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We invite you to explore some of our exciting upcoming projects and initiatives.
The WELL
RioCan, Tridel, Allied Properties,
Woodbourne Canada, toronto
Encompassing 7.8 acres around Front, Spadina, and Wellington streets, The WELL boasts 1.1 million square feet of office space, 420,000 square feet dedicated to retail and culinary experiences, and 1,700 residential units spread across six interconnected buildings. Additionally, it features a three-level retail base and underground parking.
For this extraordinary multi-developer, mixed-use destination, KDA was retained by RioCan, Tridel, Allied Properties, and Woodbourne Canada to craft a comprehensive signage and wayfinding master plan, seamlessly harmonizing the diverse architectural narratives penned by Hariri Pontarini, BDP Quadrangle, architectsAlliance, Wallman Architects, and Adamson Architects into a unified design language.
In response, KDA conceived an all-encompassing system that fosters a strong sense of community within the development, employing a distinct design language to visually interconnect all elements. The signage program pays homage to the industrial brick and beam character of the buildings and public spaces. This aesthetic is juxtaposed with an innovative, digital media network featuring sixty-five revenue-generating digital displays, which significantly contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.
Spanning a city block within one of Toronto’s most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods, The WELL stands as Canada’s most ambitious, high-density, mixed-use project.
Woodbine
Woodbine Entertainment Group, Toronto
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is embarking on one of Canada’s most exciting, city-changing project developing 684 acres that surrounds historic Woodbine Racetrack. This is a significant mixed-use development that will have substantial impact on rural economies in Ontario.
The first phase of this development includes the expansion of the casino and gaming facility, two hotels, an indoor 5,000-seat performance venue, and a brand new parking structure. Under the new plan, Woodbine will continue on as a destination for horse racing and gaming, but also seek to integrate new expanded uses – including entertainment and cultural offerings, restaurants, hotel, shopping, office, education, and urban residential living.
As WEG’s design consultants, KDA has created a signage and wayfinding master plan that dynamically complements and reflects this exciting entertainment and mixed-use development. It is coordinated and unique to this development’s assets, as well as fulsome in its strategy, to be implemented in a phased approach that is in step with the development’s own phasing plans.
KDA’s role included the establishment of Woodbine as a Special Sign District, overall strategy, design, municipal and provincial planning and approvals and coordination and consultation with a broad group of stakeholders. Launching in late fall 2023, KDA’s program establishes a visual thread of continuity across the property and includes property-wide wayfinding signage, welcome gateways, large-scale digital signage, and third-party revenue-generating digital media.
Artist’s render
At 684 acres, Woodbine is the largest contiguous undeveloped parcel of land in Toronto, comparable in its size and scale to Downtown Toronto.
Union City
Metropia, Unionville-Markham
Union City is an unprecedented 12-acre master-planned community with remarkable architecture, inspiring interiors, hotel-inspired amenities and a beautiful series of open, pedestrian-centric spaces. The site will see new residences all conveniently located next to the Unionville GO station, Viva Enterprise Bus Rapid Transit, and the York University Markham campus.
Working collaboratively with Metropia, KDA is currently engaged in an extensive program aimed at formulating a comprehensive interior and exterior wayfinding master plan for Phase One of the development. The overarching principles governing this wayfinding master plan revolve around clarity, with a primary emphasis on identifying spaces and providing seamless guidance through interior and exterior realms.
Beyond mere functionality, this initiative strives to enhance the resident and visitor experience, meticulously crafting a wayfinding journey that leaves a lasting impression. In parallel, it represents an ongoing effort to integrate the master plan into the broader brand identity of Union City for all phases of development, shaping a visual narrative that consistently resonates with the core essence of this project.
KDA’s initial key elements for the program’s identity include a large-scale, forest-scape mural adorning the facade facing the Go Transit Line, a unique gateway sign within the arrival area, destined to serve as a landmark meeting place, and a family of complementary signage and environmental graphics that enhance the overall experience.
Artist’s render
KDA’s forward-thinking approach is being employed to ensure adaptability for future project phases, by emphasizing the significance of flexibility and modularity in the design aesthetics.
TD Tower
Mulvey & Banani Lighting, TD Bank Group, Toronto
As digital signage specialists, KDA was retained by Mulvey & Banani Lighting (MBL) to develop a new branding solution for the iconic TD sign as part of an overall upgrade to the spire atop the towering 53-story structure at 161 Bay Street.
KDA’s innovative solution replaced the static, original neon sign with a cutting-edge four-sided, high-resolution digital display. This dynamic display not only showcased the TD brand but also served as a canvas for commemorating significant events throughout the year, such as the Blue Jays’ Home Opener, Orange Shirt Day, and Pride celebrations.
From conceptualizing signage concepts to securing necessary municipal approvals, KDA’s role encompassed the entire design and implementation strategy.
KDA also prepared highly detailed digital signage specifications for the tendering process and collaborated closely with the selected manufacturer, Atec Signs, and LED manufacturer Mitsubishi. Conducting thorough shop drawing reviews, KDA oversaw and project managed the fabrication and installation processes of the digital signage.
To harmonize with KDA’s innovative digital signage program, MBL crafted a synchronized lighting system for the tower. Together, these elements have given rise to a revitalized and contemporary representation of the TD brand within the Toronto skyline.
KDA created a successful transformation of the TD sign into a vibrant and dynamic beacon, celebrating both the brand and important occasions throughout the year.
2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
First Capital, Pemberton Group, Toronto
2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W. is planned as a vibrant, transit-centric, mixed-use neighbourhood with elevated urban design principles that consider both current and future community requirements. It is poised to feature 36 buildings, which will range from four to 71 storeys, forming a network of public spaces anchored by three squares, a ravine, a park, and a year-round covered galleria. One of the largest developments underway in a fast-changing city, the project is intended to be delivered in six phases with the first phase anticipated for a 2024 construction.
Recognized for its strategic and innovative approach in shaping signage and wayfinding master plans for expansive mixed-use projects, KDA has been engaged by the Pemberton Group to initiate the comprehensive development of an integrated program for 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
In addition to KDA’s initial design program, an extensive strategy is being formulated to integrate third-party digital media. This multifaceted approach not only offers avenues for revenue generation but also plays a pivotal role in promoting and communicating continuous project updates and significant milestones. With a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions, KDA looks forward to enhancing the visibility and functionality of 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W, by offering those who will live, work and play here a dynamic and engaging environment through thoughtful wayfinding and placemaking.
Artist’s render
Formerly known as the Mr. Christie site, 2150 Lake Shore is a 28-acre property that will be redeveloped to create a thriving, connected mixed-use community.