Wayfinding systems – place
What is “place” in wayfinding
Place is communicated through the language of objects and space. Wayfinding helps us confirm our natural understanding of our environment. It makes clear our bearings and reveals destinations.
Naming combined with the ‘legibility’ of a place is the basis of understanding and remembering a location.
Identification of place
Landmarks are distinct wayfinding reference points
Landmarks
Recognisable reference points – landmarks are singular and memorable. The best examples can be easily described verbally.
Unique buildings or structures
Geographic features
Feature graphics
Activity nodes
Districts with unique characteristics
Edges and boundaries – man made and geographic
Paths, roads, trails
The site environment
Buildings, landscaping, natural features have their own intuitive language.
Districts
Areas with distinct characteristics help people identify location
Areas with unifying characteristics.
The design within each district should be consistent. Breaking down large sites into districts or zones helps to create distinctive smaller parts, which is a key principle in wayfinding.
Non-sign wayfinding elements include landscaping, architecture, interior design, floor coverings, lighting, wall graphics and window vistas.
Paths
Paths create edge conditions and natural connections.
Paths are the main circulation routes by which people move through a site, connecting spaces, defining edge conditions and universal access.
Lighting
Lighting can be a stand alone feature while also being integrated with the sign program.
Lighting is a fundamental wayfinding method affecting key venues, access and/or landmarks. Lighting and information must be coordinated for general benefit and key night time audience needs.
Main pedestrian paths should have consistent illumination across all parts of the site (fittings, colour, intensity) or an alternative strategy.
Lighting the names and identities of venues can be used for distance viewing and highlighting entry points.
Amenity
Amenity helps us understand a location
Toilets, change rooms, lifts, stairs and rest spaces are elements providing services fundamental to all people irrespective of the location purpose. They form the basis for common understanding of how a location works and its flow. They are common landmark reference points.
language
Connect the place and name so the the identity enters the lexicon as natural language.
Wayfinding instructions such as ‘turn right at the green beanstalk’ encourage exploration and prompt a person’s memory for return journeys.
Architectural elements have always acted as wayfinders for the users of a building. These landmarks can be clearly defined like an entrance or subtle cues such as design themes, finishes, casework, colours and lighting.
Having easy ways for people refer to them is central to the success of the system.