Wayfinding Design in Architecture: What Architects Should Consider
By Mike Shabluk | February 27, 2024
A great building isn’t just functional, long-lasting, and attractive; it’s also easy to navigate. After all, if people can’t find their way around a facility, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and even safety issues. That’s why architects need to prioritize wayfinding design when planning new buildings and renovating old ones.
Unfortunately, the wayfinding design process in architecture isn’t always given the attention it deserves.
If you specialize in commercial architecture, you need to put greater effort into understanding and applying good wayfinding principles. With every project, you should think about how people will move through and experience the space. In doing so, you can improve the ease of access, safety, and inclusivity of your clients’ buildings.
What Is Wayfinding Design in Architecture?
Wayfinding design is the process of developing an intuitive layout and system for a given space, providing much-needed guidance to visitors. It involves thinking through how people orient themselves in an unfamiliar place and what barriers to avoid. The goal is to make a building or other environment easy for people to navigate.
Some of the key stages of this type of design include the following:
- Strategy – The first stage of wayfinding design consists of planning and strategy. If an existing building is being remodeled, you should conduct an audit to see where navigational issues may exist. If you’re constructing a new building, you should consider how it will be used and map out a visitor’s journey from one area to another.
- Design – During the second stage, you craft a plan for incorporating wayfinding principles into the space. Navigational elements should fit seamlessly into the building, so you’ll need to have a solid grasp of your client’s brand and needs. That way, you can ensure the design is engaging and appropriate while still achieving the goal of simplifying navigation.
- Application – In the last stage, you apply the design to the building, making sure all the necessary elements are integrated properly. It’s important to be careful here, as even seemingly minor mistakes, like misplaced signage, can cause problems down the road. When it’s all said and done, those who step into the building should have all the directional guidance they need.
Why Wayfinding in Architecture Is Crucial
Since the term wayfinding was introduced by architect Kevin Lynch in 1960, it has become an important consideration in commercial design and construction. As buildings become larger and more complex, it’s even harder for those unfamiliar with the layout to get their bearings. They need visual cues to help them get to where they need to go, which is where wayfinding design comes into play.
Wayfinding in architecture is about creating or remodeling a building so that it’s easily navigable by anyone. It sets the foundation for the experience people have when they visit a facility for the first time—and every time after. Ultimately, having wayfinding as part of the architectural experience is not only strongly recommended but also necessary.
Here’s why…
- Some elements are needed to meet certificate of occupancy requirements.
- Without clear guidance, visitors can end up feeling lost, confused, and anxious.
- A poor or nonexistent wayfinding system can negatively affect a business’s reputation.
- Failing to account for wayfinding can result in costly renovations down the road.
- When wayfinding isn’t considered, it can cause an increase in safety hazards.
In short, wayfinding is vital in architecture because it can have a major impact on both visitors and building owners.
What Role Architects Play in Wayfinding Design
As mentioned previously, wayfinding in architecture isn’t always prioritized or handled correctly. That’s often because not all architects have expertise in wayfinding design. However, wayfinding is highly relevant to building safety and functionality, which are factors you focus on already. So, even if you’re not a wayfinding specialist, you still have an essential role to play.
For instance, you have the opportunity to gain insight into those your client’s building will serve. When you know who will be using the space and what their needs are, you can take steps to incorporate wayfinding that suits them well. And as a result, you can make your client’s building that much better.
Additionally, architectural wayfinding encompasses more than just signage—although that is a key element. There are many ways to improve a building’s navigation, just by shifting the way you approach space and materials. By making more thoughtful choices, you can guide people through the building effortlessly.
5 Key Elements of Wayfinding Design
When it comes to wayfinding designin architecture, there are several principles to follow. Moreover, there are countless ways to implement them. To keep things simple, here are 5 elements to include in your wayfinding efforts.
- Space
The use of space can be incredibly effective in helping visitors determine where they are. It can naturally draw visitors into major areas of the building, such as the lobby. So, look at how you can ensure hallways and pathways open up to those areas in an obvious way by making the most of space.
- Signage
Signage is the element most people think of when it comes to wayfinding design. Directional signs, directories, and even room identification signs provide visitors with the information they need quickly and easily. And if you choose the right fabricator, you can customize your client’s signs so that they fit the look and feel of the space.
- Visual Imagery
In addition to signage, you can incorporate other visual imagery to improve wayfinding. For example, you can make each area a different shade of the client’s color scheme. That way, visitors can get a sense of where they are with a color-coded system.
Additionally, features like floor markers and hallway arrows can guide people as they walk around the building.
- Clear Choices
Having too many choices of where to go can confuse and overwhelm visitors. So, as part of wayfinding design, you should make an effort to limit options at intersections. Keep them simple and clear, using space and signage to direct them to logical areas.
- Sight Lines
Making the most of sight lines can also give visitors a clear path to follow and a look at what’s ahead. Whenever possible, extend the visitor’s view to the next area. For example, you could avoid introducing obstructions and leave paths open or even incorporate glass walls or doors into the design.
Takeaway
If wayfinding design isn’t something you’ve given much thought to in the past, it’s time to change your mindset. Wayfinding is vital in architecture, especially when working on commercial projects. So, make it a point to think about how visitors will interact with your clients’ spaces and how you can improve their experience.
And if you want to incorporate ADA signage in a client’s new or renovated building as part of your wayfinding efforts, check out the sign styles and designs we have available.