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The Effect of Building Entrance Orientation on Wayfinding and Accessibility in Institutional Buildings

Abstract

Building entrances serve as important points of transition between external environments and internal institutional spaces, influencing how users understand and access buildings. The orientation and positioning of entrances can affect visibility, movement patterns, spatial recognition, and the ease with which users locate their destinations. In institutional buildings, where users may include staff, students, visitors, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities, effective entrance orientation is particularly important. Poorly oriented or concealed entrances can create confusion, increase travel distances, and reduce accessibility. This study examines the effect of building entrance orientation on wayfinding and accessibility in institutional buildings. It considers factors such as entrance direction, visibility from approach routes, relationship with pedestrian paths, connection to internal circulation systems, and proximity to key functional spaces. The study also evaluates how entrance orientation influences users' ability to identify the main access point and establish an appropriate route into the building. These factors are considered in relation to different institutional building configurations and site conditions. The research further examines the relationship between entrance orientation and wayfinding performance. Clearly visible entrances, direct approaches, identifiable thresholds, appropriate signage, and logical connections to reception and circulation spaces can assist users in developing an accurate understanding of building organization. The positioning of entrances relative to corridors, staircases, lifts, and major destinations is therefore assessed to determine how effectively the entrance supports intuitive movement through the building. Accessibility is also considered as an important component of entrance orientation. The study evaluates the relationship between entrance direction, pedestrian routes, ramps, steps, accessible parking, drop-off areas, and level changes. Attention is given to the provision of continuous and unobstructed access for wheelchair users, elderly occupants, and individuals with mobility limitations. Environmental factors such as shading, lighting, weather protection, and surface conditions are also considered because they can influence the usability of entrance approaches. Challenges associated with inappropriate entrance orientation may include poor visibility, indirect access routes, conflicting pedestrian movement, inadequate signage, excessive walking distances, and separation between accessible routes and primary entrances. These conditions can make institutional buildings more difficult to navigate and may reduce the sense of inclusiveness experienced by users. Identifying such challenges can support improvements to existing buildings and inform the planning of new institutional facilities. The study aims to establish the relationship between building entrance orientation, wayfinding, and accessibility in institutional buildings. Its findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects and planners in positioning and designing entrances that are visible, legible, accessible, and well integrated with surrounding circulation systems. The study contributes to user-centred institutional architecture by emphasizing entrance orientation as a significant factor in creating buildings that are easier to understand, navigate, and access.

Keywords: Entrance orientation, institutional buildings, wayfinding, accessibility, entrance visibility, pedestrian circulation, spatial orientation, building entrances, universal design, accessible routes, signage, user movement, inclusive architecture, institutional design.