CityPlace

INVISIBLE SIGNS

Our detailed study of the situation revealed several issues contributing to these parking problems. Most of the garages were so well integrated into the center’s architecture and city streets that they were not obvious to passing drivers. This was compounded by the fact that the existing garage identity signs were poorly located and dramatically undersized. Existing parking directional signs were scarce and ineffective. Inside the actual garages, visitors faced navigational issues from remembering what garage they parked in, what floor they parked on, and finding elevators and exits. Another issue adding to the confusion was the lack of adequate branding and identity on the property. There was no sense of arrival for visitors because the CityPlace name was far too difficult to spot at property gateways and entries.

MENDING THE WAYFINDING

To solve these issues, we created a new wayfinding strategy for identifying the property and directing visitors to garages and valets. The new system was designed to steer visitors along the major perimeter routes, to the most direct garage access points—reducing both the congestion on interior streets and driver frustration. We proposed a major revision to the development’s main entry signage, dramatically increasing the size of the branding and creating a gateway entrance that was highly visible from the main access routes. The new sign system included completely re-designed illuminated parking directional and garage identity signage that complemented their Mediterranean setting, while clearly and boldly guiding visitors to garages and valets. The new directional signs feature large symbols, arrows, and text designed to stand out amongst other competing visuals in this congested downtown setting. New garage identity signs are scaled and positioned properly above garage entries making them easy to spot from a distance. New interior garage directional signs alleviate driver and pedestrian confusion, and large illuminated valet stand identity signs make it easy for visitors to identify drop-off locations. Once installed, the center experienced an immediate and dramatic improvement in their parking issues. Traffic tie-ups within internal streets all but disappeared, and both visitor orientation and customer satisfaction measurably improved.