Transit and technology will connect residents to local destinations
Waterloo Region – As part of the region-wide festival of architecture, Building Waterloo Region, the Region of Waterloo is partnering with the University of Waterloo, School of Architecture on a unique summer-long transit project. The project will use technology to connect transit riders with local arts, culture, heritage, recreation and entertainment destinations along and near the current 200 iXpress route that connects Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.
On The Line: A Gallery of Publicly Accessible Destinations in Waterloo Region is one of many exhibits that will be part of the larger Building Waterloo Region festival, curated by Eric Haldenby and Esther E. Shipman, that launches at the beginning of July and runs until the end of September 2014
Faculty and students in the School of Architecture’s DATAlab will use GIS mapping and interactive web technologies to share various destinations around each 200 iXpress stop using information from a number of online databases, including the Creative Enterprise Initiative’s Grand Social website and the Region’s Doors Open website.
During the exhibition, the mapped information will be displayed using an interactive website at www.OTL.gallery. Applications for mobile devices including smartphones will also be available from the website. Printed maps will be installed in iXpress shelters, postcards will be available in the iXpress buses, and station guides will be available in the main exhibition space, where the project will be on display. These materials will also include graphics, photos and additional information about some of the destinations, including how far they are in walking distance from the iXpress stop. People using the website and mobile application will also be able to upload their own favourite destinations to share with others.
“The Region is excited to partner with the School of Architecture on this project that will demonstrate to residents how they can use iXpress and the future ION rapid transit system to access the many arts, culture, heritage, leisure and entertainment destinations located throughout Waterloo Region,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “As people start to add their own favourite destinations to the website, it will become a great resource for us all to find new places to visit and experience.”
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Exhibition: The Kitchener Studio, 44 Gaukel Street, July 5 - September 1, 2014
Bus Shelter Installation: July 5 - September 31, 2014
Credits: A Project by DATAlab University of Waterloo School of Architecture. Co-curator and design lead: Mona El Khafif, Maya Przybylski, Student team: Zak Fish, Lea Koch, Dan Malka, Thomas Noussis, Jake Read
For more information:
Region of Waterloo:
Keren Adderley, Coordinator of Communications and Marketing kadderley@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-575-4508
Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services
519-575-4001
Eric Gillespie, Director of Transit Services
egillespie@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-585-7597 ext. 7270
Building Waterloo Region:
Tamara Neill, Publicity and Promotions Specialist
519-621-0460, ext. 187
University of Waterloo, School of Architecture (On The Line Exhibit):
Mona El Khafif, Associate Professor, co-director DATAlab
647-920-4737