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The Effect of Spatial Hierarchy on Wayfinding in Public Buildings

Abstract

Wayfinding is an important aspect of public building design because users must be able to understand and navigate complex environments efficiently and confidently. Public buildings such as hospitals, educational institutions, transport facilities, government offices, and cultural centres often contain multiple entrances, corridors, levels, departments, and activity areas that can create navigational challenges. Spatial hierarchy provides a means of organizing these environments by establishing distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary spaces. Understanding how spatial hierarchy influences wayfinding is therefore important for creating public buildings that are legible, accessible, and user-friendly. This study examines the effect of spatial hierarchy on wayfinding in public buildings, focusing on how the organization and relative importance of spaces influence users' ability to navigate indoor environments. The research considers elements such as primary entrances, main circulation routes, secondary corridors, nodes, landmarks, courtyards, staircases, and destination spaces. It also examines how differences in scale, form, visibility, location, and accessibility can establish a clear spatial hierarchy that supports users in identifying routes and destinations. The study investigates the relationship between spatial organization and users' cognitive understanding of public buildings. Clearly defined primary circulation routes can provide users with recognizable paths, while strategically positioned nodes and landmarks can help them make decisions at important points. Visual connections between major spaces can further reduce uncertainty and improve orientation. Conversely, poorly differentiated circulation networks, confusing intersections, hidden destinations, and inconsistent spatial arrangements may increase the likelihood of disorientation and inefficient movement. The research further considers the role of architectural elements in reinforcing spatial hierarchy and wayfinding. Changes in ceiling height, floor finishes, lighting, colour, material, signage, furniture arrangement, and spatial scale can provide visual and sensory cues that distinguish important spaces from supporting areas. Natural landmarks such as courtyards, atriums, staircases, and major gathering spaces can also serve as orientation points. These elements are considered alongside accessibility requirements to ensure that wayfinding systems support users with different physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities. The findings are expected to provide useful information for architects, planners, facility managers, and building designers seeking to improve navigational experiences in public buildings. The study may identify spatial characteristics that contribute to improved orientation, reduced confusion, shorter travel paths, and greater user confidence. It may also highlight the importance of integrating spatial hierarchy with signage, lighting, accessibility, and environmental design rather than relying on directional signs alone. Ultimately, the study aims to establish a clearer understanding of how spatial hierarchy can support effective wayfinding in public buildings. By examining spatial organization, circulation patterns, landmarks, visual connections, and environmental cues, the research contributes to the development of more legible and user-centred public environments. The findings can support architectural design approaches that make complex buildings easier to understand and navigate while improving accessibility, efficiency, and overall user experience.

Keywords: Spatial hierarchy, Wayfinding, Public buildings, Spatial organization, Circulation, User navigation, Architectural legibility, Orientation, Landmarks, Signage, Accessibility, Cognitive mapping, Environmental design, User experience.