Precedents
During the Ryerson studio course, examples of comparable project were gathered to build a series of precedents. Local, national and international examples also included projects in other formats, such as murals, sidewalk inlays and recorded narratives. These examples were examined for their content and graphics, but also in a broader perspective – their connection, role and relevance with their surroundings. In general, each precedent held distinctive elements, though few were examples of plaques that linked its theme to its local surroundings.

From the following list of precedents, two lessons appeared. The first is that the connection to local context needs to be clearly expressed. Illustrating this connection to place or neighbourhood allows the plaque to be understood in its connection to the neighbourhood and to other plaques along the route.

The second lesson learned was to avoid making these plaques stand-alone. 'Giving Voice' to the local history and identity must indicate that they are a part of everyday life – both physically and thematically.

The following is a list of the precedents that were reviewed:

• Toronto
  • Dundas Sidewalk
  • Downtown Yonge
  • Yorkville
  • The Discovery Walks
  • MurMur
  • Garrison Creek
  • Ontario History Commemorative Plaque
  • MacKenzie House
• Quebec City
  • La Fresque des Quebecois
• Chicago
  • Oak Park, State Street Cultural Walk

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