed to Design utilizes stone and metal frames in the
last a week or a decade and use materials ranging from cloth and vinyl, to steel. construction of program elements.

System Management
laminate to vinyl combined with weather resistant

coating can stay durable over long periods of time.
Like paint, printed materials fade under intense
environmental conditions.
Substrates and Framing: Aluminum, steel, wood,

stone and concrete are all underlying materials that
can be utilized on projects. Durability falls not just
with the materials themselves but also their
connectors which often fail first. Adhesives in
particular often fail after a few years, making the
selection of mechanical fasteners and hinges crucial
to the specification process.
Modular Systems: Modular elements including

prefabricated boxes, removable messages, and
standard connectors allow systems to stay durable
with frequent changes, but with multiple parts, can
be easier to vandalize.
The Dallas, TX, Design District by FocusEGD utilized

steel I-beams and cut metal to stand up to harsh weather
conditions and present an industrial image for the district.

System Management
Managing the System

Developing a durable wayfinding system is only half Finding groups that can consistently maintain and
the battle. In addition, wayfinding programs must manage wayfinding programs is difficult. Costs can
be managed. There are three key management areas often range from 7-15% of total capital expenditures
that communities should consider: on a yearly basis, and people must be found that
can dedicate their time to ongoing management.
Maintenance: From regular cleaning to repairs to While larger cities have been leaving this task up
replacement, maintenance is an ongoing issue that to special services districts, smaller cities and
never goes away throughout the life of the program. communities often must rely both on city managers
Maintenance includes periodic cleaning as well as and contracts with private companies. When it
replacement of damaged elements. comes to wayfinding management clear guidelines
are crucial to ongoing success. Many successful
Change: Managing the addition or subtraction of programs post their guidelines in public places to
destinations as well as expansion into new areas. ensure that the public understands which entities are
responsible for program management.
Removal: Managing the streetscape environment
including the removal of unauthorized signs and
obsolete elements.
The city of Alexandria, VA, recently completed a large scale vehicular and
pedestrian wayfinding program designed by Sasaki Associates and led by the
city planning commission. The city handed responsibility of sign maintenance
and management to the State Department of Transportation and Environmental
Services which manages cleaning and replacement of damaged signs. The State
Department of Parks and Recreation manages the extensive landscaping around
gateways. The key to successful system management has been guidelines that
are made transparent to the public and outline the roles of all groups involved.

System Management
Maintenance
Maintaining programs over time requires a great from collisions with vehicles. Usually it is a good
deal of diligence, as well as an understanding that idea to consult municipalities with similar systems to
maintenance should be incorporated into planning get an idea of maintenance needs and challenges.
and design process, to ensure effective program
maintenance when the program is implemented. Change: The number of changes in a wayfinding
Maintenance issues include the following areas: program has a major impact in how the elements
should be both designed and maintained. If changes
Material Selection and Design: A wayfinding are frequent design elements should be modular,
program should be designed to reflect the intended contain a ready supply of replacement materials and
maintenance program as well as environmental be easy to access. In contrast, a wayfinding program
hazards. For example, a wayfinding element that that rarely changes can be designed to be tamper
receives minimal maintenance should have few proof and utilize more unique designs
removable connections, while wayfinding elements
that require ongoing management should be easy
to open and take apart. In addition lighting and
dynamic technologies should only be utilized on
elements that will have extensive maintenance
programs.
Designing a Program Around Needs: Wayfinding

program management should be developed to
respond to specific environmental hazards. Urban
systems usually need extensive graffiti cleaning
and sticker removal programs, while programs in
industrial areas may require frequent replacement
Special Services Districts and Business Improvement Districts have Commarts (now Stantec) developed the wayfinding program
taken the lead role in most communities for managing wayfinding for Uptown Houston, TX, with the understanding that the
programs, with extensive tools for ongoing streetscape management program would need to require minimal maintenance and
that are often outside the means of municipalities. The King of Prussia, few changes. The design includes large scale landmarks that
PA, Business Improvement District manages the gateway, identity and are out of reach of most visitors and require few moving parts.
landscape programs for an area that overlaps multiple municipalities.

Case Study: Vancouver, BC
Vancouver enhanced all street furniture
for the city, including bus shelters, maps,
kiosks and newspaper boxes.
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver enhanced all street furniture for the city, including
bus shelters, maps, kiosks and newspaper boxes in a
project coordinated by the citys TransLink, which manages
all public transportation services. Kramer Design Associates
and the IBI Group crafted a plan to design the system
and build upon an existing streetscape program currently
managed by JCDecaux.

