back
to contents
Overview – The initiative in one minute
What is Bristol Legible City
Bristol Legible City is a unique concept to improve people’s understanding
and experience of the city through the implementation of identity, information
and transportation projects. Bristol Legible City projects include direction
signs, on street information panels with city and area maps, printed walking
maps, visitor information identity and arts projects. These projects communicate
the city consistently and effectively to visitors and residents alike.
Over
40 communication projects have already been
implemented, or are in development. The pedestrian signing system helps visitors
find their way around the city centre and encourages people to explore the local
area on foot or by using public transport. The projects have provided a sense
of welcome for visitors and a better understanding of Bristol’s attractions.
The city of Bristol
During the mid-90s Bristol saw one the most dramatic periods of development
and regeneration in the city’s history. However, The city was difficult
to navigate and had poor public information. There was little guidance for the
visitor and so the wealth of attractions and commercial opportunities the city
had to offer were easily missed.
In 1996 the Bristol Legible City initiative was conceived by
Bristol
City Council to deliver an information and wayfinding strategy that matched
its ambition to be a leading cultural and commercial destination.
Partnerships
A successful wayfinding strategy for Bristol cannot be achieved in isolation,
or by one organisation. Numerous stakeholders, with an interest in improving
the experience of the city, have been working together to the benefit of commerce,
culture and community.
Bristol City
Council have brought together commercial companies such as
Adshel
with Local Government departments, Central Government agencies and Development
boards to help fund the Legible City initiative.
Joined up thinking
Visitors need to feel welcome and comfortable whilst moving around the city.
They need to feel happy that they can find their way around easily and safely.
By providing consistent information from arrival to their destination, Bristol
Legible City has given visitors a sense of confidence to
explore the city.
Joined up thinking
Visitors need to feel welcome and comfortable whilst moving around the city.
They need to feel happy that they can find their way around easily and safely.
By providing consistent information from arrival to their destination, Bristol
Legible City has given visitors a sense of confidence to explore the city.
The result – tangible and ongoing
Bristol now has
direction signs, on street information
panels with
city and area maps,
printed
walking map,
on street information kiosks,
heritage plaques and
arts
projects that are bound together by a consistent
visual
language, naming hierarchy and a unique mapping system. They all share
an attention to detail that will stand the test of time.
The future will see Bristol Legible City extend to public transport, highway
planning, journey planners, on-street visitor information points and cycle signing.
Bristol Legible City is now recognised as a forward-thinking initiative that
has moved beyond rhetoric to make a real difference to the experience and value
of Bristol.
back to top
Copyright © 2003 Bristol City Council. All rights reserved