Projects
Creating a meaningful connection between work and leisure
B+H Architects | Oxford Properties Group Wayfinding | Masterplanning | Placemaking | Signage DesignSituated just north of downtown Calgary, Eau Claire Tower is a mixed-use office development connected to Calgary’s extensive Plus 15 pedestrian walking network. As both a destination and a hub, the building presented unique navigation challenges for various audience types. Forge engaged with B+H Architects to develop wayfinding with a clear path to destination upon arrival while accommodating multi-modal access to the property. Placemaking and narrative theming became important schemes to provide a distinct identity for the building and to strengthen wayfinding.
Inspiration from reflections above.
Extensive planning and mapping of user journeys defined the points of arrival, destination and through-put. Arrival focused on identifying the building at street level, for which the visual concept of ‘reflecting the clouds’ was proposed. This pattern created a scalable and recognizable motif that could act as a beacon on approach and confirmation of place for an individual while within the space.
FINDING YOUR WAY
Further concept development contained effective main lobby connections to tenant spaces, parking and destinations beyond. Theme-driven and aesthetically aligned pictographic symbols for universal communication became integral to the holistic approach. Adding colour coding to parking levels provides important landmarking when looking for connections to the ground level while improving recall ability upon an individual’s return trip.
The resulting wayfinding design integrates seamlessly into the building, providing visibility for key tenants and intuitive orientation for time-pressed employees and the general public alike. Eau Claire Tower has become a distinctive beacon and essential connection for an up-and-coming neighbourhood.