Downtown Eugene, Oregon Final Report
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DOWNTOWN EUGENE, OREGON PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING MASTER PLAN July 1, 2015 Revised: October 16, 2015 FINAL REPORT MERJE | ENVIRONMENTS & EXPERIENCES Julie Jenson 120 North Church Street Graphic Space Suite 208 2844 Edgewater Dr. West Chester, PA 19380 Eugene, OR T 484.266.0648 97401 www.merjedesign.com 503-545-4968 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Acknowledgments 5 Introduction 6 Objectives and Philosophy 7 Project Approval Process Section 1 Wayfinding Tools 10 Wayfinding Tools 11 Pre-Arrival Technology 12 Place Technology 13 ibeacon 14 Orientation Maps 16 Landmarks 17 Streetscape Elements 18 Existing Visitors Info 19 Existing Signage Evaluation Section 2 Wayfinding & Signage Analysis 22 Information Hierarchy 23 Highway Signage: I-90 24 Arrival and Gateways 25 Districts 26 Destinations 27 Pedestrian Terminologies 28 Public Parking Routes 29 Public Parking Considerations 31 Public Parking Existing Conditions 36 Pedestrian Starting-points 37 Pedestrian Information Hubs 38 Information Hubs 39 Generic Menu of Sign Types 40 Bicycle Information 41 Banner Strategy 42 Art Link Section 3 Strategies 46 Sample Criteria for Inclusion 48 Criteria for Inclusion - Wayfinding Tiers 49 Phasing Plan 50 Management & Maintenance 52 Sustainability Materials & Process 53 Measurements Section 4 Design Criteria 56 Pedestrian Sign Design Criteria 57 Inspiration 58 Design Concepts July 1, 2015 | EUGENE, OREGON – Pedestrian Wayfinding and Programming Analysis TABLE OF CONTENTS WAYFINDING TOOLS3 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The team would like to thank a number Assistance of people and organizations that have • Brenda Schmidt, City of Eugene, contributed to the creation of this LRCS Executive Assistant report, including: • Jim Ulrich, City of Eugene, Purchasing Agent Eugene Wayfinding Sponsors • Mary Hamilton, City of Eugene, Public • City of Eugene Works Engineering, Contract Author • Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene • Melissa Robinson, City of Eugene, (ABAE) Public Works Administration, Contract • Travel Lane County Administrator • Mike Magee, City of Eugene, LRCS Administration Eugene Wayfinding Steering Committee • Kim Mast, City of Eugene, Public Works, Wayfinding Project Manager • Isaac Marquez, City of Eugene, Cultural Services, Public Art Manager • Nan Laurence, City of Eugene, Planning & Development, Senior Planner, Economic Development • Reed Dunbar, City of Eugene, Public Works Engineering, Transportation Planner • Randy Stender, ABAE representative, community member • Natalie Inouye, Travel Lane County, Vice President of Tourism Marketing • Jeff Petry, City of Eugene, Planning & Development, Parking Services Manager • Jeff Perry, City of Eugene, Facilities Director • Tom Larsen, City of Eugene, Public Works Maintenance, Traffic Operations Manager • Dave Hauser, Eugene Chamber of Commerce|ABAE|Downtown Eugene Inc (DEI) • Robin Hostick, City of Eugene, Planning & Development, Division Manager • Renee Grube, City of Eugene, LRCS Executive Director, Executive Sponsor of the Wayfinding Plan 4 WAYFINDING TOOLS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS EUGENE, OREGON – Pedestrian Wayfinding and Programming Analysis | July 1, 2015 INTRODUCTION Cities, towns and communities of presents the opportunity to expand the all sizes and aspirations understand walking radius of downtown visitors that in todays economy and the high and increase activity in adjacent or level of competition for the publics neighboring districts. attention, that cities demand a clear and consistent identity, that help people It is anticipated that the final system navigate the urban environment and will be scalable so it may grow in encourage visitors to discover the geographic reach as funds allow, but assets of the city. remain integrated to the whole when elements of the cultural landscape Eugene is a dynamic, open, creative city change. Establishing a cohesive sited in the South Willamette Valley with design program and intent will make a strong, independent sense of identity. successive steps easily attainable. Located between the Willamette River, In the end it is hoped that the overall the coast mountain range and the system is well received, artistic, useful Cascade Mountains, Eugene is the and seamless for the public. The Master home of University of Oregon, an active, Plan considers creative interpretations engaged community and a thriving, of wayfinding as well as applications one- of- a- kind downtown. From the city of current and emerging technologies. center to city neighborhoods, Eugene The integration of art, playfulness, is full of eclectic, entrepreneurial folks interactivity and/or other unique pursuing a variety of creative activities qualities will help set downtown Eugene