Edmonton’s ICE District combines a world class sports and entertainment complex within a richly layered urban design experience. Each component of the overall 25-acre development, from the sports complex and public spaces to the commercial, corporate and private spaces, are essential to the success and vitality of the district.
As part of a multi-firm consulting team, Entro provided the ICE District Partnership with an integrated wayfinding plan to unify the mixed-use phases of the District: the Stantec Tower and Sky Residences; the JW Marriott and Legends Private Residences; the Connect Centre; the underground District Parkade and the pedestrian bridge that link to the Rogers Centre Arena and Edmonton Tower.
Entro’s wayfinding program applies a common graphics language, with variations in form and materials designed to integrate with the architecture and interior design unique to each development.
The Stantec Tower, at 69 storeys, is the tallest high-rise in Western Canada. Designed and engineered entirely by Stantec, the tower serves as the firm’s new headquarters and home to the SKY Residences luxury condominium development. In addition to the base building core and shell, the wayfinding program links the common spaces of the Stantec Tower to the rest of the district at the street, podium and underground parking levels.
We used an effective design strategy to orient drivers in the District Parkade, a 4.5 level below-grade garage with over 2000 parking spaces. Bright, bold colours and brand patterns clearly differentiate between each level and enliven the space.
Large-scale typography reinforces a visitor’s current location and identifies destinations, while directional signs applied to columns and mounted over-head assist drivers in navigating the large, complex underground environment.
The ICE District is a source of pride and excitement for the city as it plays a significant role in the revitalization of Edmonton’s downtown, building community, promoting culture, and fostering innovation.
Photography by Christophe Benard