Signage Plan for Parque Arboleda, Monterrey

The purpose of this project was to enhance and redefine the signage for the commercial areas, public spaces, and access to residential and office buildings within Parque Arboleda in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. This mixed-use development, located in the prestigious area of San Pedro Garza García, presents several challenges related to vehicular flow, surface parking management, pedestrian-vehicle interaction, and wayfinding within underground parking areas. Furthermore, the construction of the Plaza area and the completion of the Botanical Garden required the updating and expanding the existing signage system, transforming it into a comprehensive urban pedestrian wayfinding programme that complements commercial, vehicular, and parking signage.

In the first phase, a thorough evaluation of the current situation was conducted, based on field observations and document analysis, to understand mobility within the study area. Vehicular access points, entry and exit patterns, and movement flows were analysed to identify pedestrian access points, opportunities for improvement, and key decision-making points. Additionally, existing signage was reviewed, and areas for enhancement were identified. In collaboration with the operational team, navigation needs and challenges faced by visitors were also pinpointed.

In the second phase, based on the characterisation of users (residents, business visitors, families, among others), their typical needs and mobility patterns were identified to develop an appropriate signage strategy. Together with the client’s team, a shared vision and design principles were defined, which included the nomenclature and the creation of “districts” as anchor points, facilitating the formation of a “mental map” of Parque Arboleda.

In the third phase, primary and secondary circulation routes and decision-making points for users were mapped. Based on this analysis, preliminary designs for signage elements were developed to provide key information at strategic points along visitor routes. Collaborative workshops were held to define preferred options for the signage elements and the graphical concepts for the designs and maps.

In the fourth and final phase, the construction designs for the signage elements were prepared, including location plans for each level, standardised content, and final graphic designs for each type of signage (pedestrian, public area, commercial, vehicular, and parking).

The project is currently in the preparation stage for implementation, which local designers and producers will carry out. Steer intends to continue supporting Capital Natural throughout the implementation process, ensuring the proposed design is accurately interpreted during the prototyping and production phases.

A final masterplan map was also developed as part of the additional support, utilising the icons, colours, and visual codes defined in the wayfinding strategy. This map highlights the main connections and provides estimated walking times, encouraging exploration of Parque Arboleda and its various attractions.