Unified brand presence
The Temerty Faculty of Medicine spans multiple buildings and streets within the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, creating challenges for brand consistency and user navigation. Cygnus responded by translating the new brand standards into a unified wayfinding system. A consistent visual language, including standardized typography, spacing, and colours, was implemented across all interior and exterior locations. This approach reinforced the faculty’s identity while improving clarity for students, staff, and visitors.
Respecting architectural heritage
Temerty’s facilities include a range of architectural styles, from Brutalist concrete to Georgian Revival heritage buildings. These diverse conditions required signage that could be installed without compromising historic materials. Cygnus developed tailored solutions, such as using mortar-only fastenings and pin-mounted lettering, to ensure that signage integrated seamlessly with the architecture while protecting the integrity of original surfaces.
Accelerated coordination
With input required from the Temerty Foundation, University Advancement, the Design Review Committee, and the City of Toronto, the project had to be delivered on a tight timeline. Cygnus streamlined delivery by engaging vendors early and running design, permitting, and procurement processes in parallel. This approach maintained momentum and ensured design integrity was preserved throughout accelerated implementation.
Brand and signage guidelines
A brand and signage guideline was developed to serve as a framework to guide future campus expansion, establishing clear standards for interior and exterior signage, typography, iconography, and colour application. By defining these base examples, the guideline empowers the university to independently manage its physical environment and adapt signage to meet evolving institutional needs.
Photography credit: Victor Lam
