ARAB ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MARITIME TRANSPORT

(AASTMT)

College of Engineering and Tecbnology

Department of Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design

THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOY IN URBAN WA YFINDING

By

AMlRA HASSAN EL BAKED

A tbesis submitted to AASTMT in partial

Fulfillment of the requirements for the award of tbe degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

in

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

Supervisors Dr.Alaa SARHAN

Associate Prof.

Architectural Engineering

and Environmental Design

Arab Academy for science & Technology

2011

Dr.Maye YEHIA

Lecturer

Architectural Engineering

and Environmental Design

Arab Academy for science & Technology

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We certify that we have read the present work and that in our opinion it is fully adequate in scope and quality as thesis towards the partial fulfillment of the Master Degree requirements in

Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design Department

From

College of Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Date 17 1 01/2012 Supervisor (s):

Name:

Position:

Signature:

Name:

Position:

Signature:

Examiners:

Name:

Position:

Signature:

Name:

Position:

Signature:

Dr. Alaa ElDin SARHAN ~~ L Associate Professor of Architecture, Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design Department. AASTMT-

Dr. Maye Abbas YEHIA ~

lecturer of Architecture. Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design Department, AASTMT

Prof.lnass Farouk HAMD \

Professor of Architecture, College of EngIneering. Alexandria University

Prof. Hassan ADD EL SALAM "'~ -I' Professor of Architecture, College of Enginee~ing. Alexandria

University

Acknowledgment

This research project would not have been possible without the support of many

people. I wish to express my gratitude to my supervisors, Ass. Prof. Alaa

SARHAN and Dr.Maye YEHIA who were abundantly helpful and offered

invaluable assistance, support and guidance. Deepest gratitude is also due to the

members of the examiners committee, Prof. Hassan ABD EL SALAM and Prof.

Inass HAMDY without whose knowledge and assistance this study would not

have been successful. Special thanks also to Prof. Azza KAMAL, Prof. Saif

HAK and Dr. Yasmine KANDIL for sharing the literature and invaluable

assistance. The author would also like to convey thanks to my student Mohamed

Gamal Mourad who offered supports concerning digital photography.

Finally and most preciously I wish to express my deepest love and gratitude to

my beloved parents; for their understanding & endless love.

Summary

During the last century Egyptian major cities have encountered a big expansion. Due to

this, both visitors and inhabitants of these cities have started losing their ways around

them, a fact which affects negatively their visiting experience. Many solutions have been

considered by various planners but the wayfmding systems adopted are deficient due to

neglecting important elements contributing in the wayfinding procedure.

Therefore; understanding urban wayfmding design basics can help designers to enhance

visitors experience within a new urban space. The aim of this research is to explore both

physical and cognitive aspects affecting the human travel experience and that will in tum

have an impact on the wayfinding procedure to be adopted. The research will also explore

the virtual enviropment systems and their application in wayfmding.

The research is based on an analytical study between different wayfmding systems adopted

in two different areas: San Antonio River walk and Oakland business district and the

downtown Alexandria. From this analysis, guidelines compatible for Alexandria were

proposed, leading to a comprehensive wayfmding design system serving familiar and non

familiar visitors.

Table of contents:

Chapter one: Introduction Introduction 1. 1 Research objective 1.2Research hypothesis 1.3Research methodology 1.4Research framework

Chapter Two Understandin~ wayfindin~: Introduction

2.1 Wayfinding and navigation 2.2 The need for wayfinding design

2.2.1 The change in architecture 2.2.2 Large city scale 2.2.3 Renovation and restoration 2.2.4 Multicultural societies 2.2.5Integration of design professions

2.3 Origin of wayfinding 2.4 A brief account of wayfinding systems in cities through history 2.5 Visual communication devices adopted by cities 2.6 conclusion

Chapter Three: Aspects of Wayfinding Introduction 3.1 Pbysical aspects of wayfinding 3.1.1 The Urban form

3. I. 1.1 Spatial configuration 3 .1.1.2Urban space qualities 3. 1. 1. 3 The urban fabric

3.1.2 Signage systems 3.1.2.1 The tenn environmental graphic design 3.1.2.2The need for signage system 3.1.2.3The effective signage system 3.1.2.4Categories of signs 3.1.2.5 The design process ofwayfmding systems 3.1.2.6 The design consideration of wayfmding systems

(a) The branding and identity (b) Typography (c) Colors (d) Symbols in signs (e) Maps

