Case Analysis of Wayfinding Design in Bult Area, Potchefstroom, South Africa

I. Project Background

Potchefstroom, a historic and cultural city in the North West Province of South Africa, features its core area Bult as a "university education hub, colonial historic district, and confluence of diverse cultures." With the development of urban tourism and changes in population structure, the original way finding system has become increasingly inadequate to meet modern urban governance and public needs due to outdated symbols, monolingual signage, and poor weather resistance of materials, making a design update urgent.

2. Analysis of Key Design Points

Three - Dimensional Signage at the Entrance

Visual Identity ability:Inspired by South Africa's Ndebele geometric patterns and colonial cast-iron window grilles, the three-dimensional signage combines weathered steel plates with transparent polycarbonate. Abstract pottery textures are etched onto the surface, creating an effect of "interwoven old and new symbols" through light and shadow during the day. At night, warm white LED outlines enhance visibility, achieving 92% recognition at 150 meters.

Weather-resistant weathered steel plates and transparent polycarbonate are selected, and through fine cutting, hand grinding, and copper welding installation processes, they not only adapt to outdoor extreme temperature differences and strong wind environments but also convey the unique temperament of Bult area where history and the present blend with industrial retro texture and modern light-transmitting effects.

3.Summary of Design Effects

Through the careful design of elements such as three - dimensional signage at the entrance, floor signage, and way finding stand - alone signs, the way finding system of Northern Beaches Hospital has established a complete and efficient way finding system. From establishing a brand image to achieving precise guidance functions, it not only improves the traffic efficiency within the hospital but also brings a more friendly and convenient medical experience for patients and visitors, making it an excellent example that balances functionality and aesthetics in the design of wayfinding systems for medical buildings.

The wayfinding system in Potchefstroom Bult Area constructs a complete and precise guidance framework through the integrated design of three-dimensional signage, floor directional signs, way finding standalone sign, and other elements. From the modern reinterpretation of historical and cultural symbols to the realization of multi-dimensional way finding functions, it not only enhances traffic efficiency and cultural recognition within the area but also takes "weather-resistant materials and inclusive design" as its core, becoming a urban way finding model in Africa's post-colonial context that balances historical narrative and contemporary needs.

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Case Interpretation Designer:

Myra

Publisher:

 Charcy

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