LIT Master PLan PDF - Lamar Institute of Technology

appendices
Appendix B
Wayfinding and Signage
Wayfinding is a two-stage process during which people
(1) decide where they need to go and (2) execute their
plan. Helping students, staff and visitors to facilitate
this process makes a campus environment comfortable
and inviting. The effectiveness of a wayfinding system
is measured by how well the environment communicates
with the wayfinder. Wayfinding issues should be
resolved as part of the development of the campus
master plan.
Signage is an important part of wayfinding, but these
two terms are not synonymous. Signs can even impede
wayfinding when they:
• Are difficult to read
• Contain messages that are ambiguous or unfamiliar
• Have reflective surfaces that create glare
• Are hidden by obstructions
In many cases, people do not read signs at all, but
would rather ask directions. A comprehensive wayfinding
system should include not only signs, but a
number of other visual clues that will help people
quickly grasp their current location and decide upon
a logical way to get to other locations on campus. Important
design elements that provide wayfinding clues
include:
• Identifiable arrival points
• Unique streets, plazas or buildings that help create
a cognitive map of the area
• Memorable landmarks along travel corridors
• Parking areas and walkways that are logical and
convenient to destination points
Campus signage and graphics should employ consistent
colors and materials, be written in plain language,
and display established pictographs. “You are here”
maps should be located near pedestrian exits to parking
areas and at major decision points. Maps should
show the entire campus, with more detailed enlargements
of the specific districts they occupy. The use of
memorable graphics and colors can help to “code” a
district and make it easier to find, both on the map and
on the physical campus.
As renovations are executed within the existing campus
environment, it is important to remove as much visual
clutter as possible. Often, important signage and
landmarks are rendered virtually invisible to students,
staff and visitors because of visual overload. When
there is too much to see, often we cannot see anything.
Unnecessary signs, utility poles, overhead wiring and
similar clutter should be removed whenever possible.
Unsightly visual intrusions such as mechanical equipment
and garbage dumpsters should be relocated or
camouflaged. Earnest efforts to remove these distractions
will result in a more pleasant environment that
speaks clearly to students, staff and visitors alike.
Campus wayfinding
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Lamar Institute of Technology
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