Colorful Wayfinding Leads the Way at PacSci

The newly opened courtyard at Pacific Science Center, framed by the historic 1962 World's Fair arches. Wayfinding banners with maps and directional signage are mounted at the entrance to the courtyard stairs.

After three decades behind a ticket gate, the courtyard at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center (PacSci) is open to the public. When the gates came down, a new colorful wayfinding system by Mayer/Reed went up—just in time for PacSci’s busy summer season and the bustling World Cup crowds.

(Left) A family enjoying a free water play exhibit in the courtyard beneath a wayfinding banner that reads "Water Works." (Right) Children and adults explore a hands-on exhibit in the lobby of the Pacific Science Center. A green wayfinding banner on the wall marks the entrance to the East Exhibits. A directional banner points down the stairs to the Maker & Innovation Lab.

The bilingual wayfinding system includes new maps and banners that take a subtle cue from the palette of the 1962 World’s Fair, for which Minori Yamasaki designed the iconic arches, fountains and reflecting pools. The bright, inclusive signage, scaled with young explorers in mind, makes navigation part of the experience and provides a fresh sense of welcome and discovery for the newly public courtyard and the many programs and exhibits within PacSci.