Creating Clear Connections: Alta’s Wayfinding Partnership with the City of Vancouver

Navigating a vibrant city can be an adventure, but with the right guidance, it becomes a seamless experience. Since 2014, Alta has been working hand-in-hand with the City of Vancouver, WA, crafting intuitive wayfinding systems that not only make travel easier but also foster exploration of local businesses and landmarks. This collaboration has evolved over the years, making Vancouver a more walkable, accessible, and connected community.

This project aimed to simplify walking routes, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the city’s attractions, while supporting local businesses. By identifying key destinations, gateways, and circulation routes, Alta provided a blueprint for a clearer, more connected downtown, and helped lay the foundation for an accessible urban environment.

As the city’s downtown and uptown neighborhoods evolved, so did the need for a more robust wayfinding system. Alta responded with detailed plans for implementing signage across these areas. This included finalizing sign designs, determining placement, and specifying materials and assembly. These efforts culminated in the successful fabrication and installation of the signage, bringing clarity and ease of navigation to the heart of Vancouver.

Building on the momentum of this successful partnership, Alta was once again called upon in 2018, this time to address the city’s vehicular wayfinding needs, particularly as Vancouver’s Columbia River waterfront emerged as a vibrant new destination. Alta conducted a comprehensive multi-modal circulation analysis and developed sign designs that harmonized with the city’s new branding. By strategically placing these signs and even updating bicycle wayfinding to include the waterfront, Alta played a crucial role in helping Vancouver create a seamless experience for those navigating its streets—whether on foot, by bike, or by car.