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The Butterfly

Realizing an ethereal vision with harmonious guidance

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Project

The Butterfly

Year

2025

Project Background

An integrated wayfinding system for an iconic 600,000-square-foot landmark, uniting heritage and modern design in Vancouver’s West End.

The Butterfly is a transformative development combining a 57-storey residential tower, the restored First Baptist Church, and a dedicated rental housing building. Renowned architect Bing Thom’s final vision unites spiritual, civic, and residential functions within a single landmark. Cygnus developed an integrated wayfinding and signage strategy that supports this project’s layered complexity. The result is a minimalist program that complements bold design gestures, enhances legibility, and honours both visionary architecture and irreplaceable heritage.

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Bridging past and present

The wayfinding solution connects the historic stonework of the First Baptist Church with the modern tower’s glass and concrete. A unified system of directional pylons, discreet room IDs, and understated parking signage respects heritage details while providing clarity across new amenities and shared spaces. Custom finishes and hidden fastenings ensure every piece is integrated and unobtrusive.

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Layered Expression

Drawing from the stepped reception desk and angular tower details, signage for First Baptist Church uses offset planes and structured forms. This unified design language subtly ties back to the tower’s geometry while distinguishing the church’s identity within the overall program.

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A light touch

Signage was inspired by the camouflage of butterflies, designed to visually blend with the architecture while maintaining clear messaging. The signs are applied directly to walls or set on translucent acrylic, remaining unobtrusive and precise. High-contrast typography ensures accessibility without adding visual clutter.


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Circular forms

Signage for First Baptist Church uses offset planes and structured forms, drawing from the stepped reception desk and angular tower details. This design language both echoes the tower’s geometry and distinguishes the church’s identity.

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Photography credit: Ema Peter, Luke Potter, Kim Muise