System Management / Case Study: Vancouver, BC
Materials and Methodologies

A design analysis explored the environmental
hazards of the existing system and compared
Vancouvers streetscape to similar systems in North
America. The review recommended that the street
furniture use interchangeable parts across the entire
system and incorporate predominantly aluminum
extrusions and connectors to withstand the moist
environment. In addition, weatherproof frames were
recommended to house changeable elements.
Management
Multiple sets of guidelines already were developed
for the management program, based on group
responsibilities. The new streetscape furniture
will augment these existing guidelines. A wayfinding
guideline manual was developed to manage system
changes as was a street furniture maintenance
guide. The latter was especially important as
multiple agencies would be responsible for
program management. Guidelines also included
plans for placement of all new street furniture to
maintain a consistent look across the system.
Maintenance
The street furniture program was designed
to be easy to change and durable for a street
environment in close contact with pedestrians.
Recommendations included encasing advertising
and wayfinding elements in a uniform, modular
frame that would allow for quick changes and Vancouver, BC, coordinated street furniture program kiosks with solar power Toronto was used as a model for bus shelter maps
screens. Analysis of existing conditions showed a need for extremely durable and information.
withstand frequent cleaning. materials, to withstand the moist climate and stand up to frequent maintenance.

10
Highlights and
Further Readings

Highlights and Further Readings
The Case for Wayfinding Systems Philip Garvey, Pennsylvania State University A specific outreach plan is needed to ensure
Chapter 2 Highlights Research Report, Clutter and Wayfinding that stakeholders allied with the project have
Wayfinding Systems enhance the urban the tools they need to communicate to their
brand by improving the legibility, navigation, Emily Badger for the The Atlantic Cities, The constituency.
understanding and accessibility of the Surprisingly Complex Art of Urban Wayfinding Develop a stakeholder map based on the
environment. wayfinding program development process.
Wayfinding Systems support the urban brand Charles R. Taylor, Matthew E. Sarkees, and This map should define specific roles as well as
by reinforcing the history, architecture and Hae-Kyong Bang, Understanding the Value of responsibilities of key leaders.
landmarks that define a place. On-Premise Signs as Marketing Devices for
Wayfinding Systems create an organizational Legal and Public Policy Purposes Case Study: Philadelphia, PA
structure for destination hierarchy which
enhances the identification and utilization of Further Reading
lesser known destinations and districts. What Comprises a Wayfinding System International Downtown Association
Wayfinding Systems improves traffic flows, Chapter 3 Highlights (www.ida-downtown.org)
safety and ease in finding parking and allowing Wayfinding elements can be viewed as a Contains multiple articles and approaches on
vehicular traffic to convert to more valuable series of connected layers based on a users stakeholder development.
pedestrian and transit use. experience in the urban environment.
Wayfinding Systems reduce visual clutter by Wayfinding elements differ when viewed Craig Berger, Wayfinding: Designing and
consolidating information in defined standards through the perspective of vehicular, pedestrian Implementing Graphic Navigational Systems
which contribute to solidifying a consistent or identity components.
urban brand identity and character. Design elements can be linked by destination, Glenn A. Bowen, Community Development:
color, typography, logo or material. Journal of the Community Development
Case Study: Legible London Society 2005, Local-level Stakeholder
Case Study: City of Charlotte, NC Collaboration: A Substantive Theory of
Further Reading Community-driven Development
Kevin Lynch, The Image of the City
Getting Started Alexander Garvin, The Planning Game
Yellow Book Legible London Research Report Chapter 4 Highlights
(http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/ Stakeholder groups should be divided by Gail Diebler Finke, Identity Magazine, Direction
businessandpartners/yellow-book.pdf) responsibility and task. Philadelphia: A New Direction for Managing
Project management and implementation Public Sign Projects
Martin Flores, ASLA, and Michael Young, should be controlled by groups that can manage
Wayfinding, the Value in How to Get There both stakeholder participation and specific
program resource needs.

