Environmental Graphic Design

Modern public spaces are increasingly becoming focused on hospitality and comfort.  Building planners are embracing the opportunity to warm up the environment and make visitors feel a lot more welcome.

At the same time, competent architects today are building wayfinding features right into the design of the facility – internally and externally.  The need for extensive directional signage is reduced in new facilities by separating “back-of-house” and “front-of-house” areas and simplifying core structure of public spaces.  Through intentional variation of architectural features and the inclusion of large scale natural reference points such as central atriums, visitors are able to develop a sense of space and wayfinding becomes more intuitive.  Intuitive wayfinding tools incorporated in this endeavor include lighting, furnishings, finishes, landscaping, and structural elements.

Wayfinding Challenges of older facilities

Many older facilities have what we call “accumulated complexity” due to having undergone many renovations and additions over time.  Visitors quickly loose their sense of space and have an increasingly difficult time finding their way around.  Symptoms of a poor wayfinding system include confusing signage, high frequency of people ending up at the wrong destination, complaints received, paper signs popping up on walls, staff frequently having to answer the question “How do I get to…?” and staff spending significant time escorting clients to destinations.

Effective Wayfinding Solutions

In 1960 architect Kevin Lynch coined the term “Wayfinding”.  Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English defines wayfinding as “signs, maps, and other graphic or audible methods used to convey location and directions to travelers”.

According to Frank Douglas, architect and principal of Douglas/Gallagher, an international design firm, “First time users of a facility have only a few moments to determine what to look for.  To speed them to their destinations, the system needs to telegraph critical information quickly, clearly and memorably.”

Avalis takes this seriously in its approach to wayfinding analysis and solutions.  It’s best to assume your clients may not have the time to loose.