Downtown Anchorage Wayfinding Project
Anchorage’s wayfinding system reflects the city’s innovative Arctic spirit while honoring and celebrating the rich Dena’ina Indigenous heritage of the region.
The Downtown Anchorage Wayfinding Project is a community-driven initiative designed to make navigating the heart of Alaska’s largest city easier, more intuitive, and culturally meaningful. The project introduces a cohesive system of pedestrian signage and kiosks that guide residents and visitors to key destinations across downtown, from cultural landmarks and parks to our transit hub and civic spaces. Developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and Indigenous partners, the design integrates Dena’ina Athabascan art, language, and symbolism, celebrating the region’s heritage while enhancing the visitor experience. Using durable, locally inspired materials like basalt and weathering steel, the new signs reflect Anchorage’s natural character and identity. Installation began in 2025, with pedestrian head stickers along 4th Avenue at E, F, and G Streets, with a larger installation planned for 2026. This marks a major step toward a more connected, walkable, and welcoming downtown for all.
Elements of Design
The iconography, typography, colors, pattern, and materials that inform the design process
