Navigating Washington University: A Comprehensive Campus Map Guide
Washington University, with its sprawling campuses and numerous facilities, can be a bit overwhelming to navigate for newcomers and even seasoned members of the community. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing the available campus maps, focusing on accessibility, key locations, and transportation options.
Interactive Campus Maps: A Modern Approach to Wayfinding
The University of Washington (UW) launched a new interactive campus map with enhanced accessibility and wayfinding functionality. This map is compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation, and includes options to highlight accessible routes, ramps, and elevators. UW community members can get a preview of this new map at map.uw.edu. Note: Some wayfinding routes may be incomplete or inaccurate. Please report any issues with routing and other accessibility features. The new map is the result of a collaboration between UW Facilities, University Marketing & Communications, UW-IT Accessible Technology Services and the ADA Office. Both the current map and the new map will be available during a soft launch period. During this approximately four-week period, you’re encouraged to review your links to the current map and update them to the new map. Reminder that this is a soft launch featuring the essentials of the new campus map with the majority of data pulled from the previous content system. As the team gets through the initial feedback from campus and community, we will continually look for improvements, introduce additional map features and refine content.
Western Washington University (WWU) also provides an interactive campus map. The WWU Campus Map includes a list of spatial data layers that can be turned on / off as desired (using the “Layer List” icon). Many of these layers are 'group' layers, that can be 'expanded' to list the individual sub-layers. The main map layers are:
- Accessibility: Information on accessible parking, routes, and building entrances. Building accessibility information is included in the building's pop-up.
- Art: Locations of galleries, sculptures, and the Sculpture Tour.
- Bicycle Info: Bike racks, Walk Zones, recommended bicycle routes through campus, and City of Bellingham bicycle routes.
- Bus Info: WTA bus routes and stops that are close to WWU.
- Computer Labs: Locations of ATUS and ResTek computer labs.
- Family Amenities: Locations of changing and lactation rooms.
- Food: Retail and residential dining locations.
- Gender Neutral Restrooms: Locations of gender-neutral restrooms.
- Parking: Information on visitor parking, evening/weekend parking, permit parking, and summer permit parking.
Many features on the map (buildings, parking lots, etc.) have a popup that can be opened by clicking on the feature. From Interstate 5, take Exit #252 (Samish Way and WWU).
These interactive maps offer a significant advantage over traditional static maps by providing dynamic information and customizable views. Users can tailor the map to their specific needs, whether it's finding the nearest accessible entrance or locating a specific art installation.
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Navigating the Danforth Campus: Key Locations and Transportation
The Danforth Campus is a central hub within Washington University in St. Louis. Understanding its layout and transportation options is crucial for efficient navigation.
Key Locations:
- Gary M. Sumers Welcome Center: Located at 1 Wrighton Way, St. Louis, MO 63105, on the east end of campus. Note: There are two buildings on our campus with the Sumers name, located on opposite ends of the campus. You can use this address for your GPS. If you are driving or renting a car, you will park in the East End Garage that is located directly under the Gary M. Sumers Welcome Center on 1 Wrighton Way. From the garage, use the elevator or stairs in the outdoor Welcome Court to go to the first floor to check in for your visit.
- Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center: Located at Forest Park Parkway & Throop Drive, St. Louis. Visitor parking can be found in Millbrook Garage, which can be entered from the intersection of Forest Park Parkway and Throop Drive.
Transportation Options:
- MetroLink: St. Louis’s light rail commuter train system, has two stops on the Danforth Campus: Skinker station, located at the northeast corner of Skinker Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway, and University City-Big Bend station, located at the northwest corner of Big Bend Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway near the Village. For $4, you can take the MetroLink light rail system from St. Board that train and take it one stop to the Skinker Station.
- MetroBus: MetroBuses also stop outside Mallinckrodt Center on Forsyth Boulevard and in various locations around the Medical Center. Please visit the Metro St.
- Driving and Parking: Visitor parking can be found in the East End Garage, which can be entered from Forsyth Boulevard or Forest Park Parkway.
- Taxi: A 24-hour taxi service is located directly across from baggage claim. You can arrange to be dropped off at the south entrance to the Sumers Welcome Center at 1 Wrighton Way, St. Louis, MO 63105.
Accessibility Features: Ensuring Inclusive Navigation
Washington University is committed to providing accessible navigation for all individuals. The interactive campus maps incorporate several features to enhance accessibility:
- Compatibility with Assistive Technologies: The maps are designed to work seamlessly with screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Highlighting Accessible Routes: Users can choose to highlight accessible routes, ramps, and elevators on the map.
- Building Accessibility Information: Detailed accessibility information for each building is included in the building's pop-up window.
It's important to note that some wayfinding routes may be incomplete or inaccurate, so reporting any issues with routing and other accessibility features is encouraged.
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