Spatial factors affecting wayfinding and orientation: A case study in a shopping mall

Date
2000
Authors
Dogu, U.
Erkip, F.
Advisor
Instructor
Source Title
Environment and Behavior
Print ISSN
0013-9165
Electronic ISSN
Publisher
SAGE
Volume
32
Issue
6
Pages
731 - 755
Language
English
Type
Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract

Although wayfinding and orientation in complex buildings is an important criterion for environmental behavior, research on the subject remains limited and the issue is not considered sufficiently during the design process. This article examines the factors that affect wayfinding behavior of individuals in a shopping mall and explains how their behaviors are influenced by factors such as building configuration, visual accessibility, circulation systems, and signage. The case study conducted in a mall in Turkey draws a sample profile of Turkish society from a wayfinding point of view. The relation between wayfinding behavior and shopping activity is discussed. The results show that people did not find the signage system sufficient. Although they found the mall an easy setting from the wayfinding point of view, they still required better solutions to find specific destinations such as telephone booths, restrooms, or stores located in parts of the building that were not visually accessible.

Course
Other identifiers
Book Title
Keywords
Building, Orientation, Shopping activity, Turkey
Citation
Published Version (Please cite this version)