Chicago Pedway
branding / logo / environmental design / wayfinding
overview
Running through the heart of the city, the Chicago Pedway is a system of underground tunnels, above-ground walkways, and overhead bridges linking more than 40 blocks over roughly five miles. Centralized in the Loop and Central Business District, the Pedway connects public and private buildings, CTA stations, and Metra facilities, and is used daily by thousands of pedestrians and commuters.
Today, the Pedway is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. Although it has a reputation as a labyrinth of endless tunnels, it is hailed as a convenient way to travel downtown, allowing pedestrians to avoid traffic and unsavory weather.
solution
Outdated, confusing, and inconsistent. These adjectives most accurately describe the current Chicago Pedway system. The inconsistent logo usage and unclear signage make it difficult to decipher what pathways actually qualify as the Pedway. This rebranded Pedway system is a cohesive visual identity more in line with Chicago’s official design system. It offers a sleeker, more intuitive wayfinding experience that simplifies navigation for pedestrians and unifies the entire network.
Logo, Map, & Signage
The rebranded Pedway sets a uniform system across all assets. The system takes inspiration from Chicago branding and landmarks, from the color palette, sans serif type, to the Cloudgate-inspired map shape. Signage is based on existing dimensions but redesigned to create a unified network across the Pedway system.
