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, sought to create a culturally significant and visually distinct feature to enhance the arrival experience for students. This project resulted in the development of the UBC Musqueam Crosswalk, a landmark installation at the high-traffic intersection of University Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall.
The Challenge: Creating 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
The University of British Columbia in collaboration with Musqueam staff, elders and community members were doing various enhancements to its campus and wanted to reintroduce Musqueam culture. Along with the art and cultural displays on campus, they were 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 | Ensure pedestrian safety year-round |
The Solution: TrafficPatterns® Decorative Crosswalks
HUB Surface Systems recommended TrafficPatterns®, a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking system that is ideal for high-traffic areas with complex visual designs. This patented solution:
- Delivers exceptional durability and visual clarity
- Allows for intricate, culturally significant artwork to be embedded in asphalt
- Is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and engineered for public infrastructure
- Meets requirements for safety, sustainability, and design integrity
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's Next?
UBC continues to expand cultural representation and functional art throughout campus public spaces. TrafficPatterns® is part of a growing movement to use urban surface design to connect people, place, and purpose.
