Bolton Wayfinding
Client
Trueform
Our Role
Wayfinding strategy and mapping
Location
Bolton, UK
Air is proud to have supported the delivery of the new Bolton town centre wayfinding scheme, supporting our client Trueform and Bolton Council in bringing clarity, accessibility and cohesion to the town’s pedestrian experience.
Located in Greater Manchester, Bolton is a historically rich and culturally vibrant town undergoing significant regeneration. As part of these wider improvement efforts, Bolton Council commissioned a comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding system to help people navigate the town centre more easily, encourage walking and exploration and support the local economy.
Working in partnership with Trueform, Air provided strategic and design expertise across all core phases of the project.
Location Planning
We reviewed the proposed location strategy and provided clear recommendations for the placement, orientation and visibility of signage structures. This work was delivered through a detailed mark-up and supporting notes to ensure signs were positioned for maximum legibility and impact.
Design Development
Using the base mapping established during the town’s wayfinding strategy, we created a cohesive cartographic design swatch. We defined the colours, typography, iconography and labelling system to be applied across the scheme. The result is a visual language that feels both functional and characterful, reflecting Bolton’s identity while ensuring clarity and ease of use.
Building Graphics
To improve landmark recognition and aid navigation, we created 2D building façade illustrations for key locations such as Bolton Town Hall and Museum. These simple and expressive line illustrations were designed to be familiar and accessible. They help users form mental maps of their surroundings.
Cartography Production
Our team applied the agreed design system to the town’s full mapping base. We carried out a site visit to verify data and ensure the final designs reflected the real-world experience of navigating Bolton. We delivered multiple map crops across 21 signage locations. Each was tailored to its specific orientation and user context.
Artworking
Every map crop was finalised with a unique “You Are Here” marker and rotation suited to its installation point. We prepared all production-ready artwork for use across the final signage system. This ensured consistency, accuracy and legibility across the board.
