How do you find your car in a grey concrete world? In collaboration with By & Havn, KHR has developed a wayfinding concept that makes it easier to find your way in a number of Copenhagen's car parks where it was previously difficult to find your way. The concept creates clarity and recognisability across the facilities - while adapting to the architecture and usage patterns of each car park. With simple tools such as colours, pictograms and mega-graphics, both function and aesthetics are supported in everyday life for thousands of users.
Copenhagen
Denmark
City & Harbour
8 car parks
A legendary twist
The car park at Kaj Fiskers Plads is located under Ørestad Schooland is therefore also intended for bicycle parking for students and teachers.
The small bicycle icons guide cyclists while supporting the playful environment of the school. A great example of how the overall wayfinding concept can be tailored to the location with small adjustments.
"When orientation feels intuitive and effortless, wayfinding is successful."
User experience starts outside
It requires analysing urban spaces and access roads to place information stands and outdoor signage where potential users will benefit the most. Of course, the design must also relate to the surroundings so that it doesn't become an annoyance that is subject to vandalism.
Smart digital signage ensures that no one drives in vain.
Mega-graphics - not to be missed
When working with wayfinding, you quickly realise how much can be overlooked - especially in an environment where many users are travelling by car. This is where mega-graphics come into their own: they can be seen in motion and perceived quickly.
Graphics on doors are particularly smart because the user naturally slows down - while avoiding disturbing the architecture with extra signs and installations. Visual clarity without visual noise.
From concept to scalable solution
The wayfinding strategy developed for Kronløbsøen car park basement proved robust and flexible enough to form the basis for an entire series of By & Havn car parks in Copenhagen. To date, KHR Architecture's wayfinding specialists have rolled out the wayfinding design in 8 of the capital's car parks and facilities. The concept provides users with a more intuitive and clearer flow and is based on clear principles of visibility, recognisability and calmness in the visual expression.
Although the overall concepts - such as megagraphics, pictograms and clear floor markings - are common, the solutions are customised to each building's architecture and technical conditions. This ensures that the common system both works across and supports the individual car park structure.
