Village at Trinity Hills
Metropia, Calgary
Trinity Hills is a landmark development in Calgary, located adjacent to the Olympic Village and nestled within 160 acres of environmental reserve, offering 17 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. This vibrant community seamlessly blends urban living with the surrounding natural beauty, providing residents and visitors with a unique connection to both nature and city life.
KDA’s signage and wayfinding program was inspired by this remarkable fusion of urban and natural elements. The program is contemporary, memorable, and designed to foster a deep connection to the land’s heritage and its First Nations community.
A key feature of the program is KDA’s naming strategy for the development’s five districts—Eagle View, Deer Leap, Wolf Run, Fox Trail, and Rabbit Wood. Each district name was carefully chosen to reflect the natural wildlife and heritage of the area, and in turn, KDA created distinctive animal icons inspired by these names. These icons serve as a powerful visual homage to the land’s cultural and environmental legacy.
Placemaking sculptures of the animal icons, made from corten steel, were strategically located in each district. These large-scale sculptures represent the animal icons and act as prominent landmarks that celebrate the unique character and identity of each neighbourhood.
The materials, design motifs, and overall aesthetic were carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment, creating a seamless and engaging experience for both residents and visitors alike.
Inspires & Connects
The overall design approach was rooted in a respect for both the environment and the people who inhabit it. This project reflects a thoughtfully considered signage and wayfinding program that not only guides and informs but also inspires and connects people to the places they live, work, and explore.
Iconic
Identities
Meaningful Expressions
The animal icons and sculptures are featured throughout the community, not only as functional wayfinding tools but also as meaningful expressions of the area’s heritage. The icons are integrated into environmental graphics on community gates, pathways, and fences, while the sculptures serve as welcoming features at the entrances to each district.
Honouring Blackfoot Heritage
At the heart of KDA’s work for Trinity Hills is a profound respect for the community’s First Nations heritage. In consultation with Blackfoot Elders, KDA developed an interpretive display program to honour their significant cultural influence on the land. These displays highlight the traditions, beliefs, and ongoing connection to nature, with a particular emphasis on the spirit of animals and the healing power of the natural world. The program offers both visitors and residents a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural significance.
Harmonious
Communities
nature-infused experience
KDA’s thoughtfully designed signage and wayfinding program blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, guiding residents and visitors with ease through the development. From district directionals and street address signs to vibrant banners and interpretive park signage for the Village, every element is inspired by the landscape. The master plan for signage in the retail and parking areas further unites the space, creating a cohesive, nature-infused experience that ties the entire mixed-use community together.
