Defining wayfinding for the District of Squamish

CLIENT

District of Squamish
Squamish, British Columbia

BACKGROUND

Squamish is a growing town, buzzing with everything outdoors – from sailboarding to extreme climbing. It is also the gateway to the world’s most popular ski resort. People needed to know how to get around, and where they could rest, eat and shop. In a project spanning three years, Ion has helped define the youthful, exuberant nature of the community and the personality of the wayfinding for the District, while honouring the strong respect for the environment and rich heritage of the Stawamus Nation. Phase one has been installed primarily Downtown with four more phases over four years to link together the entire community under the new system.

Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage: Squamish close up signage

Reflecting the geography through texture, dimension and light

From mountain faces to trees and water – there is a severe geometry and angular quality to the West Coast. Organic matter interfaces with environmental elements in unique ways with trees wrapping roots around cliffs, climbers grappling extreme vertical surfaces and even flags bending in the unpredictable wind. Nothing is flat and splashes of colour are everywhere. Conveying this character, the wayfinding uses modular sheets of shaped steel to create dimension, wood to reflect the natural textures of the environment and a vivid colour system to add energy and unity.

Squamish Way Finding Gateway, Neighbourhood Monument and Road Signage
Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage: Downtown signage
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Squamish Way Finding Facility, Info Totems, Trail Posts and Park ID signage

A fulsome strategy to visualize the complexity of the entire system

Through a deep study of human movement through the area, both urban and suburban, as well as interviews and historical and competitive research, Ion created a detailed audit of all aspects of major and local roadways, facilities, parks and attractions. Workshops were held to gain key stakeholder input into the content, structure and design of the program.

Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage: Informational Totem
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Squamish Way Finding System Icons
Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage Biking
Squamish Way Finding Guest Centre Digital Monument
Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage: District of Squamish Municipal Hall
Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage: Squamish Public Library
Squamish Way Finding Facility Signage: Squamish Smoke Bluffs Park Trail
Squamish Way Finding Interpretive Kiosks and Mini Directional Info Signage