ranging from cottage industry artisans apart from other communities and to world- class research and software contribute to Eugene’s sense of place. development. The initial implementation of the The City of Eugene, in partnership program will begin with the downtown with Travel Lane County and the Arts core and generally follow boundaries & Business Alliance of Eugene have of the “Arts and Culture District” while commissioned MERJE, with Julie indicating direction to the University Jensen of Graphic Space (Eugene, OR) of Oregon, the Willamette River and for the development of a Downtown the Whiteaker Neighborhood. The Pedestrian Wayfinding Master Plan. overall concept shall be inclusive of The Master Plan focuses on Eugene’s other nearby destinations including the downtown core with potential for future Fern Ridge Bike Path, South Eugene, expansion to a larger geographic area. areas north of the river including Valley The general project area is bounded River Center, Oakway Center, Alton by the Willamette River to the north, Baker Park, the Cuthbert Amphitheater, 13th Avenue to the south, Washington/ Autzen Stadium, PK Park, etc. Jefferson to the west and Hilyard Street to the east. The Master Plan represents Phase 1 of the project process and will outline Currently, Eugene’s urban landscape the criteria, priorities and strategies is lacking a coordinated pedestrian the system shall be based upon. wayfinding program. Major destinations Phase 2 will be the actual design and downtown, including, the Eugene planning of the system. Phase 3 will Public Library, Hult Center for the be implementation of the program Performing Arts, LTD Eugene Station, over multiple phases of fabrication and Kesey Square, and the Amtrak Station installation of various wayfinding tools. are not identified with pedestrian scale wayfinding signs. This Master Plan July 1, 2015 | EUGENE, OREGON – Pedestrian Wayfinding and Programming Analysis INTRODUCTION WAYFINDING TOOLS5 5 OBJECTIVES & PHILOSOPHY Eugene's Pedestrian wayfinding program Wayfinding Principles: StrategY: A coordinated wayfinding to know at that moment and leads them shall provide consistent and clear The following wayfinding principles program establishes a structure for to the next tier. information to assist the traveling public have guided our process and the management, administration, and to navigate efficiently to key destinations recommendations: maintenance of all components of the Graphics should be clean and not within the City. To achieve this, the 1. The system is intended for first-time system interfere with the layout or legibility of planning process identifies the following visitors and residents alike. the text or other information presented. philosophy, goals and principles. WHOLISTIC APPROACH: Identification Appropriate legibility, contrast and scale 2. First impressions and perception play of all the “touch-points” a user may are primary concerns and should meet Philosophy: an active role in determining the best encounter along their journey, this best practice for the individual static or • The design shall be of its place and route of travel. may include digital (web sites, mobile digital element. Sustainability both in fit the context of the City of Eugene. apps, etc.), static (signage) and the its maintenance and the materials used • The wayfinding program shall help 3. The best route may not be the environment (districts, landmarks, paths should be considered throughout the create a positive first impression of shortest or quickest. and nodes). A well-rounded wayfinding design process. Eugene, that the city is organized program also addresses all modes of 4. Terminology must be kept short and safe and caring. travel, including vehicular, pedestrian, When successfully implemented easily understood by a visitor. • The program shall assist in marketing public transit and bicycles. wayfinding programs supports the OF EUGENE, following: ITY OR the City and help people discover the 5. Direct to the “front door” of a C CONSISTENCY: Trust is an important hidden jewels that make Eugene a destination. unique destination. factor in wayfinding. The user must EXPERIENCE DISTRICT • Identify ways that wayfinding can 6. Departure routes are equally as have confidence that the information • Establishes Trust and Confidence being presented to them is accurate. • Reinforces a Sense of Place and enhance and reflect the distinctive important as arrival routes. RKING and creative character of the City. This is accomplished through a Local Identity PA 7. Promote economic development consistent presentation of terminology, • City Image: Organized, Caring and • Utilize all forms of wayfinding tools. T and the assets of the City of Eugene information hierarchy and the graphic Welcoming EDES RIAN P by making connections between language utilized. It should be the same T INATI Goals: ES ON destinations.