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