System Financing Managing the Regulatory Framework Research by the Pennsylvania State
Chapter 5 Highlights Chapter 6 Highlights University Larson Transportation Institute
Different funding sources are effective for Understand how codes are developed and the led by Phil Garvey and Martin Petrucha
different phases of the design, implementation mismatches between codes and best practices. Legibility of Conventional Road Guide Sign
and management process. Utilize research to make the case for regulatory Typography and Format
Special Service Districts and Tax Improvement changes. New Font and Arrow for National Park Service
Financing Districts can roll system financing into Use precedent and best practices to Guide Signs
larger streetscape initiatives. determine the code framework that fits specific
Capital funding for sign programs can come environments. Research by the Pennsylvania State
from standalone federal and state grants, or Show respect for the existing regulatory University Larson Transportation Institute
can be integrated into larger infrastructure and framework when developing a strategy for led by Phil Garvey and sponsored by
building programs. change. the United State Sign Council
Cities can fund program implementation (For additional research go to www.ussc.org)
and ongoing management through fees from Case Study: Miami Beach, FL Sign Legibility, The Impact of color and
destinations, commercials interests, parking and Illumination
other user fees. Further Reading Sign Visibility, Effects of Traffic Characteristics
Federal Highway Administration, Manual For and Mounting Height
Case Study: Phoenixville, PA UniformTraffic Control Devices Sign Legibility, Overview and Calculation
(http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/) Methodology, Sign Legibility Index
Further Reading On Premise Signs: Determination of Parallel
Transportation Equity Act Web site International Downtown Association Web Site Sign Legibility and Letter Heights
(http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/summary.htm) (www.ida-downtown.org)
Trip Gabriel, New York Times, Fuel and Food
Community Development Block International Sign Association and Are Quick, but the Fealty Is Forever
Grant Program Sign Research Foundation
(http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/ (www.signresearch.org)
program_offices/comm_planning/ EMCs and Traffic Safety
communitydevelopment/programs) A Framework for On-Premise Sign Regulations
An Evidence-Based Model Sign Code
EMC Night-Time Brightness Recommendations

Managing the Design Process System Management Design Issues

Chapter 7 Highlights Chapter 8 Highlights Chapter 9 Highlights
Before hiring a design or planning firm, create a Before starting a sign program make sure Materials should be selected based on the
fully developed design brief. to educate stakeholders in the key planning, intended longevity of the program.
The planning stage should include a possible design, and implementation issues. Development of design guidelines with clear
re-invention of the initial design concepts. A wayfinding system should be planned and roles and responsibilities outlined ensures a
Mockups and prototypes should be integrated designed based on longevity decisions made more viable management program.
into the design review and fabrication bidding early in the process. Future maintenance concerns should impact
process. Continuous legibility testing should be the design process.
Complete design guidelines based on final integrated into the design process. Maintenance programs should reflect unique
review and testing. Think beyond signs when developing a environmental hazards and the need for change
system. in the system.
Case Study: Rockville Town Center, MD Case Study: Vancouver, BC
Further Reading
The Environmental Graphic Design Awards Further Reading Further Reading
web site (www.segd.org) Per Mollerup, Wayshowing: A Guide to City of Alexandria Wayfinding Program
Contains many best practice examples of urban Environmental Signage Principles and Guidelines
wayfinding programs including pictures, credits, Practices
and summaries. Direction Philadelphia Program Guidelines
David Gibson, The Wayfinding Handbook
Chris Calori, Signage and Wayfinding Design
Craig Berger, Wayfinding: Designing and

Implementing Graphic Navigation Systems
Andreas Ubele, Signage Systems and

Information Graphics
Reid Ewing and Keith Bartholomew, Pedestrian

and Transit-Oriented Design

11
Acknowledgements
Project Coordinators
Craig Berger - Lead Researcher Sapna Budev - Project Manager Thiago Eichner - Graphic Designer
Chair, Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design Executive Director Exhibition and Visual Designer
Fashion Institute of Technology Sign Research Foundation /
International Sign Association
Advisory Council
Mark Andreasson Darren Fava Mike Kesti
President Special Assistant to the Executive Director SRF Research Comittee Chairman
Design Communications Ltd. Fairmount Park Commission Office Sign Research Foundation
John Bosio Anne-Marie Girard E. Jean Krack

Principal Sign Specification Manager Borough Manager
MERJE Design Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc Borough of Phoenixville, PA
Grady Brown Wayne Hunt Wendy Moeller, AICP

President Principal Principal
iZone Imaging Hunt Design Compass Point Planning
Jamie Cowgill Dr. Dawn Jourdan Scott Muller

Principal Associate Professor and Director of Senior Consultant
JRC Design Regional and City Planning Poblocki Sign Company
University of Oklahoma
Leslie Gallery Dilworth Jonathan Posnett
Architect/Planner/FAIA Sachin Kalbag Creative Director
Planning, Design, Transportation & Services TWO TWELVE
Miami Downtown Development Authority

