Way-finding in the built environment

Abstract

The central question that this paper addresses is 'What are the clues, cues and signs that people extract from the built environment that help or hinder way-finding behaviour?' A review of way-finding literature and a case study of a medium size public building provide some answers. The key findings are presented along with specific recommendations for the building studied. A general way-finding principles checklist has been drawn up to aid architects, designers, building owners and managers to recognise and deal with way-finding issues in both new and existing buildings.