Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The team faced the challenge of producing a scheme that succeeded in the practical
sense but that also appealed to the visitors/patients (the audience) who had to navigate
the environment. The patients at GOSH range from newborn to 18 years old. Landor
needed to create characters that would appeal to very young children - simple, recog-
nizable shapes - but that also had an attitude and an aesthetic cool that would appeal
to the older age group. As such, they tried to ensure that the animals had enough char-
acter to be unique to GOSH, but offered plenty of opportunity for people to project
their own thoughts and stories onto them. In the end the team developed some rules of
thumb: distinctive silhouettes that would work well as signage icons and also engage
very young children, nothing overly abstracted to ensure recognition. They enjoyed
adding small details and behaviours to the characters that would engage older chil-
dren and adults.
Outcome
The new theme and wayfinding system provide clear direction in ways children un-
derstand, and animal characters appealing to all ages of the hospital's patients provide
therapeutic distraction throughout the journey. Not just how to get there, but enter-
tainment, education and a community of friends.
Landor split floors into natural habitats, from living in the oceans (lower ground
floor) to living in the skies (top floor). The work has had a positive response from
patients and families and the client is delighted with the new system, which will be
implemented throughout the hospital as new buildings open.
