A thriving downtown area, the RiverWalk serves as the center for many of Milwaukee’s most famous festivals. Downtown residents, employees and visitors use the three-mile-long walkways on either side of the Milwaukee River to get to restaurants, performing arts centers, parks and nightclubs. Along the way, they’re treated to historical facts about the city and sculptural displays.

To help pedestrians and boaters easily navigate the pathway, Corbin developed wayfinding logic that pulls together all the sign types into a cohesive system. Boundary markers on surrounding roadways lead drivers and pedestrians to the route, while kiosks provide information at key entrance points. Directional signs point the way to major destinations. Regulatory signs politely define rules governing mooring, skating and waterway access.

Corbin worked with the City of Milwaukee, the RiverWalk District, local business leaders, architects and designers to develop the system’s information and visual components through a wayfinding master planning process. The result is a clearly defined urban brand that informs and directs visitors all along the river.