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A “City Information Sign” shows CTA lines and a map of a large area around Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. Photo by Michelle Stenzel.
Wayfinding is a set of devices that we use to orient ourselves in the current space and to build a journey, no matter how short (downstairs to upstairs) or long (kayaking from San Francisco to Tokyo because of a suggestion made by Google Maps). Two weeks ago Anne Alt wrote about how the quality of wayfinding at the LaSalle Street Metra Station is a weak aspect of the station’s design. This is a collection of wayfinding photos from the Grid Chicago group on Flickr.
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Train route signs on the steps of all CTA stations with two or more platforms help the transit passenger verify they are traversing the correct stairs. Photo of the Randolph/Wabash station by Clark Maxwell.
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A sign at a junction of multi-use trails including the Fox River Trail indicate direction and distance of two Chicago suburbs, South Elgin and St. Charles. Photo by Robert Guico.
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Wayfinding isn’t always current or informative. This sign in Grant Park at Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive tells drivers (presumably, as many people don’t cycle on either of these roads) that the Central Chicago Trail is to the right. The only evidence I found online of such a trail is more photos of the sign. Photo by Jeff Zoline.
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The Pedway System signage in the Loop and Lakeshore East has a consistent theme. There are some turns and entrances that aren’t as clearly marked as this sign. Photo by Anne Alt.
Next week’s Grid Shots theme is “bridges/river”. Last week’s Grid Shots was commercial statements.
2 thoughts on “Grid Shots: Wayfinding”