Wayfinding Design Review
Case Study
Wayfinding Design Review Example:
Site Design & Ambulatory Care Center Entrances - Before
This plan shows a site planning and building footprint design that would have caused confusion and congestion. The problem was resolved through wayfinding design review.
At the time Carpman Grant Associates (forerunner of Carpman Wayfinding Consultants), was brought into this project, many design approaches had been considered, and this was the most preferred the site plan and building footprint scheme. The main vehicular entrance was to be off a major multi-lane, divided highway for eastbound traffic. Upon entering the drive, traffic would curve to the right around a building facade on an arced entrance drive close to the building. One of the problems with this plan was that drivers would not be able to see the first of several building entrances until they were upon it. Four entrances were being proposed, and the building obstructed views to each of them.
Since multiple entrances were proposed, with the Main Entrance being the one they would encounter last, it was likely that drivers would stop at the first place that looked appropriate.
This behavior would probably cause congestion, create the need for security staff to be out in the entry drive directing traffic, and mean that the Main Entrance area would be under-used.
Westbound traffic couldn't enter at this point at all, due to the configuration of the divided highway. They'd have to turn on a side street to enter. So, eastbound and westbound traffic would have different arrival experiences, neither optimal. The building needed a Main entrance that worked for all.
Our recommendation was to change the approach to have a single entrance off the side street.
Both Eastbound and Westbound traffic would turn south on the side street, and arrive at a clear decision point where they would either turn right for the Main Entrance or left into a new parking garage.
Encouraging access to the new parking garage was essential because the Main Entrance and drop-off area at the ACC building was constrained. To have a smooth-running Main Entrance, drop-off, and valet area, as many people as possible (all those capable of parking and walking back) would need to go directly to the parking garage without driving through the Main Entrance area.
There was no real cost difference in design or construction between the new scheme and the old. The new scheme would save operating costs, would help reduce wayfinding-related stress, and avoid ill-will caused by confusion and congestion.
Once we identified and described the wayfinding behavioral issues, the architects and administrators changed design direction, following our recommendation. After the project was built and had been operating for a while, the VP of Facilities and Operations who was in charge of this project reported that it was working well. The project went on to win an AlA award.