3.2: Cognitive aspects of wayfinding 3.2.1 Cognitive mapping 3.2.2Components of cognitive map 3.2.3SpatiaI decision making 3.2.4factors affecting urban wayfinding 3.2.5The legibility of the city

II

2 3 3 3 4

6 7 8 9 10 11 11 II 12 14 17 18

21 22 22 23 23 26 27 27 27 28 28 30 33 33 33 34 37 40 41 44 45 46 46 47

3.2.6Forming the image 3.2.6.1 Value and identity of the image 3.2.6.2 Elements forming the mental image

3.3: Virtual systems in wayfinding 3.3.1 Mobile wayfmding device 3.3.2World wide web 3.3.3Large LED displays 3.3.4Broadcast Monitors 3.3.5Interactive kiosks

3.4 Conclusion

Chapter Four: Virtual Applications in wayfinding Introduction 4.1 The need for wa)fmding Virtual applications 4.2 Virtual technology and wayf"mding 4.3 Virtual technology as an assessment tool

4.3. t Virtual reality VR 4.3.1.1 VR medium 4.3.1.2VR system 4.3 .1.3VR system components

4.4The virtual experience 4.5 Virtual technology as a guiding tool

4.5.1 Computer implemented wayfmding systems 4.S.2Mobile wayfinding 4.5.3Web based wayfmding

4.6 Urban application 4.7Conclusion

Chapter Five: Example Analysis Introduction 5.1 Examples S.I.ISan Antonio

5.I.IWayfmding in San Antonio 5.1.2The project 5.1.3Documentation 5.1.4Virtual Environment 5.1.5Focus groups consideration 5.1.6Results and limitations 5.1.7Improvements recommended by participants 5.1.8Research outcome

5.1.20akland 5.1.2.IAbout Oakland 5.1.2.2Project facts 5.1.2.3Project process 5.1.2.4Existing condition

a) The context b) Gateway and corridors

III

48 48 49 50 53 53 53 53 54 54 54 55

56 57 58 59 60 61 61 64 64 66 66 66 68 73 75 78

80 81 81 81 82 82 84 84 85 89 90 91 91 92 92 93 94 94

c) Building fabric d) Public Transport e) Street pattern f) Walking and cycling g) Parking spots h) Public spaces i) Landmarks j) Concentration spaces k) Signage systems 1) Internet and WIFI

5.1.2.5Project Recommendations. S.2 Conclusion

Cha~ter Six: Case studX Introduction

6.1 Case study steps 6.2 Conditions for selecting the area 6.3 Alexandria city center

6.3.IThe context 6.3.2Public spaces 6.3.3Public transport 6.3.4Concentration zones 6.3.5Traffic flow 6.3.6 Spatial configuration 6.3.7Wayfinding tools in the area

a) Signage b) Maps c) V irtual tools

6.4 Survey Questionnaire 6.4.1 Sampling strategy 6.4.2Population 6.4.3Questionnaire construction 6.4 .4 Results 6.4.5 General results

6.5 Case study recommendations 6.5.1 Recommendations concerning physical aspects 6.5.3Recommendations concerning the use of IT 6.5.2Recornmendations concerning cognitive aspects

6.6 Conclusion 6.7 Recommendations 6.8 Summary 6.9 Future work Bibliography Appendi.xl:Questionnaire sample Appendix 2:Regulations and standards for signs Design by NOUH

IV

96 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 107

109 110 III III 112 113 115 116 117 118 120 120 121 121 122 122 124 125 130 132 133 133 137 139 140 142 143 145 146 151 155

