Understanding Wayfinding Experience of Hospital Visitor through Tours and Maps Analysis

Abstract

This paper proposes a spatial narrative approach in understanding the wayfinding spatial experience of hospital visitors in a building environment. Narrative actions involved in wayfinding journeys are explored and analysed using tours and maps reading (de Certeau, 1984) as analysis tools. The study aims at gaining an understanding of how wayfinding spatial experience of visitors is organized. This study reveals that wayfinding consists of both itinerary and spatial knowledge that always relate to and influence each other. Understanding hospital visitors’ wayfinding spatial experience comprehensively can expand our knowledge for designing a supportive healthcare facility’s environment.