San Diego

Wayfinding Program

The heart of San Diego beats in the Embarcadero, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Petco Park, and museums, boutiques and restaurants that populate Downtown. With the new wayfinding system, first-time visitors to America’s favorite city will have no trouble finding the pulse.

Designed by MERJE and Rick Engineering, the project includes 230 signs and markers that take the guesswork out of navigating downtown for both pedestrians and drivers. New kiosks feature easy-to-read maps that highlight tourist and historic attractions, several neighborhoods now have their own district signs, and brass compasses embedded in the pavement every few blocks aid the hunt for urban treasure. Maps include QR codes that direct smartphone users to attractions and civic landmarks. Developed after extensive community engagement, the new design captures intrinsic San Diego elements of sailing and the sea. The project also includes strategies for implementation, long-term maintenance and coordination with the California Department of Transportation.