How UBC partnered with Musqueam staff, elders, and community members to create a culturally significant landmark crosswalk at University Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall using TrafficPatterns preformed thermoplastic.
The University of British Columbia (UBC), in collaboration with Musqueam staff, elders, and community members, wanted a culturally significant, visually distinct feature to welcome students to campus. The result is the UBC Musqueam Crosswalk, a landmark installation at the high-traffic intersection of University Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall.
A meaningful and durable landmark
UBC was undertaking several initiatives to reintroduce Musqueam culture across campus, integrating meaningful artwork and storytelling into public spaces. For this project, the goal was to create a highly visible and welcoming crosswalk that would:
- Celebrate Musqueam heritage and culture
- Serve as a landmark arrival point for students and visitors
- Withstand heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic
- Maintain design clarity and slip resistance in all weather conditions
Along with the art and cultural displays on campus, UBC was looking for a distinctive feature to welcome students that would also acknowledge how the University is located on ancestral Musqueam land.
Stakeholders: Campus and Community Planning at the University of British Columbia, Musqueam staff, elders, and community members.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cultural Landmark | Must be visually striking and representative of Musqueam values |
| High durability | Engineered to endure constant foot and vehicle traffic |
| All weather performance | Withstand Canada's varied weather conditions |
| Slip resistance | Keep pedestrians safe year-round |
TrafficPatterns decorative crosswalks
HUB Surface Systems recommended TrafficPatterns, a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking made for high-traffic areas and complex designs. This patented system:
- Delivers exceptional durability and visual clarity
- Allows for intricate, culturally significant artwork to be bonded to the asphalt surface
- Is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and engineered for public infrastructure
- Meets the project's safety and design requirements
The Result
The completed UBC Musqueam Crosswalk is a vibrant, symbolic feature that serves as both a functional crosswalk and a cultural statement. It enhances campus identity, celebrates Indigenous heritage, and creates a safe and durable pathway for thousands of students and visitors each day.
What comes next
UBC continues to expand cultural representation and functional art throughout campus public spaces. TrafficPatterns is one way to use urban surface design to connect people and place.
