Devising a unique navigational system for Paddington Basin (Design Week shortlisted)

Working alongside design agency Jedco, our team devised a unique navigational system for Paddington Basin that helps the public to find and traverse the canal that runs through the area. 

The area around the Paddington basin and canal side suffered from a lack of coherence or sense of place. The Paddington Partnership put out an open call to address the levels of severance and create a thread of common identity throughout the area.

Rather than turn to traditional forms of wayfinding, Steer commissioned poets Jo Bell and Sophie Herxheimer to transform the stories and experiences of Paddington locals into poetic phrases that guide people into and through the canal path. These were made physical through a series of painted and perforated steel panels featuring patterns, imagery and words that connect to three separate themes: nature, heritage and personal connections. They also present passers-by with information on Paddington’s significant role in transportation over the years, including the movement of goods on the Grand Union and Regent’s Canal, as well as the London bus system, the tube lines and the arrival of the Heathrow Express.

In recognition of its excellence in Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics, See Paddington was shortlisted in the Design Week 2023 Awards. Find out more about the shortlist on the Design Week website.