Helping audiences find their way in an environment is achieved by a combination of strategies: Passive wayfinding and Active wayfinding.
Together, active and passive elements work to make a place understandable and accessible. Wayfinding is focused not only on directional and interpretive signage, but also on the creation of quality spaces that attracts users and encourages participation. It is about assisting people to ‘read’ and navigate an area through reinforcing structures, common patterns, rhythms and themes of an area.
Involve conservation specialists early in the design process to ensure that wayfinding measures are in line with best practice heritage conservation guidelines.
General
- Effective wayfinding systems in heritage areas improve visitor experience, ensure accessibility and help preserve the historical context of the site.
- A well-designed wayfinding system doesn’t just guide people; it can also deepen their understanding of the site's history and cultural significance by telling stories, offering context and enhancing the overall atmosphere.
- Develop outcomes that make for a more legible precinct that facilitates ease of movement and connectivity, while avoiding clutter. With careful planning, wayfinding systems can seamlessly guide visitors, deepen their understanding of the place and ensure that the history and beauty of the site remain central to the experience.
