The WELL
RioCan, Tridel, Allied Properties, Woodbourne Canada, Toronto
The WELL is a large-scale, mixed-use development located in the heart of downtown 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 and significant development, KDA crafted a comprehensive signage and wayfinding master plan to seamlessly harmonize with the diverse architectural narratives penned by Hariri Pontarini, BDP Quadrangle, architectsAlliance, Wallman Architects, and Adamson Architects into a unified design language.
The all-encompassing signage system fosters a strong sense of community within the development, employing a distinct design language to visually interconnect all elements, while reinforcing a livable, walkable, and interconnected environment.
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.
A JUXTAPOSED AESTHETIC
KDA’s signage program pays homage to the industrial brick and beam character of the buildings and public spaces. This aesthetic is juxtaposed with an innovative media network featuring 65 digital displays, which significantly contribute to the vibrant atmosphere, engaging visitors and amplifying The WELL’s modern appeal.
INSIDE-OUTSIDE DIGITAL NETWORK
The WELL proudly showcases an expansive and thoughtfully orchestrated media network comprising 65 digital displays. Anchored at the corner of Front and Spadina is the digital showcase which spans more than 30 metres, establishing itself as a focal point within one of Canada’s busiest intersections.
KDA strategically designed the robust digital network to extend its reach both externally and internally across all three levels within the property. Established to foster a connected environment, the media content can be scheduled to create powerful brand-dominance moments, dynamically showcasing changing content throughout the day.
This exciting digital media network actively engages and captivates customers, heightening the overall excitement at The WELL, while concurrently providing enhanced revenue-generating opportunities.
ENHANCING THE JOURNEY
Integrated LCD displays serve as captivating digital hubs, delivering engaging and ever-evolving content for both customers and visitors. These screens act as versatile storytellers, capable of disseminating a wide array of information, ranging from third-party highlights to seasonal events, retail tenant promotions, up-to-the-minute news updates, and exclusive event announcements. Their dynamic capabilities not only inform but also immerse individuals in a rich tapestry of experiences, enhancing their journey through The WELL’s vibrant environment.
A SENSE OF PLACE
KDA’s signage program caters to the diverse wayfinding requirements of tenants, employees, visitors, and tourists within the office and condo towers, open markets, retail spaces, restaurants, and seven levels of parking. By serving as a unifying element throughout the development, the program fosters a distinctive ‘sense of place,’ complementing the overarching architectural vision while highlighting individual expressions of the amenities.
A Connected
Community
NAVIGATING SEVEN LEVELS OF UNDERGROUND PARKING
Managing seven levels of underground parking, KDA prioritized seamless navigation between levels, aiming for effectiveness, intuition, and stress-free movement. To achieve this, distinct naming conventions were crafted and applied to each level, including Terrace, Upper Ground, and Lower Ground. This unified parking narrative was used throughout the overall signage program to reinforce these levels as a wayfinding tool.
