Redesigning the PATH 

A Wayfinding Project


In third year, I had the opportunity to create a signage system for the underground network of pedestrian paths called PATH in Toronto, Canada.

I scouted, noted, and made design choices when exploring a number of routes in the PATH network. At the moment, the state of the system is such that even Torontonians have difficulty in navigating this system. Part of the fault comes from sections being maintained by private buildings (so none of the signs are uniform in style). Lately, more and more signs have adopted a standard design, but again, this is very limited to sections which are in between major buildings.


The Assignment

I was required to research problems in the system and how it could be improved. There were three types of signs I used: 

  • Directional
  • Local directional
  • Identification

These were influenced on a combination of the New York City subway signage, Spanish motorway signage, and other examples that I had seen.

Type 1 signs would show major control points and headings in the network while type 2 signs would show branch directions and local destinations that are off the Mainline. Type 3 signs would indicated actual locations, such as rooms, offices, entrances, and building names.


Mapping the System

My first step was to go into the system, examine some routes and see where the problematic "decision points" occurred. I chose four routes, one pair of routes that someone might follow as a tourist, and the other for business people that work in the office buildings connected via the system.

I found a horrible state of signage. Most of it was carelessly made, to "just put a checkmark" and completely illegible. I understand that it's a tight space, but hey – that's the challenge. Of all the custom signage, TD's was the best. It was clearly visible and was actually helpful. I focused on the Royal Bank Plaza, one of the first buildings after Union Station. 

The project dictated that I create a general map of the system and the building that was to be developed. I mapped out where I would place signs and of what type. I created a "PATH Mainline" - a sort of throughway that would be the leading route for leading people across the network (one of the problems is that the PATH has way to many branches which are easy to take instead of the main route).

The network map created to orient the user in the whole network. Note the mainline in light blue.

A diagram of the building the viewer is in, with the Mainline highlighted and an index of all the businesses/offices on this floor. Also present are the signs, arranged by type and location. 

Signage Examples

Below are some signage examples. Note, for instance, that a common Geneva road signage convention that I employed is the crossed PATH logo, indicating that the user is leaving the system, similar to the way motorways indicate to drivers that they are entering/exiting a motorway.

Signage mockup in the Royal Bank Plaza. When studying this section of the PATH, I was confused many times.