The Toronto Financial District BIA has announced the #PATH360 public survey to help inform the creation of an improved PATH wayfinding network. Used by 200,000 people each day, the PATH system is widely considered to be the longest subterranean pedestrian network of its kind in the world, holding the Guinness World Record for largest underground shopping complex. However, the PATH system's somewhat labyrinthine layout is also often considered difficult to navigate by visitors to the city, a problem that the #PATH360 initiative seeks to address.

The survey asks users to comment on whether the current map seen here is easily navigable, image courtesy of City of Toronto

Although various pedestrian tunnels existed in Toronto since the turn of the 20th century, the modern PATH network came into being with the construction of TD Centre in 1967. In order to maintain the aestethic purity of Mies van der Rohe's design, the TD Centre's retail areas were placed underground, setting a precedent that was followed by subsequent Downtown office towers. Though the PATH network was essentially unplanned, connecting to it became a de facto requirement for new development, creating a sprawling complex that does not lend itself to intuitive wayfinding.

While a wayfinding system now exists, the Financial District BIA recognizes that the PATH has "outgrown its current map and navigation system." In creating a new wayfinding strategy, the Financial District BIA is working closely with stakeholders from the City of Toronto, other downtown BIAs, emergency services, as well as commercial buildings and their tenants.

PATH concept map for discussion purposes, image courtesy of TFD BIA

The #PATH360 survey is available here, and only takes a few minutes to complete. We will keep you updated as the new wayfinding strategy begins to take shape, with a first look at the preliminary designs expected later this year.