This is a project about place-making. The objective was to find hidden/ underutilized space in our city, and come up with a type-based design solution that establishes a clear narrative for it. In simpler terms, creating an identity, attaching meaning to an otherwise anonymous space.
The SkyWalk is part of the PATH (a largely underground pedestrian walkway network in Toronto). Despite being a connecting path between city icons like Union Station and CN Tower, people often find it a cold, dry and forgettable experience to travel in this space. It also doesn’t help that it’s 160 metres long - making it disorienting for first-time users. On my first trip, I noted that it felt so bare that it belonged in a dystopian movie - the ramp was fairly empty, the air was cold, the window panels were dusty and there wasn’t much to look (no signage by the railings). The sense of emptiness just permeated the space. With these observations, I decided that it was the perfect place to start.
CONCEPT
The theme for the SkyWalk is “childlike curiosity”, with the goal of revitalizing the space and transforming it into a more user-friendly transitional space between hotspots like the CN Tower and Union Station.
It is also about building a more lively identity for the space, through creating engaging designs. One of the core ideas in this project is about guiding visitors’ eyes to the highlights of the city, through the use of graphics on the window panels stretching from Union Station to CN Tower. This is meant to spark people’s curiosity about the city, whether they are a first time visitor (tourists, young children) or daily commuters who pass by these buildings everyday. To extend this visual journey from the insides of the bridge to the outside exploration of streets in Toronto, there would also be more wayfinding signages to help with their navigation.
Ultimately, the SkyWalk’s function is to connect places. And the designs here are meant to do the same - by serving as a bridge that connects spaces and people - through evoking emotions, which in turn, creates meaning and a unique voice for this space.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Redesign of PATH's logomark
PATH's current logo
GRAPHICS (COMING SOON)
This is a series of text options for the window graphics: I decided that it would be best to go for simple language that children use when they see something and express that excitement with their parents/ grandparents or friends. Among these variations, I am learning towards the third from the top row, and the first from the bottom row - the density/ spacing of these align with my initial vision for the windows better. Though the second one from the top also has a dramatic effect that I like.
Green for the direction leading to the Union Station - this color is the most recognizable color for transportation hub (GO transit system)
