Instinctive Wayfinding at Heathrow Airport
Helen Hamlyn Research Centre project
Client: British Airport Authority
1999-2001

In 1999 Carl Turner was appointed alongside fellow RCA graduate Karen Adcock to lead a three-year research project investigating new strategies of wayfinding for visually impaired users at Heathrow Airport. The project, which was initiated by BAA in collaboration with the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre, was the brainchild of Terminal 5 design director Raymond Turner, who wanted ‘fresh eyes’ alongside his design team in order to ensure the success of the terminal environment for a wider range of social need.

A series of conceptual proposals were developed to aid instinctive wayfinding, including audio arches, tactile pathways and oversized furniture landmarks. The research has been distilled into a special design tool for BAA managers and design consultants and many of the concepts are currently being implemented at Terminal 5.

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