Posted on Feb. 28: Signage committee helps McMaster find its way

The first time you came to McMaster, whether as a student, employee or to attend an event or meeting, did you have difficulty finding your way around campus?

For many, locating the right campus entrance or getting to the right parking lot can be a challenge. For those with visual or physical disabilities, the challenge can be even greater.

The McMaster community is invited to help make improvements to campus signage at an open house Monday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the McMaster University Student Centre atrium.

Hosted by the Signage and Wayfinding Committee, the open house will feature proposed designs and features of new campus signage. Mock-ups and photos will be on display and available for public review and comment and there will be surveys to provide feedback and suggestions. Committee members will also be present to answer questions or discuss the project in further detail. The survey and project information can also be found online at http://ppims.mcmaster.ca/signs.

Last fall, Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, established the signage and wayfinding committee to review the extent of exterior signage problems on campus and find solutions to implement beginning this fall. The committee is chaired by University planner Linda Axford, who has assembled a committee with representatives from Physical Plant, Housing and Conference Services, Parking, Security, the ACT Office, Student Liaison, the Centre for Student Development, Purchasing, Media Production Services, Public Relations and the student body.

The initial scope of work includes producing new standardized signage for campus entrances, streets, building exteriors, recreation facilities and parking lots. Directional signs and campus maps will also be produced for installation at numerous locations around campus to help visitors and regulars alike find their way.

“The intention is to replace the myriad of signs that currently litter the campus with fewer, more effective signs in strategic places,” says Belaire. “The improvements are greatly needed to help people find their way around our growing campus as well as enhance the campus appearance.”

“Extensive research has helped the committee produce recommendations for signage designs that compliment existing campus architecture and landscape, and accommodate the needs of the physically challenged,” says Axford. “Standards issued by the Canadian Institute for the Blind will be followed to ensure maximum effectiveness for people with visual impairments. Other issues to be considered in developing new signage are the various requirements for temporary signs, vandalism, protecting the pedestrian nature of campus as well as the safe integration of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.”

The new signage standards will be outlined in a signage policy prepared by the committee to help address future requirements as McMaster continues to grow and change. Installation of the new exterior signage will be phased in beginning in the fall of 2003.