Waterfront Innovation Centre
Menkes Developments, Toronto
The Waterfront Innovation Centre (WIC) is a 475,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art, mixed-use development comprised of two towers, 125Q and 155Q, with three distinct but interconnected components. WIC’s location at the Toronto waterfront provides an attractive and vibrant environment for entrepreneurs and businesses, including MaRS, WPP, and The Score.
WIC can be characterized as a series of angular, off-set architectural volumes that help humanize the mass of the two towers. In response, KDA created a family of angular, folded chevron sign types, including branded pylons, interior wayfinding, digital touch-screens, and amenity signs, that reinforce not only the architecture, but speak to the character of the young, entrepreneurial business minds and creatives that call WIC their workplace home.
KDA was inspired to match WIC’s unconventional and collaborative environment with a highly contemporary signage program where the use of specialized typography, iconography and environmental graphics are the narrative for a fresh and innovative design language.
Stewardship of WIC’s Wayfinding Master Plan
KDA crafted an overarching wayfinding master plan based on the principle of a cohesively coordinated system seamlessly implemented across both towers. This wayfinding master plan was successfully stewarded by KDA through all municipal planning and approvals.
Network for Digital Bookings
WIC fosters innovation and collaboration in various tech and digital sectors and often hosts daily events and conferences. KDA’s strategic plan included a network of digital signs located at various touch-points throughout WIC that are tied to a reservation system where the scheduling and promoting of events is accomplished with ease across all connected platforms.
KDA’s interpretation of the architectural geometry and their sensitivity to the natural finishes used in the Nexus of the Waterfront Innovation Centre successfully integrates with the overall design. Sweeny &Co Architects is always pleased to recommend KDA to our clients because of their high level of expertise with signage and wayfinding programming.