List of Figures

Chapter One Fig 1.1 Research structure 4 CbapterTwo Fi~.l Variables affecting way!!!!ding strate_gy 9 Fig2.2 Cave Drawings 12 Fig2.3 Oak tree used as a sign 12 Fig2.4 Avenue of sphinxes-Thebes 14 Fig2.S The forbidden city Beijing 14 Fig2.6 The forbidden city Beijin~ 14 Fig2.7 Cambridge IS Fi~8 Linear patbwayJeadinA to saint peter-Rome 15 Fig2.9 Obelisk in saint peter square IS F~ ___ IO Manhattan planninQ 16 Fig2.11 Coats of amt-Cambridge 17 Fig2.12 Paris Arrondissements 17 Fig2_.13 Paris street si~_ 17 Fig2.14 London underground map 17 Chapter Three F!g3.1 Urban fabric in 9 different cities downtown 26 Fig3.2 Identification si~ Melbourne 28 Fig3.3 Directional sign 29 Fig3.4 Regulatory sign ~ London underground 29 Fig3.S Orientation maps 29 Fig}.6 Desi~_~rocess of a wayftnding system 30 Fig3.7 London underground sign 33 Fig3.8 Amsterdam slogan 33 Fig3.9 Apple stores Branding 33 Fig3.IO Brooklyn street signs 31 Fig3.II Brooklyn color palette 31 Fig3.12 Chaotic environment Created by s~ 31 Fig3.13 Varie~ of~e faces 35 Fig3.14Li~t and type size ratio 35 Fig3.15 Letter spacing 36 Fig3.l6 Symbols and arrows 36 F~3.17 Park identification 36 Fig3.18 Sherwood park directional si~ 36 Fig3.19 Symbolic ~resentation of colors 37 Fig3.20 Color contrast in signs 37 Fig3.21 PMS to calculate contrast level 37 Fig3.22 color used to mark numbered entrance of Sydney exhibition and convention 38 center Fig3.23 Color coding in LA walking map 39 Fig3.24 JFK signs 39 Fig3.25 The use of color for identity at Fauchon stores 39 Fig3.26 AlGAIDOT symbols 40 Fig3.27 AIGAIDOT sport symbols 40

v

Fig3.28 A1GAlDOT hospital symbols 40 Fig3.29 A1GAlDOT symbols for British railroad 40 Fig~.30 Manhattan axonometric map 41 Fig3.31 Downtown Baltimore 41 F~?32 Glyphic map of Rome 41 Fig3.33 Walk Philadelphia heads 42 Fig3.34 Key map, Hong Kong 42 Fig3.35 District map 42 Fig3.36 Washington DC underground map 42 Fig3.37 System map Hong Kong_ 42 Fig3.38 Stages of spatial decision making 47 Fig3.39 Adaptability. of the observer and its im~act on the way the ~ace is perceived 49 Fig3.40 Image of environment 50 Fig3.41 Key elements of urban form Chapter Four Fig4.1 Virtual3J!plications 58 Fig4.2Virtual classification classifications 60 Fig4.3HMD used in immersive systems 62 Fig4.4BOOM virtual system 62 Fig4.5Augmented reality in Paris underground station 63 Fig4.6Component ofVR systems 64 Fig4.7 Schematic diagt"am for server network 66 Fig4.8Diagram showing computer network 66 Fig4.9Technology conversion creating LBS 69 Fig4.11 LBS service through mobile device 69 Fig4.1 OLBS com~onents 71 Fig4.11 Street view car 74 Fig4.13 Street view Trike 74 Fig4.l4 Street view snow mobile 74 Fig4.15 Street view trolle2' 74 Fig4.16 Mobile application for Bristol city 75 Fig4.17 Digital signs Bristol city 75 F~K4.18 Area maps Bristol city 75 Fig4.l9 Zaragoza development 76 Fig4.20 Digital pavement 76 Fig4.21 Information center 76 Fig4.22 Interactive digital features 77 Fig4.22DMC ,Seoul 77 Chaj)ter Five FigS.l Graphical icons for urban accessibility 83 FigS.2 Generated 3-d ma~s for the location 83 FigS.3 Virtual images of the River Walk level showing some urban and accessibility 85 features In A all features included .In B after removal of some features. Fig 5-4 Factors improving wayfinding and accessibility in the area 90 F~g5.5 Oakland location 91 Fig 5.6 Oakland study area 91 Fig 5.7 Oakland aerial view 91 F~ 5.8 Projects facts 92

