PROJECT PROFILE

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Chr is Au

604 961 3472

Chr is .Au@DidaxDes ign .com

Derby Reach Regional Park Westland Trail Interpretive ExhibitC L I E N T Metro Vancouver Regional Parks is a system of more than 20 greenspaces (parks, greenways, ecological

reserves, etc.) throughout Metro Vancouver (GVRD).

PROJECT Derby Reach Regional Park — in Langley, BC — opened a new section of parkland to the public with a three kilometre trail that also forms a portion of the Experience the Fraser and the Trans Canada Trail systems. A series of six sites along the trail interpret the core theme of “Connecting People with Place” — an invocation to appreciate the human and natural history of the park. This design/build project was lead by Panther Constructors Ltd., with Didax Design Group Inc, and Artcraft Display Graphics Inc. As Didax Design’s creative director, Chris provided the interpretive and production design.

O B J E C T I V E This project represented an opportunity to develop contextually responsive and visitor engaging themed displays to enhance visitor experiences. The displays were designed to delight, surprise and reveal. But most of all, to help connect trail users to their surroundings.

A U D I E N C E The trail is accessible to all ages, abilities, and means of locomotion; such as walkers, runners, cyclists, bladers, boarders, wheelchair users, etc. Though open to all, most users are regional residents.

C H A L L E N G E S The client group wanted to deliver an interpretive experience outside the standard text /image panel approach. Although the program was ambitious, the budget was modest.

The displays in the exhibit

share a common visual

element of oxidized steel.

Other elements included

translucent and opaque

graphics, natural logs, and

rocks.

Since the initial work,

an additional display

was developed (left) to

provide more interpretive

engagement.

Connecting people with place

PROJECT PROFILE

vC

Page 2

Chr is Au

604 961 3472

Chr is .Au@DidaxDes ign .com

Derby Reach Regional Park Westland Trail Interpretive Exhibit

A P P R O A C H The exhibit comprises six robust displays, each of which interprets a theme provided by the client. Five of these displays express themes through sculptural planes that allude to the cultural and/or natural stories of the area. The sixth display is a plaque commemorating the opening of the trail.

All six displays share a common palette of colours and materials to provide a measure of continuity. Three of the displays combine figurative silhouettes cut in steel plates or imaged in translucent panels. This juxtaposition of strength (steel) and delicacy (translucency) is reflective of the careful balance we find in nature and human endeavours. These displays can be appreciated for both their layered sculptural form from afar and for their detailed imagery up close.

Two displays are forthright figurative presentations of the agriculture heritage of the area. One is historical, while the other is timeless. Both flank working farms adjacent to the park.

The commemorative display is distinct from the others in that it serves a more conventional purpose, but nevertheless echoes the form and spirit of the other displays. The graphic panel is a thermo-imaged brushed aluminum plate in full-colour for rendition of partner logos.

O U T C O M E S The public reception has been extremely positive to this “different” approach to interpretive park displays. These sculptural presentations help trail users connect with their surroundings as they evoke their own sense of time and place.

Steps in the development

process include thumbnail

sketches, design drawings,

fabricator and project site

inspections.