Research-driven collaboration
Cygnus led content development in close partnership with UBC researchers and staff. Cygnus’ multidisciplinary team of writers, designers, and illustrators worked with subject experts to define objectives, run workshops, and develop questionnaires for the Garden’s varied public and staff groups. Research and spatial analysis informed a thematic map linking content to specific zones. Subject matter for each location was selected for its audience and volume of information. Written content, photographs, and diagrams were chosen for how clearly they communicate each subject. A shared online workflow allowed the team to create, edit, and confirm all material quickly.
Design that supports learning
Interpretive signage was designed around the educational, behavioural, and emotional goals of the project. Material size, geometry, placement, and content scale were evaluated against accessibility needs and staff input. Colour standards distinguish each thematic zone and create a sense of transition as visitors move through the Garden. The Garden’s primary brand green is reserved for Garden-wide wayfinding and identification. Graphic patterns drawn from the UBC Botanical Garden logo tie the program to the brand. Seven sign types give the system flexibility across settings while holding a consistent visual language throughout the site.
Tested in place
Working concepts were tested on site to balance written content with supporting visuals and to gauge how each sign performed in context. Iterative reviews with the writer and project team refined how subject matter read in place. Cygnus produced comprehensive engineering drawings for tendering and production, managed in-house by specialized staff.
Inclusive for all audiences
The Garden’s diverse audience shaped the program’s design. Mounting heights, visual prominence, and text readability account for young children, varying levels of education, and a range of eyesight. A multilingual welcome panel greets international visitors and acknowledges the unceded Coast Salish territory of the Musqueam People.
A balanced approach
Partnering with UBC throughout, Cygnus weighed cost, sustainability, and longevity in sourcing materials. After reviewing multiple options, the team selected durable high-pressure laminate panels on a custom-built bracketing system, designed for a 10-year lifespan. Installation methods were selected to reduce concrete use and protect sensitive plantings. The program was delivered within the approved budget.
