Corresponding components
It was also important for directional messaging outside the terminal to correspond with the wayfinding components inside the terminal, so passengers would see cohesive, consistent information throughout the facility and be directed in an efficient manner.

As part of this effort, ‘tower’ signs around Canada Place were refaced with updated backlit maps and visitor information, highlighting various points of interest in and around Vancouver’s downtown core. Most of these graphics are situated outside the port itself.

To achieve a suitable frontlit appearance for daytime viewing and backlit appearance for nighttime viewing, the signs were printed in three layers: colour-white-colour. During the day, the top layer’s colourful surface appeared like a normal printed graphic; then at night, the colourful base layer and the white diffusion layer transformed the graphic into a backlit sign.

A seamless transition
The entire project was subject to extensive colour and material testing to ensure the signage would have the right fit and feel. As mentioned earlier, the colour profiling was followed by the printing and installation of physical samples.

This process helped narrow down the variety of substrates to roll-stock acrylic for curved surfaces and columns, concrete-compatible vinyl for all tiled and textured surfaces and aluminum panels for mounted signage. It also helped determine where some graphics would have to be custom-cut into small ‘patches’ for application, as opposed to printing larger rolls of material and then cutting them on-site. This distinction was most evident with the railing graphics, as the surface was too ‘wavy’ for normal installation.

Lastly, the on-site testing helped estimate how much time it would take to install all of the graphics. This information, in turn, allowed for smooth co-ordination between the client and the installers for all future site visits, which were scheduled around the cruise ships’ arrival and departure times, to ensure they caused no disruptions to visitors.

The importance of wayfinding signage is often overlooked in large, public spaces, but when it is executed properly, it can blend seamlessly into the environment and offer a smoother transition between points of interest for visitors. In the case of Canada Place, clear and concise wayfinding graphics were implemented in a way that directly benefits tourists, offering them a stress-free introduction to Vancouver and its West Coast lifestyle.

  Michael Lunde is an account manager for Multigraphics. For more information, visit www.multigraphics.ca.