Acknowledgements
Credit List
Highland Park Neighborhood Gateway
Sign Research Foundation would like to thank the City Of Lancaster, PA
Designer: Cloud Gehshan Associates
following groups for their support on this research Designer: Sussman/Prejza
Fabricator: Urban Sign
project.
Albuquerque, NM, Wayfinding
Gore Valley Regional Wayfinding
The International Sign Association for their support Design: Jettwalker Inc. with Lance Wyman and
Designer: Corbin Design
towards research and education on the societal Vaughn Wedeen Creative
benefits of signage.
Port of Los Angeles Wayfinding Sign
Legible London
Designer: Selbert Perkins Design
The Society for Environmental Graphic Design Design: Applied Information Group
Fabricator: AD/S
Design Awards and magazine where many urban Fabricator: Wood and Woods
best practices were identified.
Hudson River Interpretative Kiosk
Chapter 3: What Comprises a Wayfinding System
Designer: Joel Katz Design Associates
The advisory council for identifying key projects.
Haverson London Borough Gateway
Portland Riverfront combined
Unless otherwise stated all photos credits are to the Designer: Jason Bruges Studio
Directional/Maps/Identity
design firms listed. Fabricator: Francis & Lewis International Ltd.
Designer: Mayer/Reed
Fabricator: Decorative Metal Services, Windsor
Miami Beach City Gateway
Fireform
Chapter 2: The Case for Wayfinding Systems Designer: MERJE Design
Fabricator: Gable Signs
San Juan Capistrano Map/Directory
City of Midland, MI
Designer: Hunt Design
Designer: Cloud Gehshan Associates Narberth Borough Bridge Gateway
Fabricator: Adcon Inc.
Fabricator: Huron Signs Designer: VSBA, LLC.
Wissahickon Park
The BART/MTA Mapping and Wayfinding system King of Prussia Gateway
Designer: Cloud Gehshan Associates
Designer: Studio LImage Designer: King of Prussia BID with
Fabricator: Capital Sign
Fabricator: Priority Architectural Graphics Craig Berger and Fitch Brands
Fabricator: AGS

Acknowledgements
Park City, UT, Olympic Park identity and wayfinding Dublin, Ireland Toronto, Ontario
Designer: Infinite Scale Copenhagen, Denmark Designer: Kramer Design Associates with
Fabricator: ID Signs London, England Astral Media Outdoors
Designer: JCDecaux Fabricator: Image Management Group Inc.
City of Toronto Street Furniture Fabricator: JCDecaux
Designer: Kramer Design Group Phoenixville, PA
Fabricator: Provincial Signs, Transworld Signalex, Philadelphia Wayfinding Program Designer: ex;it
Atec Signs, Enseicom, Poitras Designer: Sussman/Prejza,
Joel Katz Design Associates San Diego Parking District Downtown
World Trade Center Fabricator: AGS, DVS Designer: MERJE Design
Designer: C&G Partners
Chapter 5: System Financing Chapter 6: Managing the Regulatory Framework
Connect 12 building identity, Hong Kong
Designer: Calori & Vanden-Eynden Mercer County Park System Clearview Typeface
Fabricator: Gradation Design and Engineering Designer: Winfield & Co. Designer: Donald Meeker
Mercer County Park Wayfinding Application Borough of Norristown, PA Georgetown, SC

Designer: Winfield & Co. Designer: Seiler Drury Architects and Stacy Kent Designer: Corbin Design
Fabricator: City Signs Fabricator: Image Management Group
City of Charlotte, NC, Wayfinding Program
Designer: Two Twelve in association with DAWA and Township of Lower Merion, PA Miami Beach, FL
Brinkley Design Designer: Cloud Gehshan Designer: MERJE Design
Fabricator: Signs Etc. Fabricator: City Signs Fabricator: Gable
Photo: Charlotte, NC, directional, highway, and Photo: Tom Crane Photography
pedestrian sign photos by Jonathan Posnett. Chapter 7: Managing the Design Process
Calgary, AB, Downtown
Chapter 4: Getting Started Designer: Corbin Design Chamblee, GA
Fabricator: Architectural Graphics, Inc. Designer: Sky Design
Washington, D.C. Fabricator: A.I.M
Designer: Calori & Vanden-Eynden City of San Diego, CA
Fabricator: Cornelius Architectural Products Designer: MERJE Design Laurel Highlands, PA
Designer: Sussman/Prejza and Gannett Fleming

