whistler master wayfinding and arrival experience strategy

140 Pages·2014·16.96 MB·English

WHISTLER MASTER WAYFINDING AND
ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE STRATEGY
December 3, 2014
Prepared by: Resort Municipality of Whistler
MERJE Environments & Experiences whistler.ca
Brent Harley & Associates Inc.
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Contents
section 1 Program Introduction
7 Introduction 83 Destinations Introduction
8 Planning and Design Process 84 Destinations
10 Definitions 88 Valley trails
12 economic and Return on Investment 90 Banners
14 Philosophy and objectives 91 Interpretive
16 Best Practices 92 Information Hubs
19 Project Approval Process 94 Connections
20 Existing Wayfinding Efforts 96 Departure Routes
98 Whistler Cultural Connector
100 event and temporary signage
Section 2 Wayfinding Tools
102 sustainability: transportation
25 Wayfinding Tools 103 sustainability: Materials and Processes
28 Pre-Visit technology 104 Accessibility
30 experience technology 106 Visual Clutter
34 Landmarks 108 Generic Menu of Signs
35 tools
37 orientation Maps section 4 strategies
40 Pictograms
42 existing signage evaluation 113 Strategy Overview
114 Criteria for Inclusion
118 Wayfinding Tier Chart
Section 3 Wayfinding Analysis
120 terminologies
47 Information Hierarchy Overview 122 Management and Maintenance
48 Arrival Case study 126 Summary of Recommendations
50 Information Hierarchy Chart 128 Project Phasing
52 Whistler Gateway 131 Measurements
54 Highway Signage Review
56 Decision Points section 5 Pre-Design
58 Zones
135 Whistler Identity
60 Vehicular Circulation
136 Design Criteria
62 Village Parking
138 Acknowledgements
68 Village Portals
70 Pedestrian experience
78 Bicycles
80 Public transportation
December 3, 2014
Produced by MERJE Environments & Experiences Brent Harley & Associates Inc.
120 N. Church Street, Suite 208 1005 Alpha Lake Rd.
West Chester, PA 19380 USA Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
Tel: [phone] | email: [email protected] Tel: [phone]
www.merjedesign.com www.brentharley.com
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SECTION 1
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

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IntRoDUCtIon
As one of the top visitor destinations in Canada and ranked among the best ski resorts in the world, the visitor experience
is a high priority for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). Helping a visitor find their way is an important part
of their experience and contributes positively to their time spent in the Whistler. A unique and functional wayfinding system
should market Whistler’s assets, present a friendly image and communicate that the RMOW is efficient, organized and
caring while still promoting the sense of discovery that is one of the foundations of the Whistler experience.
This report provides a wayfinding assessment of the Whistler “arrival experience” and the community’s current wayfinding
infrastructure and associated attributes. The Strategy includes a set of strategic recommendations (ranked in order of
priority) designed to cost-effectively improve the clarity, ease and overall satisfaction with the visitors’ sense of arrival to the
resort, and to support their ability to easily navigate and access the key amenities that the community has to offer.
The recommendations seek to improve the visitors’ ability to easily orient themselves within the community, while quickly
finding their way to key destinations, whether it is their accommodation provider, public parking facility, specific areas of
Whistler, or key recreational amenities.
The intent of the project is to enhance and improve the Whistler guest experience and support ongoing business success
throughout the community. The municipality’s aim through this project is to ensure that the provision of information (both
digital and through physical infrastructure and signage) effectively and efficiently supports the needs of arriving visitors,
improves functionality of wayfinding infrastructure for all users, and contributes to the overall enjoyment of the resort.
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Above all, the approach to this project is holistic and will include wayfinding, technology, support materials.
PLAnnIng AnD DesIgn PRoCess
The RMOW understands that communicating a consistent identity and wayfinding message across a variety of design
elements and technologies is a key factor in reaching Whistler’s cultural, economic and marketing goals.
The Planning and Design process will utilize a six-step approach for the planning, design and implementation of the project.
This design process provides a basic structure for advancing through the project and provides opportunities to address
individual project issues that are unique to Whistler.
FIRST STEPS NEXT STEPS
MASTER SCHEMATIC SIGN DESIGN
DOCUMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN/STRATEGY DESIGN PROGRAMMING DEVELOPMENT
• Establish Philosophy • 3 Design concepts • Locate where signs • Extend selected • Create Design • Construction
• Analysis will go and what Design concept Intent drawings Administration
• Develop Criteria they should say to full sign menu for bidding
for Inclusion
• Master Strategy Book
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DefInItIons
Master Plan definitions
COGNITIVE MAP (MENTAL MAP): GATEwAy:
A type of mental processing that allows an individual to These are points of arrival into Whistler. Elements
create a memorable image in their mind, and assists them identifying this transition can be vehicular, pedestrian,
in understanding their spatial environment (layout) and bicycle or transit oriented and can include signage,
location within a given space. banners, landscaping, public art, lighting or streetscape
elements.
COMMErCIAL DISTrICTS:
A specific area, section or neighbourhood of a municipality INfOrMATION hIErArChy:
distinguished by its character, culture, cluster of use, The sequence and scale of information a user receives as
historical reference or formal designation. they travel to their destination.

EDGES: LANDMArkS:
The perceived boundaries that create a physical space such A readily identifiable physical or graphic element that
as walls, buildings, and shorelines. creates a point of reference and helps a user determine
their location within an interior space or exterior
ENVIrONMENT CUES: environment.
As an individual travels through an environment there are
physical cues that help inform decisions to move in one MENU Of SIGNS:
direction or another. A series of different sign types that make up a signage
system.
ExPErIENCE TEChNOLOGy:
Upon arrival these are touch points to engage the visitor. By NODES:
presenting a variety of devices and interactive opportunities, A focal point along a path at which a decision needs
the user can receive and explore information. to be made. Nodes are often marked by architectural
cues or graphic information to assist with the decision
making process.
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