So while I was away on vacation it seems a newly designed Info-To-Go pillar was presented to City Council here in Toronto. I think wayfinding signage around town is completely essential, but am disappointed to see that the ratio of city information to advertising on these pillars is pretty terrible--even more terrible than the previous design (you can read Torontoist's article on the previous pillar design here). Apparently if you want to find your way, you only get a sliver of spot to look at, but if you're interested in new diamond rings, well, look no further.
One of the places I went on my vacation was back to Vancouver to visit some friends and family. Vancouver began installing info pillars before the Olympics in 2010, but the program has seen a lot of expansion since I left just over a year ago. They were all over the place. A typical pillar was a skinny strip with a map, directions to things nearby, and a listing of local business. The opposite side of the pillar contained the same information. There was a giant 'i' on top. There are no ads (unless you consider the local business listing an ad). Here is one for Coal Harbour:
Now, to be fair, Vancouver's info pillars on busy downtown streets like Robson contain an ad on one side and information on the other, but the vast majority of the pillars are like the ones pictured above. No ads, just info.
Why can't Toronto do something like this?
Good post Jake - this a point I have been thinking about recently as I have just moved to Vancouver from London and was struck by the lack of public signage in the city. Granted, the information boards are well designed but they are very infrequent. They also need to be complemented by more directional signs throughout the city.
ReplyDeleteThe point about ads is a good one. With city budgets being squeezed they seem an easy and quick revenue source. But taking the easy buck forgets the wider point about impact on design and what impression these signs give about a city brand.
It's funny that you find them infrequent, because when I came back I was amazed to see them all over the place. Perhaps it comes from living in Vancouver for many years where there was absolutely no wayfinding signage at all. Directional signs would be a great addition. The only one I can really think of is the kind of gross, old one by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Although, maybe they removed it.
ReplyDeleteIt would be cool if the ads were replaced by local art. Vancouver needs more art. Our version of artistic expression currently includes rioting.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with this news, thanks for posting, I hope to return soon to follow in your notes that are great.
ReplyDeleteDetailed and descriptive articles written in this blog is really very helpful for me as well as for other who seeking such kind of knowledge. It is definitely going to become useful in coming future.ขอใบอนุญาตโฆษณาอาหาร
ReplyDeletewith Solar Illumination system will be more cool. www.mupis.com.cn
ReplyDeleteHi There,
ReplyDeleteI like the Post really well crafted and covered various wayfing related Signages here. I appreciate your time and efforts for this...Keep sharing
But Wayfinding Signage without Ads may get little bit attention since all wayfinding signage systems works with directions signage and secondary with Ads which are huge in size. I would like to share with you one of my site Wayfinding Signage Systems where I have share some good pictures and Wayfinding Signage with Ads. I wish for a feedback from you on my site,
ReplyDeleteThank you.