Branksome Hall Campus Wayfinding
Toronto, Ontario
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2020 Ontario Association of Architects (OAA): Design Excellence Award
2017 Toronto Urban Design Award
2017 Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) Global Design Awards: Finalist
2015 Athletic Business Facility of Merit Design Award
2013 Canadian Architect: Award of Excellence
This campus wayfinding program is one of several projects MJMA has undertaken for Branksome Hall, which include a campus master plan, the renovation of a pedestrian bridge linking the campus’s two halves, and two new buildings — the Athletic and Wellness Centre and the Innovation and Performing Arts Centre. Collectively these initiatives are directed towards a physical and identity renewal for Branksome, a leading International Baccalaureate Girls School in downtown Toronto.
The wayfinding program knits together the 13-acre site, which comprises lush, wooded ravine edges, open green spaces, and heritage and modern buildings. The new signage takes into account not only the students and staff, but also the need to direct the high volume of daily visitors — the general public, alumnae, visiting sports teams, guest teachers and presenters, deliveries, and parents. Its design also considers durability and longevity: the structure of the exterior signs is sandwiched between thick aluminum panels that have no exposed hardware or fasteners and are elevated on a coloured concrete pedestal, for protection from winter conditions and campus grounds-keeping. Applied throughout is a subdued colour palette with an accent band of the branded ‘Branksome Hall Green’ wrapping each sign.
With its site divided and over a dozen old and new buildings, the campus required a unifying experiential strategy providing clear wayfinding and a modern expression that both signifies the school’s forward-looking curriculum and complements its venerable identity.
The design approach is based on three sign sizes, with the largest placed strategically to direct all guests to the main building and parking area with visitor check-in.
The wayfinding plinths double as lighting bollards, supporting the campus’s nocturnal use by live-in-residence students, and the early morning and late evening hours of the Athletics and Wellness building.
A new primary campus circulation route, the ravine-edge pathway is lined with pavers engraved with alumnae donor names. These are arranged chronologically, with a lighter paver separating the decades and creating a pleasing piano-key effect.
Simple and clear building identification and interior wayfinding is set against a material palette of concrete, stone, masonry, wood, and glass that harmonizes with the campus’s spectacular natural and heritage setting.
