Communities

With a strong sense of identity, Eugene is a dynamic, creative and open city set in the South Willamette Valley. Located between the Willamette River, the coast mountain range and the Cascade Mountains, Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon, an active, engaged community with a thriving, and pedestrian friendly downtown. From the city center to city neighborhoods, Eugene is full of eclectic entrepreneurial folks pursuing a variety of creative activities

MERJE worked with the City of Eugene to develop a comprehensive Pedestrian Wayfinding Master Plan, that guides visitors and residents alike. The system supports discovery of local destinations, provides walking distances and promotes the use-of public transit. The design provides simple and clear information. Utilizing a heavy dose of pictograms and maps to assist communicating to international visitors. Local artist, Tim Jarvis was engaged to craft the glass blown finials that create small beacons a top the signpost.

Dallas is the ninth largest city in the United States and the second largest in Texas, with a population of over one million citizens. Still growing at a rapid rate, Dallas recognizes that a well-organized wayfinding system will benefit residents, visitors and downtown workers. The Dallas Downtown Business District (DID) selected MERJE to create a wayfinding master plan for the city’s downtown core. The plan divides the core into eight easy-to-navigate districts, linked by preferred travel routes. The downtown tunnel and skywalk system also received new signage. The end result is a downtown in which anyone, whether a long-time resident or a newcomer, is able to easily follow signs and find their way to the location of their choice.

The City of Coronado is a small beach community, with a rich history and resort atmosphere. Surrounded by the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Coronado residents and visitors enjoy one of the nation’s most beautiful beaches in one of the world’s most affluent cities.

To design a wayfinding master plan for Coronado, MERJE utilized a 5-step approach for strategy, planning, design, and implementation. This design process provides a basic structure for advancing through the project and provides opportunities to address individual project issues that are unique to the town. The project is currently in the schematic design phase. MERJE explored the rich colors and iconic architecture of Coronado in developing design options.

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the City of Charlottesville’s wayfinding program included an analysis of existing signage, design guidelines for gateways and a comprehensive vehicular and pedestrian directional sign program for destinations located in and around Historic Downtown, the University of Virginia and Albemarle County. The design utilizes a dogwood pattern (the state flower) as its primary element. The pattern translates to both graphic and dimensional forms.

Washington, DC’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood features one and a half miles of river frontage stretching north to the U.S. Capitol. Anchored by the Nationals Baseball Park, the district is a bustling business community and residential neighborhood during the day and active energetic entertainment district in the evenings and on weekends. Located around the Navy Yard Metro Station, the neighborhood is easily accessible and envisioned around multi-modal transportation that includes, public transit, bike share, ferries and pedestrian access.

MERJE has been retained to develop a comprehensive wayfinding program for the district that focuses on pedestrian elements, including information hubs, directional signage, maps and banners. Promoting the neighborhood identity is also a primary goal of the program. With extensive new development being planned, expandability, flexibility and long-term maintenance are part of the required design criteria.

Austin, Texas, is bursting at the seams with creativity and culture. MERJE developed a comprehensive Wayfinding Master Plan for the Downtown Austin area with a design that provides clear, concise information, framed in a modern design that is artistic and industrial in its use of materials. The wayfinding system will incorporate technology, sustainable materials, and best practices. Icons, patterns, and colors compliment the environment. The project’s scope includes vehicular and pedestrian signage as well as identification for the local urban trailheads.

While Augusta is known worldwide for the Masters® and the coveted green jacket, you will also find Georgia’s second-oldest and second-largest city – also known as the “Garden City” of the South. The aesthetic design of the sign program hints to the game of golf, though pattern, shape and color (green, of course), while not using literal objects or graphic translations. Traditional style poles, integrate well into the historic downtown environment, and gateways have weathered brick bases that reflect the old industry buildings that are being converted to a variety of uses.

Vibrant, colorful, artistic, natural, sophisticated and folky only begin to describe the Asheville region of western North Carolina. Marketing (and wayfinding) for such a diverse area requires the communication of a consistent brand, while allowing for the individuality of each district, town and place to present its own unique character.

Gateways incorporate sculptural elements and create landmarks. Kiosks and post details provided an opportunity for the inclusion of local artists in the design, capturing the funkiness of downtown Asheville and help reinforce the eclectic experience of the region.