VI

Fig.5.9 Project process 93 Fig5-I 0 Natural features map 94 FigS-II Gateways and corridors map 94 FigS-12 shots of major streets and gateways 94 FigS-I3 ShenleY' farms/north Oakland 95 Fig5-I4 Land use 95 F!g5-15 Soldiers memorial museum/civic center 95 Fig5-16 Civic center 95 Fi~5-17 Forbes Avenue 95 FigS-IS Building footprints 96 Fig_ 5-19 Transit network. 97 FigS-20. Street pattern. 97 F~5-21. Pedestrian and cycl~g routes 98 Fig5-22.Parking spots in Oakland 99 Fig5-23 on-street metered parking 99 along Craig street . Fig5-24 soldiers & sailors ~ublic 99 Fig5-2S Public places in Oakland. 100 Fig5-26 The Shenley Plaza. 100 Fig5-27 Public art, UniversLty of Pittsburg!!. 101 Fig5-28 Kraus campo~ Carnegie Mellon university. 101 Fig5-29interpretations of Oakland: Mr. ROKers. 101 F!g5-30 The Cathedral of learning 101 Fig5-31 Landmarks & public art in Oakland. 101 Fig 5-32 Concentration zones 102 Fig5-33 Sign clutter 103 Fig5-34 Mix of ~rivate& public signs 103 Fig5-35 Directional signs 103 F~5-36 Private SiE!l!lge 103 Fig5-37 Free WI-FI logo 103 Fig5-38 Free WI-FI hotsj!ots map 104 Fig5-39 Public WI-FI zone 104 Fig5-40 WI-FI supported Transit 104 Fig 5-41 WI-FI Hots~ts 104 F~5-42Identification signs 105 FigS-43 Identification signs 105 Fig5-44 Interactive arts 105 Fig5-45 Interactive facades 105 Fig5-46 Digital devices 105 F~5-4 7 10 infonnational kiosks 106 Fig5-48 phone applications 106 Fig5-49 QR codes 106 Fig5-50 Steps for adopting wayfmding improvement plan. 107 Chapter Six Fig (6-1) Steps to reach recommendations 109 Fig (6-2} Case study sequential steps 110 Fig (6-3) Saad ZaghlouI square, Downtown Alexandria III Fig (6-4) Saad Zaghloul ~uare, Downtown Alexandria III

VII

Fig (6-5) the study area 112 Fig(6-6)The study.area. 112 Fig (6-7) Cultural routes of Alexandria. 113 Fig (6-8) Attraction spots. 114 Fig (6-9) Cecil Hotel 114 Fig {6-1 01 Italian consulate 114 Fig (6-11) Jewish synagogue 114 Fig (6-12)Egyptian chamber of commerce 114 Fig (6-13) Transport map. 115 Fig (6-14) Bus stoP7 Saad Zaghloul square 115 Fig (6-15) Public bus services. 115 Fig (6-16) Mini buses 115 Fig {6-17) Light rail station 115 Fig (6-18) Concentration zones. 116 Fig (6-19} Nabi Daniel Street 116 Fig (6-20) Nabi Daniel Street Fouad street ~ateway 116 Fig (6-21) Saad Zaghloul street interconnection with Nabi Daniel 116 Fig (6-22} Interconnection of Mahmoud Azmy with Nabi Daniel Street 116 Fig (6-23) Traffic flow and direction in study area 117 Fig (6-24) Case study spatial configuration 119 Fig (6-25)Traffic regl!latory si@S 120 Fig (6-26) Signs clutter on buildings 120 Figj6-27) Street identification s~. 120 Fig (6-28) Signs mounted in none perceives areas. 120 Fig (6-29)Map of the area by Google maps. 121 Fig (6-30)Virtual tour in the area. 121 Fig (6-31 )Virtual toUT in the area. 121 Fig 16-32} Study_ area population 124 Fig (6-33) Study population age range 124 Fig (6-34) age ranEe 126 Fig (6-35) Gender 126 Fig (6-36) visit rate 126 Fi~16-37)wayfmding difficulty. 126 Fig (6-38) wayfinding tools preferred. 126 Fig (6-39) when signage is used. 128 Fig (6-40) hel~ing tools for transportation. 128 Fig (6-41) Type of transports used. 128 Fig (6-42) Signage use as a tool. 128 FiR (6-43) signage design in the area 128 Fig (6-44) --You are here maps" 128 Fig (6-45) ma~s use for waY"fi.!lding 128 Fig (6-46) Covered information 128 Fig (6-47) Reasons for not using signs. 128 Fig (6-48) Ma~spreferred the area 128 Fi-.&J6-49) Possession of mobile device 129 Fig (6-50) Use of mobile device in wa~mding 129 Fig (6-51) Knowled~_e about mobile wayfindiog. 129 Fig (6-52)frequency of use Source: 130

VIII

Fi 130 Fi area 130 Fi 130 Fi 132 Fi 134 Fi 135

List of tables

Table 3.1 Categories of signs 28 Table3-2 Maps types 41 Table 3-3 Elements of the space 51 Table 4-1 User activities and actions 72 Table 5-1 Themes and key issues emerged from focus~oups discussions 86 Table 5.2 Key issues concluded by Group discussions. 88 Table 5-3 Average daily traffic flow in Oakland 94 Table5-4. Parkin~ areas in Oakland 99 Table5-6. Concentration zones 102 Table 6-1 Pedestrian and vehicular count 117 Table 6-2 Particip_ants comments regarding area wayfmding. 130 Table 6-3 Participants comments regarding area waytmd~. 131 Table 6-4 Items to be investigated 141

IX