The Genesis Centre is a dynamic, multi-functional facility in the northeast of Calgary, dedicated to recreation, wellness, and community. It offers an array of amenities including state-of-the-art sports fields, gyms, fitness programs, and versatile meeting spaces. Beyond physical activities, the centre is a vibrant venue for cultural events, workshops, and wellness services. Emphasizing inclusivity, it serves as a welcoming hub for people of all backgrounds, supporting diverse activities that nurture community spirit and promote wellness.
This wayfinding project consisted of multiple signage updates displayed throughout the 250,000 square foot community centre. Wayfinding helps provide directions quickly and effectively. Next time you’re in a public space, take a moment to notice how much we rely on signage to navigate! Wayfinding guides us and helps define a space’s purpose, giving context to the actions or events that take place there. From print to installation, the Exhibit Studio + Westwind Design team handled every detail with in-house expertise.
Working with the existing Genesis Centre branding, our task was to update the signage throughout the centre. This involved both refreshing old signs by replacing outdated lettering with new vinyl, along with implementing entirely new wayfinding components. Additionally, we upgraded the materials used and amplified the signs’ appearance and durability to give a more polished and lasting result.
PROJECT COMPONENTS
Metal Lotus Sign
Vinyl Lettering
Elevator sign
Double-sided Vinyl Decal
Logo Decals
Dibond Panel
Frosted Window decals
Donor Recognition Magnetic Board
Metal Lotus Sign
The Metal Lotus Sign was updated using durable ACM panels, which consist of two pre-painted aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core. This material was selected to give the existing sign a modern look. We enhanced the sign with 3D lettering cut from ACM panels to add depth and a polished finish.
Vinyl Lettering
For most of the wayfinding signs, the existing panels were reused and old letters were removed and replaced with new vinyl lettering. The vinyl was skillfully applied to ensure precise alignment and a clean finish. This method refreshed the signs while leaving them recognizable and cost-effective.
Elevator sign
The elevator signs were made using brushed metal ACM, which consists of two thin layers of aluminum with a plastic or fire-resistant core in between. The “brushed” finish gives the metal a textured look. This material is lightweight, strong, and durable, offering a sleek, modern appearance that lasts.
Double-sided Vinyl Decal
For the large window decals, vinyl with an opaque background was used to ensure clear visibility. Each window had two separate decals—one applied to each side. With areas being rearranged and signs needing updates, the opaque background makes the text easier to read.
Logo Decals
Twenty separate square logo decals were also printed and applied to windows around the centre.
Outdoor Signage
We printed directly on Dibond panels, a type of ACM, and then laminated them for additional durability and a smooth finish to last outside. This makes the signs both eye-catching and long-lasting.
Frosted Window decals
Frosted decal strips with relief-cut logos on doors were mounted on the front and back of the windows.
Donor Recognition Magnetic Board & Decals
This magnetic board is designed for donor recognition with circular, replaceable magnetic decals. Made from a material that magnets stick to, it allows for easy removal and addition of donor names. This flexible system makes updating and expanding the display simple, cost-effective, and efficient.
Since the wayfinding project, Exhibit Studio + Westwind Design has completed several other projects for the Genesis Centre. This includes outdoor signs, vinyl decal numbers, printed advertisements, coroplast prints, and a vinyl banner featuring the Genesis logo. This brings us to our latest endeavour for a community art piece.
Our latest project was designing and constructing a floor-to-ceiling shadow box with an acrylic cover, secured by a Mustang hardware system. The art piece, “Creator’s Breath,” a painted hide done by Keegan Starlight, was attached to the shadow box with screws and cover caps. The completed box was then hung on a cleat system, with cover caps added for a polished finish. This beautifully crafted display proudly showcases artistry from Tsuut’ina Nation.
Artist’s Instagram: @starlightdesigns_k
It was a pleasure collaborating with the Genesis Centre to create functional and aesthetically pleasing wayfinding signage. Producing a donor recognition display and an exhibit that houses community-inspired artwork is an effort that we are proud to be a part of!
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