Acknowledgements
Schuylkill River System Brandywine Valley, PA Chapter 9: System Management

Designer: Cloud Gehshan Associates Designer: Mitchell Associates
King of Prussia Streetscape
Embarcadero Interpretative markers and walkway Uptown Normal, IL Designer: Banners, Finch Brands; Landscape,
Designer: Michael Manwaring Designer: Cardosi Kiper Design Group LRSLA Studio
Fabricator: groupdelphi Fabricator: Valley City Signs Fabricator: AGS
Eastbank Esplanade Houston, TX, Downtown Dallas Design District

Designer: Mayer/Reed Designer: Gensler Designer: FocusEGD
Fabricator: Artografx
Tampa Riverwalk Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
Designer: MERJE Design Designer and Fabricator: Visual Presentation and City of Alexandria, VA
Fabricator: Urban Sign Company Exhibition Design Program Designer: Sasaki Associates
Banff and Banff National Park, AB Woodward Avenue Tributes Norcross, GA

Designer: Entro | G+A Designer: Calori & Vanden-Eynden Designer: Sky Design
Fabricator: 3 Dimensional Services Inc. Fabricator: Harmon Signs Fabricator: Image Management Group Inc.
Downtown Baltimore, MD Americana, Glendale, CA Uptown Houston, TX

Designer: Two Twelve Designer: Romero Thorsen Designer: Stantec (formerly Commarts)
Fabricator: Triangle Signs Fabricator: Creo Industrial Arts Fabricator: Graphtec
Los Angeles, CA Millennium Fountain, Chicago, IL Vancouver Transit System

Designer: Hunt Design and Corbin Design Designer: Juame Plensa with the Barnycz Group Designer: JCDecaux
Fabricator: Flouresco Fabricator: Kruek and Sexton Architects Fabricator: IBI Group
Chapter 8: Design Issues Rockville Town Center

Designer: Selbert Perkins
Yadkin Valley, NC Fabricator: Design Communications
Designer: MERJE Design

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2013 Sign Research Foundation and International Sign Association.

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URBAN WAYFINDING

Getting Started System Financing

Sign Research Foundation 1

Managing the Managing the

Highlights and Acknowledgements

Sign Research Foundation 2

Sign Research Foundation 3

Sign Research Foundation 4

The Case for Wayfinding Systems

Sign Research Foundation 5

Defining a Sense of Place

Urban geographer Kevin Lynch developed the

Sign Research Foundation 6

Destinations Lancaster, a small city in central Pennsylvania. After

Sign Research Foundation 7

Enhancing the Urban Commercial Brand

Research by Charles R. Taylor, Matthew E. Sarkees,

Sign Research Foundation 8

Traffic Controls and Consistency and

Legibility research at the Pennsylvania State

In Albuquerque, NM, the municipal wayfinding system, developed by

Sign Research Foundation 9

Sign Research Foundation 10

The project developed by Applied Information Group

Improving pedestrian accessibility in the city would

congested transit and road systems.

More pedestrian traffic on the streets would lessen

Sign Research Foundation 11

What Comprises a Wayfinding System?

Sign Research Foundation 12

Gateways and Area Identification

Regional Gateways: Sign and landmarks that

City Gateways: Signs and landmarks that identify

District and Neighborhood Gateways: Signs that

Area Identification: Signs that identify less defined

Sign Research Foundation 13

Vehicular Wayfinding Downtown and Neighborhood Signs: These smaller

Large Scale Signs: In urban areas outside

Sign Research Foundation 14

Institutional Identity: Free-standing signs or

Identity/Gateway: Identity signs can also serve as

Sign Research Foundation 15

Urban and Street Media and Print

Regulatory Signs: Signs that regulate street activity

Street Furniture: A range of street elements that

Civic Banner Programs: Temporary banner and

Visitor Centers: Kiosks and buildings that provide

Sign Research Foundation 16

Sign Research Foundation 17

Key elements include:

Sign Research Foundation 18

Sign Research Foundation 19

Sign Research Foundation 20

Working with Government Officials

Promoters: Politicians and community leaders that

Approvers: Government officials responsible

Defenders: Wayfinding programs are not free of

Sign Research Foundation 21

Getting Started: A Stakeholder Framework

Sign Research Foundation 22

Sign Research Foundation 23

Project Leadership City Participation

The program eventually spread into many areas

Sign Research Foundation 24