PUBLIC INVITED TO WEIGH IN ON
PROPOSED WAYFINDING DESIGNS

Sarasota, FL: Residents are invited to express their opinions on several designs for the City of Sarasota’s proposed wayfinding system during two open house sessions: Tues., December 4, 2007 3pm – 5pm and later that day 6pm – 8pm at the old Federal Building, 111 S. Orange Ave., Conference Room A, B, C.

Four designs for the proposed wayfinding system will be on display. The designs will highlight patterns, colors, typefaces and textures to be used in the wayfinding system and include examples of directional signs and City gateways. “Sarasota’s ‘personality’ will be embodied in the final wayfinding solution to be erected throughout the City,” said Gary Kecskes, Senior Urban Designer. “So, it is important for the public to provide their response to the three concepts that will be offered.”

Attendees will be asked to complete a survey regarding the concept designs. The designs then will be evaluated further by City staff in response to the survey results and public input received during the open house sessions. Then, the consultant, RMJM Hillier, a Philadelphia based firm, will be asked to provide a more definitive look for one design which ultimately will be brought to the City Commission. “We want to ensure that the wayfinding system expresses Sarasota’s “brand” and “style” consistent with the tempo of Sarasota’s 21st century reality as viewed by its citizens,” said Kecskes.

Kecskes has been working on creating a wayfinding system for Sarasota for the past two years. The current signage throughout the City, he says, is a perplexing hodgepodge. Kecskes says a properly designed wayfinding system will lead people to their destinations, express community spirit, and make visitors and residents feel welcome.

The wayfinding system will benefit the public by facilitating parking, reducing traffic congestion and last minute lane changes. The pedestrian portion of the system promotes walkability in the downtown, possibly incorporating interpretive signs explaining Sarasota’s story as related through history, public art, architecture, landmarks, and the environment.

 

For more information, please contact:
Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com