CAMPUS WU
Barrier-free Way Finding System, Inclusive Orientation Design
The new campus for the University of Economics is located in the midst of Vienna's widespread Prater park. With significant buildings by 6 international architect offices, the complex provides effective surface of 100.00 sqm for teachings and studies.
This vast complex of buildings required a distinct orientation system with strong colors and nomenclature, leading from the surrounding through car parks to the buildings themselves, and finally to each and every lecture room. To state an international best practice example for inclusive design, the combination of analog, digital, tactile and acoustic media characterizes the way finding system.
The open font Titillium was extended by a stencil version. Its clear and significant appearance gives the orientation system a strong character. The accompanying pictogram family refers to the business context of the school.
The standard pictogram for people in wheelchairs disables them more than actually representing them. The new design empowers the icon through direct eye contact, activity, and smart clothing.
By folding the the signs, 2 levels allow to transport individual information in German and English.
Blind and partially sighted people are given additional guidance through tactile Braille, raised tactile letters, tactile maps and tactile paving + guidance lines. Also, these lines adapt to the architecture instead of following the usual standardized routing. In general, all applications follow the two sense principle by alternatively addressing at least two senses to the one missing.
Door terminals allow to contact staff members. Digital door displays show current and upcoming lectures. A QR code connects directly with the room reservation system. All information is not solely visual , but also acoustic. A simple touch gesture reads out the actual screen.
Students and visitors can specifically look for information like lectures, people and rooms on info terminals. To ensure freedom from barriers, the audio mode again reads all content from the screens. A strong contrast and reduction to the colors yellow & black increase the legibility. The terminal itself can be rolled-under with a wheel chair.
