A Blend of History and Modernity
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Client
Prince Arthur’s Landing
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Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario
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Sector
Civic
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Discipline
Wayfinding, Interpretive, Placemaking
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Architect
Brook McIlroy Architects
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Design Collaborators
Studio Blackwell
With no existing brand to influence the design, the team immersed themselves in the site’s history, capturing extensive photographic records to inform our approach. These images highlighted Prince Arthur’s Landing’s past as a vital port and shipbuilding hub, where train cars delivered grain to be transferred to Great Lakes ships.
Honouring the Past with Industrial Elegance
The design of the signage system was deeply influenced by the site’s industrial heritage and the natural surroundings of the Canadian Shield. Oversized sign supports, made from Corten steel with cut-through lettering, echo the raw, robust character of the historic waterfront. These elements are complemented by modern touches, such as refined lighting and sleek stainless steel or glossy painted sign panels, blending the old with the new. The design also integrates the stunning views of Lake Superior, including the iconic Sleeping Giant, merging the site’s natural and industrial elements.
The signage program designed by the team includes site landmarks, building and pier identification, parking signage, and wayfinding systems for both vehicles and pedestrians. The result is a wayfinding system that not only guides visitors through the space but also tells the story of Prince Arthur’s Landing’s industrial past.
The primary objective of this project was to create an informative signage system that enhances the visitor experience while staying true to the site’s identity. By drawing on the industrial history and natural beauty of Prince Arthur's Landing, We created a design that enriches the exploration of the waterfront.
The thoughtful design and integration of the signage has been crucial in this transformation, making Prince Arthur’s Landing a prime example of how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into historical spaces, turning them into modern landmarks that serve the community for years to come.
Find out more about Prince Arthur’s Landing here.