Paper Info
Title
Finding the way inside: linking architectural design analysis and cognitive processes
Abstract
The paper is concerned with human wayfinding in public buildings. Two main aspects of wayfinding difficulties are considered: architectural features of the building and cognitive processes of the agent. We conducted an empirical study in a complex multi-level building, comparing performance measures of experienced and inexperienced participants in different wayfinding tasks. Thinking aloud protocols provide insights into navigation strategies, planning phases, use of landmarks and signage, and measures of survey knowledge. Specific strategies for navigation in multi-level buildings, like the floor strategy, are identified and evaluated. An architectural analysis of the building is provided and possible causes for navigation problems are discussed. Different architectural features of the building are investigated with respect to human spatial cognition and usability issues. Finally we address potential benefits for the architectural design process and discuss options for further research.
Year
DOI
Venue
2004
10.1007/978-3-540-32255-9_1
Spatial Cognition
Keywords
Field
DocType
architectural design analysis,different architectural feature,different wayfinding task,architectural analysis,architectural feature,human wayfinding,complex multi-level building,cognitive process,multi-level building,architectural design process,navigation problem,public building,empirical study
Architectural design,Usability,Spatial cognition,Knowledge management,Human–computer interaction,Engineering,Signage,Think aloud protocol,Cognition,Architectural pattern,Empirical research
Conference
Volume
ISSN
ISBN
3343
0302-9743
3-540-25048-4
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
8
0.82
5
Authors
5
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Christoph Hölscher141843.88
Tobias Meilinger26910.82
Georg Vrachliotis381.15
Martin Brösamle4253.44
Markus Knauff537241.11